The final score says Mavs 105, Suns 98.  However, the game was a lot closer than that score indicates.  The game was pretty much the nailbiter Game One was until the final minute of play when the Suns just couldn’t knock down any shots.  However, let’s be honest, the Mavs did a much better job on defense and they deserve the credit for tying up the series at one game apiece.

Originally thought not to play due to an ankle injury was the Mavs’ Josh Howard.  However, he sucked it up and started the game, which the Mavs couldn’t have been more glad for.  Howard scored 29 points, including hitting three 3-pointers, and playing tight defense. Note that the Mavs are 22-0 this season, including 3-0 in the playoffs, when Howard scores 20+ points in a game.  They want him to play!

How did the Suns’ injured Raja Bell’s replacement do?  Not so good.  Leandro Barbosa only scored eight points for the game, going a horrific 3-for-15 from the floor.  Yikes!  However, this wasn’t a typical shooting performance from Barbosa who is a career 46.8% shooter from the field.  With Bell reportedly out until Game Five, Barbosa will need to up his game in the next two contests to give the Suns a chance to win.

Surprisingly, Steve Nash looked downright timid in the second half.  I’m not sure what’s going on, but when one of your top shooters and scorers only takes one shot in the second half (a runner in the lane in the last minute of the game) something is going on.  It was a vast contrast from the Nash who scored ten straight points for the Suns in the fourth quarter in Game One to will the Suns to the upset win.  Nash finished with 16 points and 11 assists, but will need to be a bit more aggressive in the next game.

But, the problem with Nash and possibly the rest of the Suns, may be that they’re a bit too tired.  That would partly explain tonight’s missed short-range shots and open jumper opportunities down the stretch.  With Bell hurt, as well as Amare Stoudemire and Kurt Thomas, the Suns bench is vastly depleted with Barbosa starting.  Tonight, every Suns starter played at least 38 minutes and that’s pretty much been normal for the playoffs.  You have to wonder when the Suns’ legs just give out.

*Dirk Nowitzki scored 30 points, grabbed 14 boards, and dished out six assists.
*Game Two hero, Boris Diaw, had another good game as he scored 25 points, snagged 10 boards, and also dropped six dimes.
*Shawn Marion had another great game - 19 points, 19 rebounds, and three steals.

Game Three of the Western Conference finals heads west to Phoenix and will tip off at 8:30pm EST.