Mavericks' troubles may gift Suns a playoff opportunity

The Dallas Mavericks are facing significant challenges after their high-profile trade of franchise cornerstone Luka Doncic. 

Since the move, the team has been plagued by injuries, with newly acquired Anthony Davis ruled out indefinitely and lengthy injuries to Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II leaving the frontcourt thin. 

Adding to the woes, star guard Kyrie Irving has suffered a torn ACL, ending his season and further depleting the roster. The Mavericks, who once seemed poised to make a deep playoff push, now find themselves in a precarious position with their championship hopes dashed.

With Irving out for the remainder of the campaign, many expect the Mavericks to shut down Davis and turn their focus toward next season. Currently sitting in 10th place in the Western Conference, Dallas is vulnerable to teams chasing a play-in spot, including the Phoenix Suns. 

Despite a difficult season marked by injuries, inconsistent play and chemistry issues, the Suns remain in the hunt for a postseason berth. The prospect of Dallas shifting its attention toward rebuilding, rather than competing for the playoffs, could provide an opening for Phoenix to move up the standings.

A 119-117 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night gave Phoenix a much-needed boost, with Kevin Durant leading the way with 34 points. The Suns fought back from a 19-point deficit in the final quarter, outscoring the Clippers 43-22 to claim the win and keep their playoff hopes alive. 

Ivica Zubac’s career-high 35 points and 10 rebounds, along with 21 points each from Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, weren’t enough to prevent the Suns from completing a remarkable comeback. Phoenix showed resilience, demonstrating its determination to turn around what has been a frustrating season.

With this win, Phoenix completed a perfect season series against the Clippers, having won all four matchups. The victory is particularly significant as Los Angeles currently sits in ninth place in the Western Conference, just two spots ahead of Mike Budenholzer's side. 

The Suns, now 29-33, are three games behind Dallas for the final play-in spot. Their path to the playoffs is clear: capitalize on any opportunities presented by Dallas’ misfortunes and continue to build on the momentum from their latest victory.

The Mavericks' ongoing struggles could serve as a turning point for the Suns, who are determined to push for the playoffs behind stars Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. Phoenix’s multiple wins over the Clippers will undoubtedly provide confidence as it aims to capitalize on any opportunity to climb the standings and potentially face Los Angeles in the play-in tournament.

As the season winds down, the Suns’ playoff hopes remain alive — if they can sustain this momentum and take full advantage of Dallas’ injuries.