The Phoenix Suns took control in the second and third quarters to defeat the Dallas Mavericks, 95-89, in the Las Vegas Summer League opener for both teams Friday at Thomas and Mack Center.
After the first quarter ended with the Mavericks leading, 21-20, it looked like the game would be close throughout. But the Suns outscored the Mavericks, 52-33, in the second and third quarters to pull away. Phoenix led by 15 points, 89-74, with 2:39 remaining before Dallas made a late push to make the final score closer than it should have been.
Phoenix won despite 18 turnovers to Dallas’ 10 and losing the battle on the offensive glass, 19-8. The Suns’ 53.7 percent mark from the field was ultimately too much for the Mavericks to overcome, as they shot just 34.1 percent.
Deandre Ayton finished two rebounds short of a double-double in his much-anticipated debut for the Suns. The No. 1 overall selection in this year’s draft scored 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting from the field. Davon Reed led the Suns with 18 points. Mikal Bridges, who Phoenix acquired on draft night, scored 14 points, and second-round pick Elie Okobo had nine points and six assists. Shaquille Harrison led the team with nine assists and just two turnovers.
Jalen Jones, who went undrafted out of Texas A&M in 2016, led the Mavericks in scoring and rebounding with 16 points and 11 boards. Dennis Smith Jr. posted 14 points, five assists and two steals.
The Suns play Saturday against the Sacramento Kings. The Mavericks play Sunday against the Milwaukee Bucks.
