After dropping the first two games of the Western Conference Semifinals to the Suns, the Mavericks' backs are against the wall in Game 3.
Up to this point in the series, it has appeared as though the Mavs don't have enough to keep up with the Suns. In Game 2, a fourth-quarter masterclass from Chris Paul helped Phoenix outscore Dallas 71-49 in the second half to earn a 20-point win.
MORE: NBA world reacts in awe of Chris Paul's fourth-quarter eruption
While Paul stole the show in the fourth, it was Devin Booker who led the way for the Suns with 30 points on 11-of-19 shooting. The efficiency was a common theme for the Suns, who shot 64.5 percent from the field and 52.0 percent from 3 in the game as a team.
Devin Booker (30 PTS) balled out in the @Suns Game 2 win! pic.twitter.com/U0HzO0UJJj
— NBA (@NBA) May 5, 2022
When it comes to adjustments for the Mavericks, the first will be on the defensive end.
To the surprise of few, Dallas was paced by Luka Doncic, who, with 35 points in Game 2, is averaging 40.0 points in the series and has surpassed Michael Jordan for the highest scoring average in NBA Playoff history. In Game 2, Doncic was clearly impacted by the Phoenix crowd, as he made a concerted effort to quiet its noise.
Luka sent a message to the Suns fans after draining the three 👀 pic.twitter.com/5Mwild9Zoo
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 5, 2022
As the series shifts back to Dallas, the Mavericks will need as much help as they can get from the home crowd as they face a must-win situation.
Can the Mavs avoid falling into the 3-0 hole or will the Suns continue their run of dominance to take a commanding series lead?
Here is all you need to know about Game 3.
What channel is Suns vs. Mavericks on?
- Date: Friday, May 6
- TV channel: ESPN
- Live streaming: Sling TV (U.S. only) | Watch ESPN
Game 3 between the Suns and Mavericks will air on ESPN in the United States. Viewers can stream Game 3 on Watch ESPN or Sling TV.
Viewers in the U.S. can stream every NBA Playoff game live on SLING TV. With the SLING Orange Sports Extra package, get $10 off your first month now with access to ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, TNT and NBATV. NBA Playoff games on ABC are simulcast on ESPN3, which is included with SLING Orange, available for $35 per month including $25 the first month for new subscribers.
MORE: Watch the NBA playoffs on Sling TV (U.S. only)
What time does Suns vs. Mavericks start?
- Date: Friday, May 6
- Time: 9:30 p.m. ET | 6:30 p.m. PT
Game 3 of the Suns vs. Mavericks series will tip off shortly after 9:30 p.m. ET on Friday, May 6. The game will be played at Dallas' American Airlines Center.
Suns vs. Mavericks schedule, TV channels
Here is the complete schedule for the second-round series between the Suns and Mavericks.
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | TV channel (US) |
| May 2 | Game 1: Suns 121, Mavericks 114 | - | - |
| May 4 | Game 2: Suns 129, Mavericks 109 | - | - |
| May 6 | Game 3 | 9:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| May 8 | Game 4 | 3:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| May 10 | Game 5* | TBD | TBD |
| May 12 | Game 6* | TBD | ESPN |
| May 15 | Game 7* | TBD | TBD |
*if necessary
