The Dallas Mavericks were handed a defeat by the Phoenix Suns in Game 5 on Tuesday night, falling 110-80. Devin Booker spearheaded the Suns with 28 points. The Mavericks’ leading scorer was Luka Doncic, who also had 28 points. While the game was close at halfway, the Phoenix Suns produced a huge third quarter that helped them win.
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This series has turned into a slugfest, with both sides playing physically and talking trash. Game 5 was no different. Luka Doncic was captured on tape trash-talking the Phoenix Suns players on his way to the locker room, yelling ?Everybody acting tough when they?re up.? Fair to say, the Slovenian wasn’t pleased with how the Suns behaved during the game.?
“Everybody acts tough when they’re up”
– Luka
pic.twitter.com/Q1y1hQusjm— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 11, 2022
NBA fans know Luka isn’t afraid to speak his mind. He’ll trash talk everyone who stands in his way, whether it’s the players, the fans, or even the officials. With emotions running high, especially during a heated series like Suns-Mavs, trash-talking definitely adds to the entertainment. And while one would expect Luka Doncic to lead the way in that category, his skills can back up all of that trash-talk.?
While Luka is in command of Dallas’ trash-talking department, the Slovenian has also carried his team into the playoffs on his back. However, that will not be enough to compete in the playoffs, especially against the number one-seeded Phoenix Suns. Every player needs support, but that is not enough as well. Execution, team defense, culture, coaching role players, and glue guys are all key to achieving it all, especially during the playoffs.?
Whether or not the Mavericks go to the next round, they must make some adjustments in the offseason and maybe partner Luka Doncic with another superstar.?
Luka Doncic was not the only one who got agitated in the hallway
In the dying seconds of their win, Phoenix center Bismack Biyombo went up for a fairly uncontested slam. While Biyombo was still in the air, he was fouled by Dallas player and former Sun Marquese Chriss.
Both big men took offense and got in each other’s faces. They were restrained by referees and teammates before being ejected for the dying 2.3 seconds of the game. Biyombo left the court via the designated tunnel, making his way to the Suns’ locker room. Chriss swiftly followed him into the same tunnel. Chriss surely didn’t make a mistake, as he may be acquainted with both the tunnels being a former Sun himself.
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Marquese Chriss and Bismack Biyombo almost went at it in the locker room hallway 😳 pic.twitter.com/erLrolsXcO
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 11, 2022
They ran into each other in the hallway as Biyombo attempted to get into Phoenix’s locker room, only to be separated once more.?
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These episodes only add fire to an already thrilling playoff series. The teams will lock horns in Game 6 on Thursday. The Suns lead the series 3-2 and can secure a second successive Western Conference Finals trip with a victory in Dallas.