Suns struggle to hit shots early in season opener vs. Mavs

The Dallas Mavericks came out firing from long range against the Suns on Wednesday night and built a 62-45 halftime lead in the nationally-televised season opener for both teams at Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix.

Dallas made seven of its first 13 three-pointers while the Suns missed their first seven tries from beyond the arc.

Devin Booker, who scored 15 points in the first half, finally made Phoenix’s first three-pointer with 6:20 left before halftime.

Phoenix hit 18 of 42 shots in the first half and made 20% of its 3s.

Luka Doncic scored 13 points in the first 12 minutes to lead Dallas to a 32-24 advantage after one quarter. He finished the half with 20.

Booker led the Suns with nine points in the first quarter.

Center Deandre Ayton started strong with a dunk after losing former Suns center JaVale McGee on the block. However, he was called for three fouls in the first half and played just 7:20.

Comin’ in HOT 😤 pic.twitter.com/S5KIJtTV38

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) October 20, 2022

Phoenix got a jolt at the end of the half, though, as Mikal Bridges scored in transition after a Cam Johnson block in the final seconds.

The Suns are looking for revenge in this game after Dallas ended Phoenix’s season with a resounding Game 7 victory in last year’s Western Conference semifinals.

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