The Tale of the Humiliating Game 7 Defeat: Phoenix Suns vs. Dallas Mavericks
In an unexpected turn of events, the Phoenix Suns suffered a devastating loss in Game 7 of the NBA playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks. The game, held at the Footprint Center, left both fans in the arena and television viewers perplexed and bewildered as the Suns were obliterated by a staggering score of 123-90.
A Record-Breaking Defeat
The final score fails to accurately depict the magnitude of the Suns’ defeat, as the entire fourth quarter essentially became “garbage time.” At their lowest point, the Suns trailed behind by an astonishing 46 points. Yes, you read that right—the team that dominated the regular season with an impressive 64 wins found themselves trailing by a whopping 46 points in a pivotal Game 7 playoff match.
Basketball historians scoured through the records to find a comparable humiliation. In terms of modern NBA history, this 33-point loss reigns as the largest margin of defeat in a Game 7, surpassing the Boston Celtics’ 27-point rout of the Indiana Pacers in 2005. If we explore the pre-NBA era, when the league was known as the BAA in the post-WWII era, the Philadelphia Warriors achieved a crushing 39-point victory over the St. Louis Bombers in 1948.
The Road to the Western Conference Finals
With this resounding victory, the Dallas Mavericks, holding the #4 seed, secured their spot in the Western Conference finals. Their remarkable comeback after being down 0-2 in the series sets the stage for an exciting clash against the #2 seed, the Golden State Warriors. As the underdogs, the Mavericks face the challenge of toppling the Warriors, with +185 odds against them in the series. Even on DraftKings’ NBA futures board, they are considered a long shot with +550 odds of clinching the 2022 NBA championship.
The Suns’ Dismantling
The Suns’ lackluster performance in Game 7 left fans perplexed and dismayed. The Mavericks exhibited superior hustle right from the opening tip-off, holding the Suns to a mere 17 points in the first quarter. As astonishing as that was, the Suns’ offensive struggles continued as they managed to score only 10 additional points in the second quarter. By halftime, the Mavericks held a commanding lead of 57-27, with Luka Doncic alone contributing 27 points—a figure matching the entire Suns team’s combined effort.
Amidst the mounting frustration, tensions emerged between Suns head coach Monty Williams and center Deandre Ayton, resulting in Ayton being benched for the entire second half. Ayton’s first-half performance yielded a disappointing five points in just 17 minutes of play.
The Suns failed to display any fighting spirit in the third quarter, with the deficit ballooning to over 40 points. The frame concluded with the Suns trailing by a staggering 42 points, leaving little hope for a miraculous comeback.
Following the disheartening defeat, Coach Williams commendably acknowledged the Mavericks’ character and integrity, acknowledging their relentless desire to win. He admitted, “We could not execute tonight. Couldn’t make a shot early, [and] that messed with us a little bit. Dallas played their tails off from start to finish.”
The Suns’ benchwarmers offered a ray of hope in the final quarter, tallying 40 points to narrow the margin of defeat. Nonetheless, the damage had already been done, resulting in a 33-point loss that would forever be etched in their postseason memories.
The Struggles of Chris Paul and Devin Booker
The game also highlighted the struggles of Suns’ veteran Chris Paul, whose age seemed to catch up to him. The 37-year-old point guard appeared unable to guard his opponents effectively, leaving him vulnerable in pick-and-roll situations where the Mavericks exploited his defensive limitations.
Furthermore, Devin Booker, known for his scoring prowess, endured one of the worst playoff performances of his young career. With only 11 points on a dismal 3-for-14 shooting from the floor, including missing all four of his three-point attempts, Booker’s usually reliable offensive contributions were sorely missed.
Mavs’ Triumph: A Near-Perfect Game 7
The Dallas Mavericks, led by an inspired Luka Doncic, delivered a near-perfect performance in Game 7. Doncic’s exceptional play, with 35 points, propelled the fired-up Mavericks to victory. Spencer Dinwiddie also made a significant impact off the bench with an impressive 30-point contribution.
This dynamic duo achieved a remarkable feat, becoming the first pair of teammates since Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal in 2002 for the LA Lakers to score 30 or more points in a Game 7. Additionally, Dinwiddie and Doncic joined the ranks of Patrick Ewing and Allan Houston of the 1997 New York Knicks as the only teammates to each score 20 points in the first half of a Game 7.
Jason Kidd, the head coach of the Mavericks, couldn’t hide his delight as he addressed the media, saying, “I can’t get this smile off my face… Honestly, I think we deserved this.” His confidence in his team’s abilities shone through as they executed flawlessly and validated the naysayers who predicted a lopsided outcome.
The Mavericks established a commanding lead in the first half and refused to allow the Suns any chance of a comeback in the third quarter. Meticulously maintaining their intensity on both ends of the court, the Mavericks stretched their lead to an astonishing 46 points, leaving their opponents astounded and defeated.
Doncic concluded the series with stellar averages of 32.6 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game. His exceptional performance sets the stage for an enticing showdown against Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors in the battle for Western Conference supremacy, with a coveted spot in the NBA Finals at stake.
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Conclusion
In Game 7 of the NBA playoffs, the Phoenix Suns suffered an utterly humiliating defeat at the hands of the Dallas Mavericks. For a team with an exceptional regular season record, their lackluster performance left everyone astonished. While the Mavericks celebrated their near-perfect victory, the Suns were left to contemplate what went wrong. Now, with the conference finals on the horizon, the Mavericks face an uphill battle against the formidable Golden State Warriors.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Suns’ defeat the largest margin of defeat in a Game 7 in NBA history?
No, while the Suns’ loss in Game 7 was certainly a significant blow, it does not hold the record for the largest margin of defeat in a Game 7. The Boston Celtics’ 27-point victory over the Indiana Pacers in 2005 still holds that distinction in modern NBA history.
2. How did Luka Doncic and Spencer Dinwiddie make history in Game 7?
Luka Doncic and Spencer Dinwiddie became the first pair of teammates since Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal in 2002 to each score 30 or more points in a Game 7. Additionally, they joined the ranks of Patrick Ewing and Allan Houston in 1997 as the only teammates to score 20 points each in the first half of a Game 7.
3. How did Chris Paul and Devin Booker struggle in Game 7?
In Game 7, Chris Paul’s defensive weaknesses were exposed, particularly in pick-and-roll situations where the Mavericks capitalized on his limitations. Devin Booker also had a disappointing performance, scoring just 11 points and struggling with his shooting accuracy throughout the game.
4. Who will the Dallas Mavericks face in the Western Conference finals?
The Dallas Mavericks, following their resounding victory against the Phoenix Suns, are set to face the formidable Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference finals. This highly anticipated showdown will determine which team secures a chance to represent the conference in the NBA Finals.
5. Where can I find in-depth coverage of the 2022 NBA playoffs?
To stay up to date with all the latest developments in the 2022 NBA playoffs, visit OG’s extensive coverage, where you’ll find comprehensive analysis, insights, and breakdowns of the thrilling matchups and surprising outcomes that shape the quest for basketball greatness.