The Tribune

DALLAS (AP) — Devin Booker scored 20 of his 32 points in a decisive third quarter, Deandre Ayton had a season-high 31 points and the Phoenix Suns never trailed in a 133-104 dismantling of the Dallas Mavericks last night.

Booker started the scoring in the third quarter before the ball had even been thrown in, making a free throw after the last of three first-half technicals against Dallas was called against Tim Hardaway Jr after the halftime buzzer.

With the head start from Booker, the Suns outscored the Mavericks 48-22 in the third on their way to surpassing last season’s win total of 19 with their fourth victory in the past five road games.

Ayton, the 2018 No. 1 overall pick who has been overshadowed during his two seasons by Dallas sensation and third overall choice Luka Doncic, was 13 of 15 from the field as the Suns shot a season-high 59 per cent. Ayton made all five of his free throws and had a game-high nine rebounds.

KOBE TRIBUTES

The Mavericks honoured Kobe Bryant in a ceremony before their first home game since the Lakers star, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others were killed in a helicopter crash outside Los Angeles.

Highlights of Bryant’s career and some of his interactions with the Mavericks, including retired star Dirk Nowitzki, were shown on the video boards during a moment of silence. Nowitzki was courtside with owner Mark Cuban.

Dallas’ plan to retire the No. 24 in Bryant’s honour was announced to cheers, and the teams repeated the tribute Dallas and Oklahoma City displayed a night earlier. The Mavericks took an 8-second backcourt violation to honour Bryant’s other number, followed by a 24-second shot clock violation by the Suns.