COMING ATTRACTIONS

Since everyone knows how important “statement games” are, let’s see what’s happened since the Phoenix Suns rocked the Mavericks’ world in a 129-127 double-overtime upset March 14 in Dallas:

* The Mavericks are 9-0, with six of those on the road including wins in Detroit and Cleveland.

A 9-1 finish would make them the second 70-win team, alongside the 1995-96 Bulls, to go 72-10.

* The Suns are 4-4 and find themselves with issues.

Shawn Marion is averaging 15 points since the All-Star break. Coach Mike D’Antoni was criticized for using only eight players -- before James Jones went into a slump, which obliged D’Antoni to audition Jalen Rose and Eric Piatkowski for the role.

At least in today’s game in Phoenix (12:30 p.m., ABC), the Suns will have what D’Antoni wants most, a sense of urgency.

--MARK HEISLER