Suns Overcome Mavericks with Balanced Attack
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns defeated the Dallas Mavericks on Monday, showcasing a balanced offensive performance fueled by strong contributions from multiple players. The victory highlighted the effectiveness of the Suns’ current lineup and raised questions about the Mavericks’ path forward.
A key component of the Suns’ success has been the play of centre Drew Eubanks, whose .5 true shooting percentage is among the league’s best at his position. This success is attributed to both Eubanks’ individual performance and his frequent time on the court alongside Devin Booker,while also benefiting from the relatively weaker play of opposing centers. Should Eubanks be unavailable for Thursday’s game, the Suns will look to Oso Ighodaro and nick Richards to elevate their performance against an Indiana Pacers frontcourt rotation featuring Tony Bradley, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Isaiah Jackson, and Jay Huff.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks are navigating challenges with their roster and young talent. No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg recorded 16 points, six rebounds, six assists, three steals, two blocks, and four turnovers in 34 minutes. The 18-year-old faces meaningful pressure as the potential new face of the franchise following Luka Dončić.
Early in the season, Flagg was unexpectedly tasked with initiating the offense due to concerns about D’angelo Russell, a decision that could hinder his development. russell later replaced Klay Thompson in the starting lineup, and Brandon Williams received the nod on Monday and against the Suns.
Despite the presence of Davis and Lively, the Mavericks’ ball-handling situation remains a concern, requiring either a trade or the return of Kyrie Irving to reach the top half of the league standings. The new front office may consider a full rebuild, especially after acquiring Flagg, and Davis and Irving could attract significant trade interest, despite Davis’ ongoing injury and Irving’s rehabilitation. Both players have contracts extending through next season with player options for 2027-28.
The mavericks’ future hinges on the development of flagg and Lively, and the team is motivated to maximize its draft capital, as this year’s first-round pick is the last they fully control until 2031. Future draft considerations include a pick owed to Charlotte in 2027 (top-two protected), swap rights with OKC in 2028, a lost pick in 2029, and swap rights in 2030. A retooling effort, exchanging Davis and Irving for younger pieces and additional picks, could position the Mavericks for contention within the next two years, contingent on Flagg fulfilling his potential.
