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The Dallas Mavericks won its first playoff series in 11 years when they dispatched the Utah Jazz in six games. Up next for them is the top-seeded Phoenix Suns, who also had a challenging six-game series versus the New Orleans Pelicans.
Dallas obviously enters this matchup as the underdog. The Suns may have taken a while to finish off the Pelicans, but there's a reason why they finished with the best record in the NBA. Chris Paul has looked spectacular in these playoffs so far. And Deandre Ayton has stepped up his game in light of Devin Booker's injury.
Nonetheless, with a superstar like Luka Doncic leading the way, there's always a chance for Dallas to shock the world. With that, here are three reasons the Mavs will upset the Suns to advance the 2022 Western Conference Finals.
Mavs vs. Suns: 3 Reasons Dallas Will Win
1. Luka Doncic is the best player in this series
The Suns arguably have the better roster overall, led by an All-Star backcourt of Devin Booker and Chris Paul. Deandre Ayton is also a budding star, while Mikael Bridges had a superb campaign, finishing as a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year. But even though Phoenix has the more loaded lineup, the Mavs still have the best player in this series: Luka Doncic.
ALL DAY EVERYDAY FOR LUKA DONCIC@dallasmavs | 📺 BSSW | #dALLasIN | #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/sU1HnKe8T9
— Bally Sports Southwest (@BallySportsSW) April 29, 2022
Some may argue, especially Suns fans, that Paul or Booker could have a claim to that title as well. But Doncic's production and value to this Dallas team suggests he is the superior player in this best-of-seven. Moreover, Paul is already 36 years old and his age makes it tough for him to perform at an elite level on a nightly basis. Meanwhile, Booker just came off a hamstring injury that could limit his abilities.
Doncic looked like he never lost a beat since returning from a calf strain that sidelined him through the first three games of the first round. The Slovenian has been a true playoff performer in the three series he has played in so far. In 16 games, Doncic is averaging 31.1 points, 8.7 rebounds and 8.4 assists, all while shooting 49.0 percent from the field and 38.7 percent from beyond the arc.
2. Devin Booker's injury
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Booker suffered a strained hamstring in Game 2 versus the Pelicans. The three-time All-Star was initially slated to be out for two to three weeks but surprisingly returned just nine days after, suiting up Phoenix's Game 6 win versus New Orleans.
Booker certainly ramped up his rehab to recover as fast as possible. But he isn't a hundred percent just yet, and it's likely that will stay the same for the foreseeable future. Nonetheless, the Suns shooting guard will continue playing through the injury.
Devin Booker getting up shots with Cameron Payne and Jae Crowder. #Suns #NBAPlayoffs2022 pic.twitter.com/7JbwsWqLFL
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) April 30, 2022
With Booker not in his peak form, this could mean good news for the Mavs. Sure, the Suns still benefit from having a 70 percent Booker, but it at least makes them less potent offensively.
3. Mavs' defense
The Mavs boasted an improved defense in 2021-22, finishing seventh in defensive rating. This helped them get past a Jazz team that finished first in offensive rating during the regular season. Despite not having Luka Doncic through the first three games in the opening round, Dallas still found a way to win and a lot of that had to do with their defense.
Dallas' defense will always give them a chance against the top offenses in the NBA, much like they showed against Utah. The Suns finished with the no. 5 offensive rating in the league. But with Booker still not at full health, Phoenix's offense might not be as productive as it was during the regular season. This could open the door for Dallas to win the series.
