The Dallas Mavericks’ phenom Luka Doncic didn’t disappoint in his NBA playoffs second-round debut. Facing the Phoenix Suns in Game 1 of the 2022 Western Conference semis, Doncic scored 45 points while also adding 12 rebounds and eight assists. He also did that while being guarded by the NBA Defensive Player of the Year finalist Mikal Bridges.
Unfortunately for the Mavs and Doncic, his amazing performance wasn’t enough to overcome the No. 1 seeded Suns. Relying on team play and newly-recovered All-Star guard Devin Booker, Phoenix claimed a comfortable 121-114 win and took an important lead in the series.
Booker finished the game with 23 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists, while DeAndre Ayton added 25 points and eight boards. All the remaining Suns’ starters were in double digits as well.
Dallas only had three other players besides Doncic to score more than eight points. Also, Doncic outscored the remainder of the Dallas’ starting lineup by six points. This disparity was noted by head coach Jason Kidd, who said after the game that other Mavs players need to step up as well.
“We’ve just got to get someone to join the party,” Kidd said.
The Mavs will have a chance to bounce back on Wednesday when the two teams are scheduled to face in Game 2 at the Footprint Center.
