Key Takeaways:
- Devin Booker scored 37 points as the Phoenix Suns defeated the Dallas Mavericks 112-107
- The Suns clinched the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference, securing two home opportunities in the play-in tournament
- Suns guards Jalen Green and Jordan Goodwin exited in the first half due to injury and did not return, despite participating in warmups at halftime
Match Analysis
Devin Booker delivered a standout performance, leading the Phoenix Suns to a narrow 112-107 victory over a depleted Dallas Mavericks squad. Dillon Brooks contributed 28 points, helping the Suns secure the No. 7 position in the Western Conference and guaranteeing two home fixtures in the play-in tournament. The result was clinched on Wednesday night in Phoenix.
DUB IN THE VALLEY!@match_mortgage | #SunsUp pic.twitter.com/i4OAopOPd1
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) April 9, 2026
Dramatic Closing Stages
The Mavericks reduced the deficit to 110-107 with 1:08 left on a John Poulakidas three-pointer and nearly closed the gap further on the following possession. However, Oso Ighodaro blocked Moussa Cisse at the rim, quelling Dallas’ late surge. Brooks then sealed the match with a driving layup with just 13.7 seconds remaining.
Noteworthy Performances and Statistics
| Player | Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Devin Booker | Suns | 37 | 5 | 9 |
| Dillon Brooks | Suns | 28 | 5 | 3 |
| John Poulakidas | Mavericks | 23 | 1 | 1 |
| Khaman Maluach | Suns | 4 | 14 | 0 |
| Cooper Flagg | Mavericks | 11 | 11 | 6 |
Momentum Shifts and Resilience
Phoenix held a commanding 71-53 lead early in the third quarter, but the Mavericks responded emphatically with an 18-1 run, dramatically narrowing the margin. Dallas seized their first lead of the second half when Max Christie connected from deep, making it 95-93 with 8:16 to play. Undeterred, the Suns answered with a 9-0 run and maintained control for the remainder of the contest. Dallas competed with only 10 available players due to injuries.
Injury Concerns for Phoenix
The Suns’ triumph may prove costly, as Jalen Green (right knee) and Jordan Goodwin (left ankle) were both forced off in the first half and did not return, although both were saw warming up at halftime. Green’s appearances have been restricted to 32 games this season, hampered primarily by a hamstring issue.
Rookie Highlights
Khaman Maluach, the No. 10 overall selection from Duke, earned his first start for Phoenix, collecting a season-high 14 rebounds and blocking his former collegiate teammate Cooper Flagg’s dunk attempt in the fourth quarter. Poulakidas, an undrafted 6-foot-5 rookie out of Yale, tallied a season-best 23 points for the Mavericks while Flagg, the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year honours, endured a difficult night, shooting 4 of 19 for 11 points.
Next Fixtures
- Mavericks will travel to San Antonio for their next outing on Friday
- Suns are scheduled to face the Los Angeles Lakers in Los Angeles on Friday
