The Dallas Mavericks fell to a 30-point loss at the hands of the Phoenix Suns in Game 5 of the second round. The Mavericks came into the game optimistic after their consecutive wins in Games 3 and 4, but the Suns responded by punching the Mavericks in the mouth and emphasizing their dominance in Game 5.
The third quarter was the biggest story, as the Mavs were outscored by 19 points and beaten out of the game. Despite some resistance in the fourth, the team couldn't keep it up till the end and ended up losing 80-110. However, there was a reason for fans to keep watching as there was a fight with 2 seconds left on the clock.
Mavs bench big-man Marquese Chriss got into a scuffle with Phoenix Suns' Bismack Biyombo. What transpired is unclear, but it led to both players being ejected, followed by Chriss chasing Biyombo into the locker room tunnel. Thankfully, Phoenix security guards and some Mavs players stopped the situation from escalating.
There isn't really a justification for Chriss doing this. The game was over and Marquese spent almost the entire game on the bench. He is infamous for having a bit of a temper, but reacting like this in an away team's arena is an extremely embarrassing look for the Mavericks, if they couldn't get embarrassed more on this night.
The game had nothing on the line at that point, so there must have been something personal that happened between the players at that point. Still, no justification for Chriss trying to pursue and fight an opposition player in the locker room. It's not a good sign for how tempers are flaring already.
Even if Chriss was to be reprimanded, the Mavericks won't lose anything as he is decisively out of the regular rotation. A very bad night for the Mavericks organization in Phoenix, and one they will be looking to bounce back from at home for Game 6.
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