Mavericks Out-Shoot, Out-Rebound, Out-Shine, Suns 112-97

Posted by Jeff Sack under NBA Game Recap

Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki shot a game high 39 points, as his team shot 51.1% (45-88) from the floor for the game and defeated the Phoenix Suns Thursday 112-97. One of the keys to the Mavericks getting the victory was the team from the Lone Star State won the battle of the boards 48-35 led by Erick Dampier with a game high 14, and former Indiana Pacers bad boy Shawne Williams adding 12. No player on the Suns had double figures in rebounds.

Dallas built a big enough lead over Phoenix in the first quarter, that the game effectively was over right then, as the Suns were never able to mount any sort of challenge. The Mavericks pulled ahead 33-24 at the end of the first quarter. Soon into the second period the lead went into double digits and remained there for the rest of the contest. Dallas led 64-46 as the game reached the half. Phoenix trailed 88-74 at the end of the third, and never mounted a threat during the last 12 minutes of play.

Dirk Nowitzki scored 39 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, in the Dallas victory. Jason Terry came off the bench and added 19 points, 6 assists, 1 block, Jose Juan Barea had 18 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds, 1 steal.

Amare Stoudemire led the way for Phoenix with 28 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block. Steve Nash recorded a double-double, 20 points, dished off 10 assists, 1 rebound, 1 steal, Boris Diaw came off the bench and put in 11 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals. Dallas improves to 10-8 with the victory, Phoenix completing their first 20 games are 11-9.

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