MyDallasMavs: Dallas Heads Into All-Star Break with 40 Wins As They Top the Suns 112-106

The Mavericks head into All-Star break being one of four teams with 40 wins. They have won 13 of their last 14 games, including their victory over the Suns, 112-106.

JJ Barea sat this game out with a fever; Roddy made his 2nd appearance in the starting line-up over Stevenson.

The Mavs started the game taking an early lead in the first quarter before intensifying it in the second. The Mavericks managed to lead by 10, but the Suns came back and were only down 54-51 at the half.

Both teams fought back and fourth for the lead in the third quarter. The Suns tied the game three minutes into the second half with a 3-pointers, but the Mavs answered with a 3-pointer of their own.

The game didn't stay tied for long as Phoenix took the lead 80-76; but soon the Mavs went on a 9-0 run to end the third quarter, leading 85-80.

Although the Suns were down, they still played hard and managed to narrow their deficit to 94-92. Those two points down were as close as they got for the rest of the game. The Mavs pulled away after a few shots and were up 100-94; the win was already there's at this point, it was just a matter of time.

The Suns haven't been playing their best in the fourth quarter. They have now been outscored in the fourth of eight of their last ten games.

The Mavs' couldn't have pulled away with this win without big man Dirk Nowitzki. He scored an outstanding 35 points in which it seems the Suns couldn't answer the whole game; he was unstoppable.

As for the rest of the Mavs': Terry scored 16 points and 7 assists and Chandler finished with his 15th double-double of the season, scoring 12 points and 12 rebounds. Marion was two rebounds short of a double-double with 12 points and 8 rebounds. Roddy scored 9 points in 20 minutes but also racked up a quick five personal fouls. Kidd finished with 6 points, 12 assists, and 8 rebounds. Peja played for 20 minutes and ended up with 10 points.

For the Suns: Channing Frye showed up, leading the team with 24 points and Nash had 15 points and 14 assists. Carter had 16 points and Lopez had 13 points and 13 rebounds. Hill played a bad performance game; he went 4 for 14 from the field and 0 for 4 from 3-point range.

If the Mavs' keep this up, it seems as if they'll only get better together. With Peja and Roddy now in the starting lineup, they will move on next Wednesday at home to play the Utah Jazz.