3 takeaways from Dallas Mavericks Game 2 playoff loss to Suns

The Dallas Mavericks led at halftime of Game 2 of their Western Conference semifinal series, but the Phoenix Suns dominated the second half to pick up the 129-109 win. Superstar Luka Doncic had 24 of his 35 points in the opening half, and credit to the Suns' defense over the final 24 minutes as they outscored Dallas by 22 points.

Doncic had a monster 45-point double-double in Game 1, but the Mavs superstar got little help. They needed multiple players to step up on Wednesday night to have a chance to win.

Even that was not enough as the Suns ran away with the game in the fourth quarter. The Mavericks must win both games in Dallas or their title hopes will be dashed. Phoenix still needs two more wins, but they are in control. What can fans take away from Game 2 that will matter moving forward?

3 takeaways from Dallas Mavericks Game 2 playoff loss to the Suns

Reggie Bullock and Spencer Dinwiddie stepped up to keep Dallas in the contest. The duo combined for just two assists, but they did score 27 combined. Foul trouble wreaked havoc on the Mavericks playoff rotation in Game 2, but the bench stepped up and hit shots.

The Suns caught fire in the fourth, and Dallas just had zero answers. Phoenix hit 64.5 percent from the field for the game to take the 2-0 advantage in the series. Here are five takeaways for Dallas Mavericks supporters as the series shifts back to Texas for the next two contests.