By Paul Levine May 31, 2006, 15:15 GMT
Los Angeles - Injured Raja Bell returned to provide the inspirational lift, and speedy Brazilian Leandro Barbosa came off the bench to supply the offensive spark as the Phoenix Suns' high-powered offence was back in overdrive again.
The Phoenix Suns guard Raja Bell shoots against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half of their Western Conference finals game four at U.S. Airways Center in Phoenix, Arizona, Tuesday, 30 May, 2006. The Suns defeated the Mavericks 106 to 86 to even the best-of-seven game series at 2 games a piece. EPA/TOM HOOD
Barbosa scored a playoff career-high 24 points and the Suns sped past the Mavericks Tuesday night for a 106-86 home-court victory in game four to square the Western Conference finals at 2-2.
'We just didn't have it,' Mavericks coach Avery Johnson said. 'They had more energy, and we were not there mentally or physically. Barbosa had an outstanding game. He gave them a big lift, and I guess Raja Bell gave them an emotional lift.'
Bell strained his left calf in the opener and watched helplessly from the sidelines as the Suns dropped the last two games. But the Suns' top defender and their fourth leading scorer in the playoffs with a 15.3 average, was back at his customary guard spot to give his teammates a huge emotional lift.
'On a night like tonight, it was my job to be emotional,' said Diaw, who finished with nine points in 32 minutes. 'I've been to war all season with these guys and I wasn't going to watch tonight. I felt like I could come out, give Leandro some minutes and give coach whatever I had. So I was ready help.'
Bell explained why he decided to come back for this particular game.
'It was a big game for us,' he continued. 'We couldn't afford to go down 1-3 and go back to Dallas. I felt this was my shot. I was glad to be able to help tonight. Hopefully, we can go back to Dallas and get another one.'
Suns coach Mike D'Antoni praised the effort Diaw gave in the must- win situation.
'Nature has a way of healing warriors a lot quicker,' he said. 'Whatever we needed all year, he's done it spiritually, physically, talent-wise, whatever. And he just stepped up again.'
Two-time league Most Valuable Player Steve Nash scored 21 points and seven assists, while Frenchman Boris Diaw had 20 and nine rebounds for the Suns, who outscored the Mavericks 55-40 in the second half.
'I don't think there was any magic formula tonight,' Nash said. 'I just think we played better.'
Josh Howard led Dallas with 16 points and nine rebounds. Meanwhile, Dirk Nowitzki was held to just 11 points on 3-of-13 shooting, marking the first time in 43 games the German juggernaut failed to hit the 20-point plateau.
'I had some looks I usually make,' he said. 'I just have to bounce back.'
Dallas is due to host pivotal game five on Thursday night when the best-of-seven series resumes.
After taking the last two games, the Mavericks were out-hustled and outplayed in the rare lopsided loss.
'It looked like we were happy with the split at home and that's disappointing,' Nowitzki said. 'They set the tone from the start, they were all over us. They were just a better team today. Raja stepped up and he was big for us team.'
Though eager to play, D'Antoni was unsure Diaw was ready. But the coach's mind was quickly made up by an interested third party.
'I got a call from his agent that if we don't want him to play him we might have to shoot him,' D'Antoni joked. 'I was like, 'Do we kill the guy or let him play?' At that point we needed him.'
Sparked by Bell, Phoenix led 51-46 at halftime and blew open the game after the break.
Leading late in the third quarter 67-65, the Suns closed on a 12-2 run to carry a 79-67 bulge into the final frame. Bell, Diaw and Nash hit baskets to ignite the surge. After a jumper by Howard at the other end, Barbosa buried a three-pointer and Marion's dunk capped the burst.
The onslaught continued as the hosts opened the final frame on a 17-4 surge. Diaw scored six points and Barbosa drained two more three-pointers as the lead swelled to 96-71 with five minutes before coasting the rest of the way.
'We forced some turnovers,' Nash recalled. 'When we can get some easy shots off transitional turnovers we're pretty tough.'
Nowitzki knows the Mavericks must regroup, if they want to advance to the first NBA Finals appearance in franchise history.
'We knew it's going to be a long series from the start,' Nowitzki said. 'In the playoffs, especially in the Western Conference finals, nothing is going to be given to us. We have to go out and take it.'
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