The Phoenix Suns are 30-2 in their last 32 NBA games. The Dallas Mavericks started the season 0-4 but have gone a freakish 35-4 since.
Most experts say the Suns and Mavs are on a collision course in the NBA’s Western Conference, but exactly who is the best NBA team?
We decided to end the debate by stacking the two teams next to each other on paper. Here’s how we see it.
Head-to-Head Competition
Sure, it would be easy to stop right here. The Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks have played twice, and the Mavs have won both games – one at home and one in Phoenix. We all know this just isn’t fair, though. It does, however, help tilt the scales a bit.
- Edge Dallas.
Win Streaks
Both teams have had ridiculous winning streaks. Dallas won 12 straight after starting 0-4, then added another 13-game streak later.
Phoenix has been even better with a 15-game winning stretch and its current 14-game streak.
- Edge Suns.
Strength of Schedule
Although both Dallas and Phoenix have been amazing, beating most everyone in their paths, it must be said that in half a season neither team has played all of the best NBA teams.
Phoenix has feasted on the dregs of the NBA, losing to the best teams in the league – Dallas twice, the Lakers and Utah twice.
Dallas, too, has suffered defeat to good teams, including Utah, Houston and the Lakers, but the Mavs do have the victories over Phoenix to their credit.
- Edge Dallas.
Coaches
Dallas’ Avery Johnson guided the Mavericks to the NBA finals in just his second year as an NBA head coach and was named NBA Coach of the Year. All Johnson does is win; there’s not much knock on this tremendous young NBA coach.
Phoenix’ Mark D’Antoni has five years head coaching experience and has been to the playoffs. His record, 184-132, is not nearly as impressive as Johnson’s 111-32 mark.
- Edge Dallas
Core NBA Players
We saved the best and most important factors for last – the amazing NBA players that compose these two powerhouses.
There is star power aplenty on both rosters.
Phoenix features three All-Star players – two-time defending NBA MVP Steve Nash, Shawn Marion and Amare Stoudamire. These three players compose arguably the top three players on one team in the NBA. They can score, pass, rebound and block shots.
Nash, Marion and Stoudamire bring remarkable athletic ability to the floor each night and are complemented by two more great athletes in starters Raja Bell and Boris Diaw
Dallas counters with its own NBA MVP candidate, Dirk Nowitzki. Jason Terry and Josh Howard are to Nowitzki what Marion and Stoudamire are to Nash – serious threats to run, pass and score.
- Edge Phoenix.
Depth
Starting with Jerry Stackhouse, the leading candidate to win the NBA’s Sixth Man Award, Dallas has outstanding support at nearly every position and go nine deep nightly.
Third-year point guard Devin Harris gives the Mavs serious minutes and production. DeSagna Diop is a very large body in the middle, who rebounds, blocks shots and offers fouls on opposing centers.
Sure, the Suns have five double-figure scorers, but beyond this, the production is fairly thin. Phoenix plays its core group most of the time, and when in close games rarely goes more than seven or eight deep.
When the playoffs roll around, and the game is slowed down, we just don’t think Phoenix can cope with the size, strength and depth of Dallas.
- Edge Mavericks.
The Dallas Mavericks are the best team in the NBA, by an eyelash.
