PHOENIX – An absolute offensive explosion early in the game by the Phoenix Suns saved them from nearly blowing a 31-point lead to the Dallas Mavericks. The team had shot under 40% from the field twice in the past week and looked to overcome those demons with a monstrous 50-point performance in the first 16 in-game minutes. However, 44 free throws by Dallas slowly allowed them to creep back into the game, making it a six-point game late.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!As anxiety grew inside Mortgage Matchup Center for fans, Booker came into the clutch to put the game away and finish with 19 points and the 120-111 win.
In the first half, Phoenix couldn’t miss and Dallas couldn’t rebound. The Suns were shooting above 60% at a point to give themselves a 31-point lead. Dillon Brooks 17 first half points, and 23 overall, was straight from bully ball against smaller Mavericks defenders. Head coach Jordan Ott’s squad had 25 bench points and 11 offensive rebounds into 14 second chance points. They looked to do no wrong.
However, Cooper Flagg and Naji Marshall led an 18-1 run into halftime to make the second half worth watching. The duo’s size and power led to a combined 27 points in the first, and 56 overall, with Marshall leading the Mavs in scoring by tallying 29. But it wasn’t enough to overcome the slow start.
Feb 10, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard/forward Dillon Brooks (3) goes for a shot during the game against Dallas in the first half of the game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images
3rd quarter:
Outside of Flagg and Marshall, center Daniel Gafford was a massive reason Dallas went on its run to end the first half because of his rim protection. But, the seven-footer made a critical mistake by picking up his fourth foul early in the third. A Gafford size hole was now missing from the Mavericks defense, giving the Suns clear runway to attack the basket.
Mark Williams, who had a quiet first half, had full clearance to take advantage. Gillespie would put the ball right in the hands of Williams, who would hammer it home for the slam over Marvin Bagley. The Suns center scored six points in the first four minutes and opened up the court for his teammates.
Feb 10, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams (15) dunks the ball in the first half of the game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images
Dallas had to sellout to cover Williams and allowed Phoenix to rediscover its outside shooting with a Royce O’Neale three and gave Devin Booker space to work in the short post. When Williams went to the bench, Booker took full control scoring or assisting on the team’s next nine points to repush the lead back to 20+ points.
4th quarter:
After shooting just 1-of-16 from beyond the arc, the Mavericks made back-to-back three pointers to spurt a 9-3 run that was capped off by a Flagg and-one. The large deficit wasn’t deterring Dallas, as Flagg and Khris Middleton kept on attacking the baskets and forcing the foul. The two combined for 24 free throws on Tuesday to bring their team total to 42.
The 11 missed free throws by the Mavericks was saving the Suns late, as a once 31 point lead had turned to just nine with under six minutes to go. With Gafford still out of the game, Booker went straight to Williams to stifle Dallas run for the moment.
Feb 10, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) in the first half of the game against the Dallas Mavericks at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images
However, a P.J. Washington 3 made it four in the quarter and the Suns crowd antsy. When Phoenix needed someone to step up, it was Booker, once again, answering the call to hit a tough post shot and draw free throws to clinch the 120-111 win.
Suns have unbelievable can’t miss in first half vs. the Mavericks, leading 65-48
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
