The Phoenix Suns defeated the Dallas Mavericks, 100 - 98, at American Airlines Center on Saturday. Dallas needed this game much more than Phoenix, but Devin Booker and the Suns played spoiler late. In fact, Booker scored the final eight points for Phoenix, as he hit a game - winning jumper at the buzzer to seal the win. There were 14 ties and 16 lead changes in total, with neither team leading by more than seven points. Defense was key for the Suns, as they held the Mavericks to 38 percent shooting, while Phoenix shot 47 percent on their end. Scoring in the paint was a huge factor as well, with the Suns winning that battle, 38 - 20. The Suns (22 - 44) have now won four of their last six games, as they continue to disappoint playoff contenders. Booker was the star, as he scored a game - high 36 points, including that game - winner. He did that damage on 12 - of - 20 shooting, while also bringing down five rebounds. T.J. Warren finished second on the team, totaling 16 points and eight rebounds. Eric Bledsoe accumulated 12 points, two rebounds and six assists. Tyler Ulis and Alan Williams came off the bench to combine for 18 points, eight rebounds, six assists, two steals and three blocks. On deck for Phoenix is a home matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday. The Mavericks (28 - 37) needed this game to stay within one game of the eight - seed in the west, but they allowed a 22 - win Phoenix team to play major spoiler. Dirk Nowitzki did all he could for Dallas, as he amassed 23 points and 11 rebounds on 10 - of - 14 shooting. Harrison Barnes shot just 5 - of - 16 from the field, but matched Nowitzki's 23 points, adding seven rebounds to his tally. Devin Harris was the only bench player in double figures, tallying 14 points, three rebounds and two assists. The Mavericks will return to action on Monday in a road matchup against the Toronto Raptors.
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