Valley of the Suns
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Ranking the Phoenix Suns’ 5 holiday games in 2023-24

By Luke Duffy

DALLAS, TX - MARCH 5: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks shoots the ball as Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns defends in the first half of the game at American Airlines Center on March 5, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - MARCH 5: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks shoots the ball as Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns defends in the first half of the game at American Airlines Center on March 5, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) /
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DALLAS, TX – MARCH 5: Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns goes to the basket as Kyrie Irving and Dwight Powell of the Dallas Mavericks (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX – MARCH 5: Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns goes to the basket as Kyrie Irving and Dwight Powell of the Dallas Mavericks (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) /

1. Dallas Mavericks (Christmas Day)

Unsurprisingly, the biggest holiday game of the season for the Suns is undoubtedly the Dallas Mavericks on Christmas Day. Many see this as the unofficial start of the season, with the biggest matchups always selected on this marquee day in the calender.

The reasons here are obvious, with the Mavericks vying for a high seed after missing the postseason altogether last year. Unacceptable when you have a player with the talent that Luka Doncic possesses. Added spice comes in the form of Kyrie Irving, who has also been added to this fixture.

An anomaly at the best of times off the court, he too will provide a stern test to the defensive credentials of the entire group. If Booker is working on closing down Doncic on that end, it really will be up to Beal to stay with Irving as best he can. But even if Durant takes Doncic, Booker vs Irving will be another high level duel.

You could make the argument that the Mavericks are the biggest rival the Suns have right now. Their Game 7 matchup in the second round of the playoffs in 2022 ended badly for the Suns, and Doncic has an amazing ability to rub rival fans and players up the wrong way with incredible ease.

dark. Next. The most popular Phoenix Sun of all-time

For those who say the Lakers still hold that spot, consider that you voted a one-time Laker in Steve Nash the most popular Suns player of all-time. Some rivalry that is. This game will have fireworks, technicals… and even an ejection, and will represent one of the biggest tests the Suns face all season.

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