Game Day: Suns (33-22) @ Mavericks (32-23), Thurs 2/22/24

[Mori Chu]

This is going to be a tough game. As others have said, the Mavs were depleted last time we played, and since the trade deadline they've added a couple of nice new pieces in Gafford and PJ Washington. They could be scary down the stretch of the season.

I really hope we won't let Luka go off on us. Just make other people beat us, please? I really hate how we seem to be content to let the other team's best perimeter player just absolutely cook us every game.

[Split T]

I think every team in the nba gets cooked by perimeter players. It’s just where the level of offense is. None of us think we’ve played well defensively, yet we’re 6th in defense since Jan 1st

[Flagrant Fowl]

I agree. Getting beat by random shooters isn't particular to the Suns. It happens every night across the league.

I also don't trust the recent defensive rating numbers at their peak. I know I've mocked some of you fellas here during the moment when it comes to defensive deficiencies, but that was more about the final result of an individual game than the greater snapshot of how well the Suns have played defensively.

I think this version of the Mavs present a lot of problems for these Suns and my guess is the easiest pathway to a win is through pushing the pace but that's not really been the identity of this Suns team so far.

[Carno]

Geesh... you all have PTSD or something. Mavs are a good team, so I wouldn't take them lightly. However, the Suns are good too. Gafford and Washington are good pickups but come on. Unless it turns out Beal can't go, this will be the first game where both teams are relatively healthy. I expect a good and interesting matchup. Maybe Book and Luka will hug at mid-court.

Suns win a close one in crunch time.

[Split T]

KD goes for 44, Beal is 8/12 from 3. We win by 19

[bajanguy008]

Wait a minute
I just assumed it was the usual 10 or 10:30ET start

It's actually my Bday folks so I'm not working but might still have to watch on replay with the early start

[Kryptonic]

KD goes for 44, Beal is 8/12 from 3. We win by 19

What's Book? Chopped liver?

[Kryptonic]

Wait a minute
I just assumed it was the usual 10 or 10:30ET start

It's actually my Bday folks so I'm not working but might still have to watch on replay with the early start

Happy Birthday Bajanguy!!!

[Split T]

KD goes for 44, Beal is 8/12 from 3. We win by 19

What's Book? Chopped liver?

12 assists for Book

[Kryptonic]

KD goes for 44, Beal is 8/12 from 3. We win by 19

What's Book? Chopped liver?

12 assists for Book

Ehhhh! I like it!

Nurk is gonna have 15pts, 13rebs, 5ast, 1 stl and 4 turnovers.

[Superbone]

Geesh... you all have PTSD or something. Mavs are a good team, so I wouldn't take them lightly. However, the Suns are good too. Gafford and Washington are good pickups but come on. Unless it turns out Beal can't go, this will be the first game where both teams are relatively healthy. I expect a good and interesting matchup. Maybe Book and Luka will hug at mid-court.

Suns win a close one in crunch time.

As long as they don't kiss.

[Superbone]

Wait a minute
I just assumed it was the usual 10 or 10:30ET start

It's actually my Bday folks so I'm not working but might still have to watch on replay with the early start

Happy Birthday! Yeah, early start for TNT. Here's to a Suns win on your birthday!

[Superbone]

[Superbone]

I don't like this modern trend.

[Superbone]

KD goes for 44, Beal is 8/12 from 3. We win by 19

What's Book? Chopped liver?

12 assists for Book

[Wally_West]

No Beal tonight or tomorrow. We gonna lose by 50

[Wally_West]

Good opportunity to start Royce but nope, starting Gordon. Kyrie and Luka are gonna eat early

[Shabazz]

Don’t love starting Gordon over Royce, TBH. Don’t really get it.

[Kryptonic]

There's that overly optimistic Wally I love

[Superbone]

Don’t love starting Gordon over Royce, TBH. Don’t really get it.

I like it for a steadying influence off the bench.