3 takeaways from Dallas Mavericks Game 2 playoff loss to Suns

Takeaway from Dallas Mavericks Game 1 playoff loss to Suns: 1. Luka gets hot and goes cold

Luka Doncic had 24 first-half points in Game 2 as he was absolutely on fire and showed off his entire arsenal. The 23-year-old was nine of 14 from the field, including sinking four 3-pointers, and he produced four rebounds, six dimes, and this incredible bucket in the first 24 minutes.

The Suns found an answer in the third quarter as Luka scored just two points and had three turnovers. Phoenix started attacking him on the other end of the floor, and Doncic was getting frustrated. Chris Paul drove past him several times after switches, and the Mavericks superstar let his defense impact his offense.

Doncic finished with 35 points, five rebounds, seven assists, and one steal in 36 minutes of action. The Suns dominated the fourth quarter to put the game out of reach as Chris Paull pulled the strings. Still, Luka had an incredible performance, but it was not enough for Dallas to pick up the win.

The Dallas Mavericks cannot afford for Luka Doncic to have seven turnovers in a game, and he needs to be more aggressive in this series. Whenever Luka gets into the paint, the Mavs get a quality look. The Suns sent more doubles in Game 2, and they were ready to stop Luka Magic. Expect Doncic to have a counter in Game 3.

The Mavs are down 2-0 as the series shifts to Dallas for two must-win games. Head coach Jason Kidd will make some adjustments, but will they be enough to pick up a victory in Game 3? Tune in to find out.