Mavericks-Suns Preview

(Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)

Earl K. Sneed, Mavs.com
Phoenix Suns (15-6) at Dallas Mavericks (14-7)

Tuesday night's matchup with the Phoenix Suns could be just what the doctor ordered for the Dallas Mavericks.

Struggling to put up offensive numbers during their two-game skid, the Mavs figure to break out of their recent shooting slump against the Suns. While Phoenix is the second-highest scoring team in the league (109.33 ppg), they also give up the fourth most points at the other end (105.95 ppg). That sounds like the prescription to cure all of Dallas' ailments.

(Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)


"On paper, this should be a good offensive output for both teams," Mavs point guard Jason Kidd said. "But the big thing is, whoever gets stops will end up winning. Hopefully that can be us."

"I think in this game, there's going to be a lot of opportunities to get out and run. We just have to finish the play, and if we can do that hopefully it puts us in a position to win the ball game."

Against Phoenix the Mavericks will definitely be looking to run, turning defensive stops into transition offense. Dallas will also have to be mindful of not playing a "windshield wiper" game, getting into a back-and-forth with the run-and-gun Suns. To do so the Mavs will have to dominate the glass, especially on the defensive end, according to Mavs coach Rick Carlisle.

"In recent games, our defensive rebounding has been a problem, so we've tried to address that the last couple days," Carlisle said.

The coach says a strong effort from the Mavericks on the defensive end will lead to better numbers offensively. Dallas will definitely need a quality defensive night if they are to slow down the high-octane Suns.

(Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)

"They're a great offensive team and I like what they've done, they've added some other pieces. (Channing Frye) is having a great year. He shoots the three great. (Steve Nash) is still playing at a tremendously high level. Amar'e Stoudemire just looks great, so you have to be on your game to have a chance against them," Carlisle said of the matchup.

While Carlisle will be looking for more effort at the defensive end, the players know that they must attack the rim more and stop settling for jump shots in their offensive sets.

"I think we have to get more aggressive," former Sun Shawn Marion said. "I think we've had the tendency to settle, and that's costing us -- frustrating us because we're getting good looks that just aren't going in. I think if we attack the basket more, and be aggressive from there, it opens up everything else."

The Mavericks-Suns matchup will air on KTXA 21, KTXA HD and HD NET at 7:30 p.m. CT. Tickets are still available and can be purchased by calling (214) 747-MAVS.




The Mavericks and the NBA have introduced the official NBA All-Star game ballot, featuring Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, Josh Howard, Shawn Marion and Jason Terry. For more on how to vote for your favorite Mavs for the All-Star game, to be held at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, visit Mavs.com.

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