Doncic double-double puts the Mavs back in business

Luka Doncic was in inspirational form once again for the Mavs, who took Game 3 of their best-of-seven series against the Phoenix Suns 103-94, giving themselves the chance to pull level when the two sides meet in Dallas on Sunday. This time it was an all-round team performance from Jason Kidd’s side, who slowed the game down in front of a raucous, sell-out home crowd at the American Airlines Center. Dallas held the Suns to quarter totals of 20, 24, 23 and 27 - their lowest output of the season, to stay alive in the series.

Much of Friday’s win was down to Doncic once again. He finished with 26 points, 13 rebounds, nine assists and two steals while Jalen Brunson chipped in with a game-high 28 points on 10-of-21 shooting, with five assists and four rebounds. Both teams shot 44 per cent from the field, while the Suns were more efficient from beyond the perimeter line, shooting it at 46 per cent compared to the Mavericks’ 33 per cent, but the hosts forced 17 turnovers while committing just eight.

The Mavericks rallied to a nine-point first quarter lead and managed to stay in front for the rest of the game. It stood at 51-44 by the break, and reached 82-67 by the third quarter. Phoenix came within eight points with a minute left in the third quarter before Reggie Bullock (15 points, 4 from 10 in 3s) put the game to bed. It was an unproductive night for birthday boy Chris Paul, who ended on 12 points, four assists and seven turnovers.

The two teams meet again for what will be a crucial Game 4 in Dallas, tipping off at 2:30pm EDT on Sunday.