Mavericks Fall to Suns, Extend Skid to Eight: Player Grades and Takeaways
The Dallas Mavericks rolled into Phoenix looking to snap a season-worst seven-game losing streak. Instead, they left with an eighth straight loss and more questions than answers after a 120-111 defeat that felt far more lopsided than the final score suggests.
Yes, the Mavs made it interesting late, but let’s not sugarcoat it-this was a game dominated by the Suns for three quarters, with Dallas struggling to find rhythm, identity, or consistent production outside of a few standout performances. The loss underscores the growing pains of a team integrating new faces and searching for cohesion, but that doesn’t excuse the lack of execution across the board.
Let’s break down the individual performances and what they tell us about where this team stands right now.
Tyus Jones: C
2 PTS / 2 REB / 3 AST / 1 STL / 0 BLK - 15 MIN
Jones got the start but played like a deep bench piece. He couldn’t find his shot (1-for-4), didn’t create much offensively, and was largely invisible during his time on the floor. For a player known for his steady hand and high basketball IQ, this was a rare off night-and the Mavs felt it.
Max Christie: C+
5 PTS / 6 REB / 3 AST / 1 STL / 2 BLK - 31 MIN
Christie’s stat line has a little bit of everything, but not enough of anything. The defensive activity (three stocks) and six boards were solid, but 2-for-8 shooting and 0-for-3 from deep made it tough for him to stay impactful. He played big minutes, but the production didn’t quite match the opportunity.
Cooper Flagg: B+
27 PTS / 5 REB / 2 AST / 1 STL / 0 BLK - 36 MIN
Flagg continues to flash star potential. He poured in 27 points, lived at the line (14 attempts, 11 makes), and was the only starter with a positive plus-minus (+10).
But even with the scoring punch, there were moments late in the game where he couldn’t finish key drives or secure a rebound when it mattered. Three turnovers also dinged his efficiency.
Still, this was another strong showing from a young player who’s quickly becoming a focal point.
P.J. Washington: C
13 PTS / 5 REB / 1 AST / 0 STL / 0 BLK - 26 MIN
Washington’s numbers look fine on the surface, but the impact just wasn’t there. He shot a decent 4-for-9, but his presence faded in stretches where the Mavs desperately needed someone to step up. Whether it’s rust or fit, Washington hasn’t quite found his groove yet in Dallas.
Daniel Gafford: D
4 PTS / 4 REB / 0 AST / 1 STL / 3 BLK - 17 MIN
Gafford had a rough night. The three blocks were nice, but they were overshadowed by four turnovers, four fouls, and multiple missed opportunities on the glass.
He struggled to assert himself physically, and the Suns made him pay for it. For a big man who thrives on energy and hustle, this was a step back.
Naji Marshall: A
31 PTS / 4 REB / 2 AST / 1 STL / 0 BLK - 36 MIN
Marshall was the heartbeat of the Mavericks on Tuesday. Efficient, aggressive, and locked in from the jump, he dropped 31 on 12-for-17 shooting and hit from all three levels.
His 5-for-7 from the line and 2-for-4 from deep rounded out a complete offensive performance. While his peripheral stats weren’t eye-popping, his energy and shot-making kept Dallas afloat.
Easily the best Maverick on the floor.
Khris Middleton: B+
13 PTS / 5 REB / 2 AST / 0 STL / 0 BLK - 22 MIN
Middleton’s debut in a Mavs uniform was a quiet success. He only took five shots from the field but made his mark at the line (8-for-9).
Playing a Klay Thompson-esque role, Middleton didn’t force the issue and looked comfortable finding his spots within the flow of the offense. For a first game in a new system, this was a promising start.
Marvin Bagley III: B+
Bagley brought something the Mavs sorely needed: energy.
He attacked the glass, battled in the paint, and had a couple of timely tip-ins that sparked brief runs. His effort on both ends stood out, especially when compared to some of his frontcourt teammates.
Bagley’s chemistry with the second unit is already showing signs of life, and his ability to do the dirty work could carve him a consistent role moving forward.
Final Takeaways
This game was a classic case of a struggling road team running into a well-oiled home squad. The Suns hit everything-pull-ups, spot-ups, contested looks-while the Mavs missed shots they usually make.
Even with a whopping 35 more free throw attempts than Phoenix, Dallas couldn’t close the gap. That stat alone is mind-boggling and speaks to just how lopsided the rest of the game was.
Yes, Dallas showed some fight late, but the comeback never felt like a real threat. The defense was porous, the rebounding inconsistent, and the offense disjointed outside of a few individual performances. There were new faces and experimental lineups, sure-but that doesn’t fully explain away an eighth straight loss.
The Mavericks have talent. They have flashes. But until they figure out how to bring it together for four quarters, nights like this will keep piling up.