Suns-Mavs rematch loses luster

DALLAS – The Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns are barely two weeks removed from the most compelling and entertaining game of the season.

Today’s encore is bound to be a letdown.

The entertaining part still applies. These teams rarely disappoint in that department. But this game holds no impact in the standings, thanks to the Suns’ struggles since that memorable night.

Phoenix can win today’s game. It can win every game after that and still not catch the Mavericks. The Suns pulled within three games of the Mavericks with their double-overtime victory on March 14. For those inclined to hyperbole, the Phoenix victory signaled a serious threat to the Mavericks’ dominance and a mortal blow to Dirk Nowitzki’s MVP hopes.

The Mavericks responded to that loss with a nine-game winning streak. The Suns have gone 3-4. Winning that game took something out of them.

“I think it did,” said Phoenix coach Mike D’Antoni. “Emotionally, it was draining. Then we had Detroit and Denver back to back.

“To participate and win that game the way we did, emotionally, there was a little bit of a letdown afterwards. Not physical. But that’s what it is. That’s what the playoffs are.”