If you’ve spent any time watching Western Conference basketball over the last few years, you know that a Phoenix Suns vs Dallas Mavericks matchup isn’t just another date on the calendar. It’s a grudge match. Honestly, it’s one of the few remaining NBA rivalries where the players actually seem to dislike each other. You can see it in the way Luka Dončić chirps at the Phoenix bench or how Devin Booker’s jaw tightens every time he sees that Mavs jersey.
It hasn't always been this way. Back in the day, it was about Steve Nash and Dirk Nowitzki being buddies. Now? It’s basically a soap opera with high-stakes shooting.
The Game 7 Ghost That Won't Go Away
You can’t talk about these two teams without mentioning "The Game." You know the one. May 2022. The Suns had the best record in the league and were supposed to cruise into the Western Conference Finals. Instead, Luka Dončić walked into Footprint Center and basically dismantled an entire franchise’s psyche in 48 minutes.
That 123-90 blowout changed everything. It’s the reason Phoenix went out and traded the farm for Kevin Durant. They realized that their core, as good as it was, couldn't handle the psychological warfare Luka brings to the court.
Even now, in 2026, that game lingers. Every time the Suns vs Dallas Mavericks meet, fans are looking for a "statement." The Suns want to prove they’ve moved past the embarrassment. Dallas wants to remind them that they still own the real estate in their heads.
Why the Current Dynamic is So Weird
The rosters look a lot different now than they did during that playoff series. Phoenix has leaned into a "stars-and-everyone-else" model. Dallas, meanwhile, has been navigating life with a massive injury cloud.
The Luka Factor vs The Suns' System
Luka Dončić remains the sun that the entire Mavericks solar system orbits around. In early 2026, he's still putting up absurd numbers—think 33.4 points and nearly 9 assists per game. It’s heavy-usage basketball that wears teams down.
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On the other side, Devin Booker has become the undisputed face of the Suns. He’s averaging about 25.7 points. But it’s the addition of guys like Mark Williams in the paint and the veteran presence of Kevin Durant that makes this Suns team feel more balanced.
Wait. Did I say Durant?
Yeah, but here’s the thing: the Suns just beat the Knicks 106-99 without KD being the primary storyline. It was Booker returning from an ankle injury to drop 27. That’s the Phoenix Suns vs Dallas Mavericks dynamic in a nutshell—both teams are constantly dealing with the "next man up" reality of a long 82-game season.
The Kyrie Irving Absence
If you’re a Mavs fan, you’re probably frustrated. Kyrie Irving has been out with that ACL tear he suffered back in March 2025. There’s been a lot of noise lately about his recovery. Some insiders are saying we might not even see him back before the 2026 trade deadline.
Without Kyrie, the pressure on Luka is immense. It’s why Dallas has been "slumping" a bit lately, struggling to find a secondary creator who can take the heat off #77. When they face the Suns, that lack of a second superstar really shows.
Head-to-Head: What the Stats Actually Tell Us
If you look at the recent history of the Phoenix Suns vs Dallas Mavericks, it’s remarkably close.
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- October 2024: Suns won 114-102. KD had 31.
- November 2024: Suns won a nail-biter 114-113.
- March 2025: Suns won 125-116.
Notice a pattern? Phoenix has actually had the upper hand in the regular season lately. But regular-season wins are like empty calories for Suns fans. They don’t count for much until they happen in May.
The Mavericks' defense has been a bit of a rollercoaster. They’ve struggled to defend the perimeter, which is a death sentence against a guy like Grayson Allen (when he’s healthy) or Bradley Beal. Phoenix, conversely, has improved their interior presence. Bringing in Mark Williams gave them a rim protector they’ve lacked since the Deandre Ayton era ended.
The Petty Side of the Rivalry
Let's be real. We watch this for the drama.
Remember when Luka got a Suns fan ejected because he was "cursing him out the whole first half"? Or the constant "Luka Special" jokes that Phoenix fans have to endure?
This rivalry is fueled by the fact that Phoenix passed on Luka in the draft to take Ayton. That’s a "what if" that will haunt the desert for thirty years. Every time Luka hits a step-back three over a Suns defender, he’s basically reminding the front office of what they missed.
Booker doesn't seem to care about the draft stuff, but he definitely cares about the respect. He’s a "basketball purist" who hates the flopping and the whining. It makes for a very physical, very loud game every single time.
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What to Watch For Next
If you’re betting on the next Phoenix Suns vs Dallas Mavericks game—likely that February 11, 2026, showdown—keep an eye on the injury report. Grayson Allen’s nose and knee have been giving him trouble. P.J. Washington for Dallas has been dealing with an ankle sprain.
These are the "glue guys" who actually decide these games.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Watch the First Quarter: If Luka starts the game 4-of-4 from three, the Suns usually panic and start over-helping, leaving shooters open.
- Monitor the Trade Deadline: With Kyrie’s status uncertain, Dallas might be desperate to move pieces for a scoring guard.
- Check the Referees: This matchup is notorious for technical fouls. If you’re at the game, don’t expect a "flow." Expect a lot of whistles and even more complaining.
- Footprint Center Advantage: Phoenix has played much better at home this season (20-14 record recently). Dallas has been middle-of-the-road on the road.
The Phoenix Suns vs Dallas Mavericks rivalry isn’t going anywhere. Even as Durant gets older and the rosters shift, the fundamental tension between these two cities is baked into the floorboards. It’s loud, it’s petty, and it’s the best kind of basketball.
Prepare for the February matchup by looking at the Suns' defensive rotation against high-usage guards. Specifically, see if they continue to use Dillon Brooks as the primary "pest" against Luka. Brooks vs Luka is a highlight reel waiting to happen—or a double technical in the making.