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With a Phoenix Suns Game 5 matchup against the Dallas Mavericks in the 2022 Western Conference Semifinals, many eyes will be on this pivotal game. Ahead of the Suns-Mavs game, we'll be making our Suns Game 2 predictions.
After taking a 2-0 lead at home, Phoenix dropped both games in Dallas, evening the series at two games apiece.
The Suns have been one of the best teams in basketball over the last two seasons, finishing with the best record this season. They have an excellent star backcourt duo with Devin Booker and Chris Paul, surrounded by high-quality players.
Despite their phenomenal roster, Dallas has been able to bounce back and defeat them in two straight games. This Game 5 back at home will be crucial for the Suns to win.
In Game 4, the Mavericks came out on top 111-101. Mavs superstar Luka Doncic had a dominant performance, coupled with good performances from Dorian Finney-Smith and Jalen Brunson.
Doncic finished with 26 points, 7 rebounds, 11 assists, and 3 steals. Production like this is expected from a player that is the caliber of Doncic. Finney-Smith stepped up and was a major catalyst in the Mavs' win over Phoenix. He finished with 24 points and 8 rebounds while shooting 8-12 from three.
Brunson has star-studded games all postseason long, as he had 18 points.
Stepping up their defense will be vital for the Suns to win Game 5. With that said, here are 3 bold predictions for the Suns' Game 5 against the Mavs in the 2022 Western Conference Semifinals.
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Suns-Mavs Game 5 Western Conference Semifinals Predictions
3. Chris Paul finishes with a double-double
Chris Paul had a shockingly poor performance in Game 4, fouling out early in the 4th quarter. He only had 5 points and 7 assists in his 23 minutes.
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Paul is a good scorer and playmaker but was unable to stay out of foul trouble throughout the game.
He has been unable to get a double-double, despite getting four double-doubles in the series against New Orleans. In a crucial game, Paul should step up and thrive for the Suns.
2. Devin Booker drops 30 points
Devin Booker has emerged as a solidified superstar this season and kept Phoenix in Game 4. Booker finished with 35 points and 7 assists while shooting 10-22 from the field, 3-6 from downtown, and 12-13 from the free-throw line.
Booker is a dynamic scorer that can score at all three levels, making him tough for defenders to contain. He is also great at drawing fouls, and he can convert from the line at a high clip.
In the series, Booker is averaging 26.5 points per game along with 4.8 rebounds and 6.3 assists. He is an elite player, and with no real answer for him, the Mavs will struggle to contain him.
1. Suns bounce back, take 3-2 lead
Although Phoenix's losses to Dallas were concerning, Phoenix has the scheme and talent to bounce back and get it done in Game 5.
While the attention has gone to Booker and Paul, players like Deandre Ayton, Mikal Bridges, Jae Crowder, Cameron Johnson, and Cameron Payne have been big role players for the Suns.
Monty Williams on being named the NBA's Coach of the Year for 2021-22: "I've often said about my life that God knocks the ball out of the park and I get to run the bases"
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) May 9, 2022
Leading the group is Coach of the Year Monty Williams. Williams has been a phenomenal leader in the locker room and is a big reason why the Suns have been elite over the past two seasons.
He is great at making adjustments and should be able to get Phoenix back on track in the pivotal Game 5. Having experience in the playoffs from last year's Finals run will help the Suns get an edge compared to the Mavs, who are experiencing their first time out of the first round.
While it won't be easy, the Suns should be able to come out on top and take a 3-2 series lead.
