Phoenix Suns Return Home, Face Mavericks
The Phoenix Suns return to the desert and the US Airways Center riding high on a three-game winning streak and a perfect road trip. Their “happy bubble” may be burst on Tuesday night however when the Dallas Mavericks square up against the men in purple and orange.
Phoenix (15-14) stands at 9-7 on the road, including a 7-1 mark against Eastern Conference teams, but just a 6-7 record at home. They are currently the only team in the entire NBA with an overall record of over .500, but are less than .500 in their own building.
The Suns even proved how splendid their road play is when the defeated the Mavericks in Dallas on Dec. 6, 118-106. The upcoming schedule plays right into the strengths of the Suns as after tonight’s matchup with Dallas they will head out onto the road for eight of their next 10 games.
The Mavericks (20-9) are seemingly “all-in” this year after acquiring four-time All-Star Rajon Rondo from the Boston Celtics in exchange for Jae Crowder, Jameer Nelson, Brandan Wright and a 2015 first round pick. Rondo adds his name to arguably the most lethal starting five in the league.
Dec 20, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Rajon Rondo (9) looks for the rebound during the first quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Rondo pairs with speedy Monta Ellis in the back court. Acquiring a pass-first point guard, one with tremendous passing ability at that, will allow Ellis the chance to free himself from defenders and get to the cup more often.
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Chandler Parsons, Dirk Nowitzki and Tyson Chandler make up the rest of the starting lineup for the Mavericks who currently sit at fifth overall in the Western Conference standings.
Parsons has contributed healthily with 16.3 points per game, while Nowitzki ranks second on the team in points per game at 18.5. Chandler is currently averaging a double-double with 10.6 points per game and 11.9 rebounds per game.
Just like the matchup against the Washington Wizards on Sunday, it will come down to which set of guards will be able to out-play the other. The Suns defense will also have to limit the Mavericks offense that is currently the most efficient in the NBA with an average of 109.4 points per game.
Tip-off will be at 7:00 PM MST from US Airways Center in Downtown Phoenix.