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Phoenix at Dallas 8:30 pm EDT Western Conference Finals Suns lead, 1-0
DALLAS (Ticker) - The Dallas Mavericks should be all right if they make three critical adjustments - avoid a track meet, play better defense and close out the contest.
The fourth-seeded Mavericks host the second-seeded Phoenix Suns in Game Two of the Western Conference Finals on Friday.
In Wednesday's 121-118 setback in Game One, the Mavs allowed the Suns to score 32 fast-break points and failed to get back on defense on numerous occasions early in the contest. Dallas struggled defending Phoenix's pick-and-roll, which led to a large percentage of the Suns' 72 points in the paint. The Mavericks also were outscored by 16-4 in the final 3:26, blowing a nine-point lead.
"Transition defense," Dallas coach Avery Johnson said. "Penetration. Pick-and-roll defense. We look like a team without a system. And that's my fault."
The Suns' late surge was capped on a short jumper by Boris Diaw, who scored a career-high 34 points, with just a half-second left.
Reigning two-time MVP Steve Nash added 27 points and 16 assists and Shawn Marion finished with 24 points, 13 rebounds, three blocks and three steals for Phoenix, which shot 55 percent (47-of-85).
"It's obviously a great win for us," Nash said after the triumph. "It's a great position to be in. I also realize that we're a little lucky to win."
The Suns will be without Raja Bell, who suffered a calf injury in the final period of Game One. He will be replaced by backup point guard Leandro Barbosa.
The Mavs also could be without one of their best defenders, Josh Howard, who is listed as day-to-day after being diagnosed with a bone bruise on his right ankle.
Devin Harris scored a career-high 30 points and made five steals and All-Star Dirk Nowitzki collected 25 and 19 rebounds for Dallas, which shot 51 percent (47-of-93) overall.
The Mavs have a good chance of tying the series at 1-1 since the Suns have lost the second contest in each of their previous two series.
Game Three is scheduled for Sunday in Phoenix.
DALLAS (Ticker) - The Dallas Mavericks should be all right if they make three critical adjustments - avoid a track meet, play better defense and close out the contest.
The fourth-seeded Mavericks host the second-seeded Phoenix Suns in Game Two of the Western Conference Finals on Friday.
In Wednesday's 121-118 setback in Game One, the Mavs allowed the Suns to score 32 fast-break points and failed to get back on defense on numerous occasions early in the contest. Dallas struggled defending Phoenix's pick-and-roll, which led to a large percentage of the Suns' 72 points in the paint. The Mavericks also were outscored by 16-4 in the final 3:26, blowing a nine-point lead.
"Transition defense," Dallas coach Avery Johnson said. "Penetration. Pick-and-roll defense. We look like a team without a system. And that's my fault."
The Suns' late surge was capped on a short jumper by Boris Diaw, who scored a career-high 34 points, with just a half-second left.
Reigning two-time MVP Steve Nash added 27 points and 16 assists and Shawn Marion finished with 24 points, 13 rebounds, three blocks and three steals for Phoenix, which shot 55 percent (47-of-85).
"It's obviously a great win for us," Nash said after the triumph. "It's a great position to be in. I also realize that we're a little lucky to win."
The Suns will be without Raja Bell, who suffered a calf injury in the final period of Game One. He will be replaced by backup point guard Leandro Barbosa.
The Mavs also could be without one of their best defenders, Josh Howard, who is listed as day-to-day after being diagnosed with a bone bruise on his right ankle.
Devin Harris scored a career-high 30 points and made five steals and All-Star Dirk Nowitzki collected 25 and 19 rebounds for Dallas, which shot 51 percent (47-of-93) overall.
The Mavs have a good chance of tying the series at 1-1 since the Suns have lost the second contest in each of their previous two series.
Game Three is scheduled for Sunday in Phoenix.
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