Mavericks 91, Suns 83
Jason Kidd made back-to-back 3-pointers in the final two minutes and Tyson Chandler had 16 points and 18 rebounds as the Dallas Mavericks dealt another blow to the host Phoenix Suns' playoff hopes with a 91-83 victory Sunday night.
Kidd scored 16 points and Jason Terry added 10 of his 16 in the fourth quarter for the Mavericks (52-21), who stayed one game behind the Los Angeles Lakers for second place in the West. Phoenix forced Dirk Nowitzki into a 6-for-19 shooting night for 15 points.
Marcin Gortat and Jared Dudley had 20 points apiece for the Suns (36-36), who dropped four games behind Memphis (41-33) for the eighth spot in the West. Gortat replaced center Robin Lopez in the starting lineup and Dudley replaced shooting guard Vince Carter.
Phoenix led most of the way, but with the game tied 83-83 after a jumper by Dudley with 1:37 left, Kidd drained his decisive shots to give Dallas an 89-83 edge with 44 seconds left. He iced the game with two free throws 17 seconds later. Conversely, Phoenix finished 1 of 16 from the arc.
Gortat had his nose heavily taped after breaking it Friday night when he
ran into the back of Steve Nash's head, but shot 8 of 13 with
15 rebounds. Dudley was 7 of 16 with five assists and three steals.
The Mavericks have won seven of eight meetings with the Suns, including both this season.