PHOENIX (Interstat) — In a game defined by a blistering start and a frantic, defensive-heavy finish, the Phoenix Suns outlasted the Dallas Mavericks 112-107 on Wednesday night at Mortgage Matchup Center, sweeping the season series between the teams.

The victory improved Phoenix to 44-36, solidifying its position in the Western Conference playoff picture, while Dallas fell to 25-55 in a season-long struggle.

The contest turned on a dramatic opening quarter that set the tone. The Suns, fueled by the hot shooting of Dillon Brooks and Royce O’Neale, exploded for 33 points, connecting on six three-pointers. Brooks scored 11 in the period, while O’Neale came off the bench to drain three consecutive triples in the final 90 seconds, the last a 27-footer with 59.2 seconds left to establish a 33-29 lead. The Mavericks, despite 10 early points from Marvin Bagley III, could not keep pace with Phoenix’s offensive barrage.

Dallas spent the remainder of the game chipping away at that early deficit. They trailed 61-53 at halftime and 88-80 entering the fourth quarter, consistently staying within striking distance but never able to fully close the gap. The Suns’ lead, which ballooned to 13 points in the third quarter, was whittled down to a single possession multiple times in the final period, thanks largely to the scoring of rookie John Poulakidas and the interior work of Bagley.

The most critical sequence unfolded in the final 13 seconds with Phoenix clinging to a 110-107 lead. After a Dallas timeout, the Mavericks were called for a five-second violation on the inbound pass, a crucial turnover. On the ensuing possession, Phoenix’s Dillon Brooks drove decisively to the basket for a layup with 13.7 seconds remaining, pushing the lead to 112-107 and effectively sealing the game. Dallas had one final chance, but could not get a clean look as time expired.

Devin Booker led all scorers with 37 points and added nine assists, orchestrating the Suns’ offense throughout. Brooks provided critical secondary scoring with 28 points, while center Khaman Maluach anchored the defense with 14 rebounds and three blocks.

For the Mavericks, Bagley, a Tempe, Arizona native, delivered a strong performance in his homecoming with 20 points and eight rebounds. Poulakidas added 23 points off the bench, and rookie forward Cooper Flagg filled the stat sheet with 11 points, 12 rebounds and six assists, though he struggled from the field. The Mavericks’ effort was hampered by 18 turnovers.

The Suns’ early offensive showcase proved just enough to withstand Dallas’s persistent rallies. Phoenix shot efficiently from deep, particularly in the first half, while Dallas was plagued by stretches of cold shooting and untimely mistakes. The game ultimately hinged on the Suns’ ability to maintain their composure and execute in the closing moments after the Mavericks had erased nearly all of what was once a commanding lead.

The announced attendance was 17,071. Phoenix next travels to face the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday, while Dallas visits the San Antonio Spurs.