DALLAS — Kevin Durant scored 37 factors, together with the tiebreaking jumper with 11 seconds to go, to carry the Phoenix Suns to a 130-126 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday in an exciting showcase of stars for each groups.
The primary assembly between Durant and Dallas’ Kyrie Irving since they had been traded by Brooklyn earlier than the deadline final month was even when Durant pulled up over Tim Hardaway Jr. and Irving for the lead.
Luka Doncic had 34 factors for Dallas, however his point-blank shot for a tie rimmed out earlier than he fouled Durant after the rebound with 3.5 seconds remaining.
After the play was over, Doncic and Devin Booker, who scored 36 factors, ended up nose-to-nose, and each had been issued technical fouls earlier than Durant hit two free throws to clinch the victory.
It was the 14th technical of the season for Doncic, two shy of the edge for a one-game suspension.
Irving scored 30 factors precisely 4 years to the day because the final time he confronted Durant, when his Boston Celtics blew out Durant and his Golden State Warriors 128-95.
Phoenix’s win left the groups tied within the season collection, with playoff seedings within the Western Convention huge open under top-seeded Denver.
Chris Paul scored eight of his 11 factors within the fourth quarter for one in every of a number of tiebreaking or go-ahead buckets for each groups.
Phoenix ahead Ish Wainwright, who was a task participant 100 miles down the highway from Dallas at Baylor earlier than a quick stint as a good finish for the Bears, went 4 for five from 3-point vary within the second half for 12 factors.
Durant was 12 of 17 from the sphere and 10 of 11 from the road in his first 30-point efficiency in three video games since becoming a member of the Suns in a blockbuster take care of the Nets that got here days after the Mavs acquired Irving.
Phoenix is 3-0 with Durant, whereas Dallas dropped to 3-6 since Irving joined the membership. The Mavs are 2-3 on a six-game homestand, their longest of the season.
