Dallas Mavericks vs Phoenix Suns: Player Stats & Box Score

The Phoenix Suns clinched the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference with a 112-107 victory over the short-handed Dallas Mavericks on April 8, 2026. Devin Booker led all scorers with 37 points while Dillon Brooks added 28 as Phoenix held off a late Mavericks rally at Footprint Center.

Dallas arrived with only 10 players available due to injuries, yet managed to erase a significant deficit before falling short in the closing moments. The Mavericks trailed by as many as 18 points in the third quarter before mounting an 18-1 run that briefly gave them the lead. John Poulakidas cut the margin to 110-107 with a three-pointer with just over a minute remaining, but Phoenix’s defense held firm when it mattered most.

The Suns’ victory marked their second win over Dallas this season, following a 120-111 decision on February 10, 2026. Phoenix dominated that earlier matchup, building a 36-16 first-quarter lead and never trailing. Grayson Allen also contributed significantly in the November 12, 2025 encounter, scoring 23 points including four crucial points in the closing minutes of a 123-114 Suns victory.

Game Overview and Final Score

Key Player Insights and Standouts

The April 8 matchup showcased Phoenix’s balanced scoring attack with two players reaching 20 points. Booker carried the offensive load while Brooks provided critical secondary production. For Dallas, the effort came from multiple contributors despite depleted roster availability.

• Devin Booker posted 37 points, serving as Phoenix’s primary catalyst on offense throughout the game.
• Dillon Brooks added 28 points, providing the Suns with a reliable scoring option alongside Booker.
• Max Christie hit a three-pointer at the 8:16 mark of the fourth quarter, giving Dallas a brief 95-93 lead.
• John Poulakidas sank a three-pointer with 1:08 remaining, pulling the Mavericks within three points at 110-107.
• Oso Ighodaro recorded a key block on Moussa Cisse in the closing seconds, sealing the Suns’ victory.
• Moussa Cisse attempted a crucial rim finish late in the game but was denied by Ighodaro’s defensive play.
• The Mavericks managed their rally despite dressing only 10 players due to injury situations affecting the roster.

Box Score Comparison

Top Performers: Phoenix Suns vs Dallas Mavericks

Phoenix’s victory was built on the offensive contributions of Booker and Brooks, whose combined 65 points proved too much for Dallas to overcome despite the Mavericks’ spirited comeback attempt. The Suns’ veteran duo controlled the tempo when Dallas threatened to take the lead.

Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks Lead Phoenix

Booker’s 37-point performance represented his second consecutive strong showing against the Mavericks this season. In the February 10 matchup, he contributed 19 points during a game where Phoenix dominated early, building a 20-point first-quarter advantage. Brooks similarly built upon his earlier performances, scoring 23 points in February and 28 points in the decisive April victory.

Dallas Mavericks: Injury Impact and Rotation Players

The Mavericks faced significant roster challenges entering the April 8 contest, with only 10 players available due to multiple injuries affecting the rotation. This scarcity forced Dallas to rely on depth players who rose to the occasion during key moments of the game.

Max Christie emerged as a critical contributor, his three-pointer at 8:16 of the fourth quarter momentarily giving Dallas its only lead since the opening period. John Poulakidas provided similar heroics in the final minutes, drilling a three-pointer with 1:08 remaining that brought the Mavericks within three points. The late rally demonstrated Dallas’s resilience despite the depleted roster.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown and Momentum Shifts

Early Deficit and Suns Control

Phoenix established control from the opening tip, outscoring Dallas 33-29 in the first quarter. The Suns extended their advantage through the second quarter, taking a 61-53 lead into halftime. Dallas struggled to find consistent offense during this stretch, with Phoenix’s defense limiting the Mavericks’ scoring opportunities.

The Mavericks Rally Falls Short

Dallas faced their largest deficit at 71-53 early in the third quarter, appearing headed toward a comfortable Suns victory. However, the Mavericks responded with an 18-1 run that completely shifted momentum. The rally was highlighted by improved ball movement and aggressive drives to the basket that the Suns struggled to contain.

Max Christie’s three-pointer at the 8:16 mark of the fourth quarter capped this surge, giving Dallas a 95-93 advantage. The Suns immediately answered with a 9-0 run, reclaiming the lead and control of the game. Phoenix’s response demonstrated their experience in closing out close contests.

