On Wednesday night the Phoenix Suns began the 2022-23 NBA season by hosting the Dallas Mavericks, the same team that bounced the team out of the second round in last season’s playoffs.
The Suns came into last season with mountain-high expectations after making the Finals in 2021. However, the Suns fell completely short on winning a championship and ultimately got knocked out by Luka Doncic and his Mavericks. The unexpected loss to the underdog Mavericks was a heart-wrenching experience for all Suns fans.
This first game was a golden opportunity for this team to wash out the foul taste that has been fermenting in their mouths this offseason.
The Suns almost let that opportunity slip away. Early on in the game, it looked like the Mavericks were in control just like they were in last season’s game seven. The Suns defense looked terrible out of the gate and Luka was dancing with the ball while he patiently picked apart or bullied his way to the rim.
It appeared the Suns were going to let all of the negative narratives surrounding them drag them down. Instead, the team elevated themselves above all of the noise being created by trade rumors, the bigoted nature of the owner, and contract talks. It would have been easy and predictable if the Suns allowed all the outside noise to make them drop the ball. Thankfully, huge contributions from Damion Lee, Devin Booker, Cameron Johnson and Mikal Bridges were enough to save the day.
The Suns cannot play this poorly and win many games, but still it is important for a good team to have the ability to climb off the mat and get the job done. Hopefully this win will be a spark plug for the Suns this season.
Here are six takeaway from the Suns 107-105 victory over the Mavericks.