Suns Too Hot for Mavericks

The Phoenix Suns are just too fast to gather any rust.

With Amare Stoudemire powering for career playoff highs of 40 points and 16 rebounds, the Suns blew past the Dallas Mavericks, 127-102, on Monday night in Game 1 of their best-of-seven Western Conference semifinals.

Phoenix had not played in eight days after sweeping Memphis, but the Suns came out rested and running against the Mavericks, who were coming off a 40-point victory over Houston in Game 7 of their first-round series Saturday night.

Joe Johnson had 25 points and Shawn Marion 23 points and 11 rebounds in a game in which the Suns never trailed.

Steve Nash, going against the team he left after six seasons when Maverick owner Mark Cuban didn’t come close to the five-year, $65-million offer he got from the Suns, was presented the league’s most valuable player trophy by NBA Commissioner David Stern before the game.

Then Phoenix was off and running, scoring the first eight points, leading by as many as 18 in the second quarter and 26 at the end of three.

Dallas Coach Avery Johnson wasn’t around to watch the final quarter. After slipping on the floor while shouting at the referees, he drew two quick technical fouls from referee Dan Crawford while complaining that Dirk Nowitzki was fouled on a turnover.

Johnson was tossed with 3:20 left in the third quarter and his team down, 89-68. Nash then made both free throws.

Johnson also decided not to double-team Stoudemire, with disastrous results. In the battle of starting centers, Stoudemire outscored Erick Dampier, 40-0. Alan Henderson did no better. Neither did Shawn Bradley. In fact, the Dallas trio had four points and 11 rebounds combined.

Stoudemire finished 13 for 21 from the field and 14 for 17 at the foul line.

Nowitzki scored 28 for Dallas.