Previous Matchups: February and November 2025

The April 8 game represented the third meeting between the teams during the 2025-2026 regular season, with Phoenix winning all three encounters. Each victory came through different pathways, showcasing the Suns’ versatility in securing wins against a struggling Mavericks squad.

February 10, 2026: Suns 120, Mavericks 111

Phoenix built an insurmountable early lead, dominating the first quarter 36-16. Dallas mounted a comeback attempt, winning three of four quarters after the opening period, but the early deficit proved too large to overcome. The loss extended Dallas’s losing streak to eight consecutive games at that point.

November 12, 2025: Suns 123, Mavericks 114

Grayson Allen proved decisive in the closing stages of this matchup, scoring 23 points including four crucial points down the stretch. Devin Booker contributed 26 points and nine assists in a balanced offensive performance. The Suns won the first three quarters before Dallas claimed the final period 33-28.

Game Timeline and Key Moments

1. First Quarter (Phoenix 33, Dallas 29): Phoenix establishes early control with Booker scoring 12 points in the opening period. CBS Sports Game Tracker
2. Halftime (Phoenix 61, Dallas 53): Suns carry eight-point lead into the break after outscoring Dallas 28-24 in the second quarter.
3. Early Third Quarter (Phoenix 71, Dallas 53): Dallas reaches their largest deficit of the game, trailing by 18 points midway through the third quarter.
4. The 18-1 Run: Mavericks mount their comeback with an extended scoring surge, chipping away at Phoenix’s advantage over several minutes of play.
5. Fourth Quarter Lead Change: Max Christie hits a three-pointer with 8:16 remaining, giving Dallas their first lead at 95-93. Sofascore Match Details
6. Suns Answer (9-0 Run): Phoenix immediately responds with nine unanswered points, reclaiming the lead and control of the game.
7. Final Mavericks Push: John Poulakidas drills a three-pointer at 1:08, pulling Dallas within three points at 110-107.
8. Closing Seconds: Oso Ighodaro blocks Moussa Cisse’s rim attempt in the final moments, securing Phoenix’s 112-107 victory and the No. 7 seed.

Verified Stats and Areas Requiring Further Confirmation

Match Analysis and Standings Implications

Phoenix’s victory carried significant weight beyond the final margin, as the Suns clinched the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference playoff picture. This positioning sets up a favorable first-round matchup while avoiding the play-in tournament format that threatens several other teams in the conference standings.

The Mavericks’ 25-54 record reflects a season derailed by injuries and roster upheaval. Dallas entered the 2025-2026 campaign with championship aspirations following previous seasons’ success, but key absences and roster changes prevented the team from competing at their expected level. The April 8 performance, despite the loss, demonstrated the team’s resilience when operating with limited resources.

Phoenix’s ability to win close games, particularly when their lead evaporated, speaks to the team’s championship experience. Booker and Brooks demonstrated the clutch scoring ability necessary for postseason success, while the defensive stand in the closing seconds showcased the team’s willingness to execute in high-pressure situations. ESPN Game Coverage The Mavericks’ 25-54 record reflects a season derailed by injuries and roster upheaval, but you can view the Estadístiques de jugadors de Rams contra 49ers to see how they matched up against the Phoenix Suns.

Sources and Official Data

The statistical information presented in this article draws from multiple verified sources covering the April 8, 2026 matchup and previous encounters between the teams.

“Devin Booker led with 37 points as Phoenix clinched the No. 7 seed with a 112-107 victory over Dallas.”

— CBS Sports Game Tracker, NBA_20260408_DAL@PHO

“The Mavericks mounted a comeback from a 71-53 deficit but fell short after Oso Ighodaro’s block on Moussa Cisse sealed the victory for Phoenix.”

— Sofascore Match Report

“Grayson Allen scored 23 points including four crucial points late as Phoenix won 123-114 on November 12, 2025.”

— ESPN Game Recap, 401810076

Summary and Key Takeaways

The Phoenix Suns secured their playoff positioning with a balanced offensive performance led by Devin Booker’s 37 points and Dillon Brooks’s 28-point contribution. Dallas showed resilience despite dressing only 10 players, mounting an 18-1 rally that briefly gave them the lead before Phoenix answered with a 9-0 run. For comprehensive statistical coverage of other NBA matchups, explore our hockey game recaps and analysis or international cricket scorecards.

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