OVERVIEW:
Returning to Phoenix with the series tied 2-2, the Suns needed to protect their homecourt advantage in a pivotal Game 5. For a team that has not lost three games in a row all season, the Suns were ready to hold the line and return to form.
The Suns got the effort they needed in their 110-80 win over Dallas at Footprint Center on Tuesday night and looked like the team that had the best regular-season record in the Association. Using a 33-14 third quarter, Phoenix obliterated the Mavericks in the second half, sending a resounding message as the series shifts back to Game 6 in Dallas on Thursday.