Phoenix Suns Stun Mavericks in Big Comeback Win

The Phoenix Suns got some revenge in the opening week of a new season

There is still time to delete those Tweets from the first half of the Phoenix Suns season debut. When it seemed to be nothing but doom and gloom, the Suns caught fire pulling off a 22 point comeback, the largest comeback since 2017.

You typically don’t call the first game of the season a “must win” game, but the Suns needed this. Game 7 against the Mavericks was the narrative echoed before and during the game and now they can move past it. This game was the equivalent of burning sage for the Suns.

From the jump, the Mavericks took control of the game. The Suns defense had no answer for the Mavericks, even when Luka was on the bench. Deandre Ayton landed himself in foul trouble early, keeping him on the bench for the majority of the first half. The Suns bench squad seemed lackluster, a need James Jones should have addressed in the offseason. Chris Paul, the aging vet, put up a measly 6 points and 9 assists. With Chris Paul showing his age, defense getting cooked, and Ayton in foul trouble, the first half was a disaster.

The Suns were not going to let the Mavericks embarrass them again. In the second half, the team brought the heat and came back twice from double digit deficits. Devin Booker commanded the offense and was able to feed Ayton. Coach Monty Williams also made some key adjustments and trusted Cam Payne to close out the game over Chris Paul. Payne and Paul both struggled but once Payne got going, Williams didn’t want to throw off the groove. Cam Johnson came out with leg cramping, giving newcomer Damian Lee the opportunity to come in and play hero ball. Lee finished the game with 11 points and a clutch game-winning shot to stun the Mavericks.

It’s too early to crown the Suns champions but if they give out trophies for opening day effort, they earned it. Even when the Mavericks were up again in the fourth quarter, they never quit. With a sparse bench, it took a real team effort to stay in it.

Now the question is can the Suns bring this effort all season? A gritty win like that is just what they needed to remind everyone how great they can be and the momentum is something the team can build on.