Suns: Three Storylines to Watch vs. Mavericks in Game 6

The Suns could potentially close the series out in Game 6 against the Mavericks. Here's three things to watch as the game unfolds in Dallas.

The Phoenix Suns are just one win away from advancing to the Western Conference Finals for a second straight season thanks to their 110-80 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 5. 

By now, you probably know that teams who win Game 5 in a 2-2 series go on to win 82% of the time. You're also probably aware that each home team is undefeated through five meetings between the Mavericks and Suns. 

Dallas will look to embrace the energy and feed off the fans of the American Airlines Center come Thursday evening. The Suns welcome another tough road test. 

"Us road warriors, we embrace it. Its fun, this is fun," Phoenix guard Devin Booker said following the win on Tuesday. 

The Mavericks now look to bounce back in major fashion and force a decisive Game 7 back in Phoenix, but adjustments will be much needed after a disappointing outing the last time they met the Suns. 

As for Monty Williams and company, the final nail in the coffin could come on Thursday night. Phoenix is 4-0 in their last four elimination games on the road, and 48 minutes separate the Suns from improving that record. 

Here's three storylines to watch as the Suns hit the road for Game 6 against Dallas:

Three Storylines to Watch vs. Mavericks in Game 6

Cam Payne's Potential Role (or lack thereof)

Cameron Payne's near-exclusion from Game 5 wasn't by mistake. Payne played just four minutes in Phoenix's victory on Tuesday after a rough stretch of games that saw him score two points on 1-9 shooting.

Rather, Williams opted for the talents of Landry Shamet in the backcourt.

Shamet logged 19 minutes in Game 5, adding eight points, four assists, three rebounds and one steal to the box score in what was an impressive showing. His minutes after halftime helped preserve Phoenix's large lead through the final seconds in their win against Dallas. 

We've seen Payne's role diminish slowly over this series, is it possible Williams reverts back to him in a crucial Game 6 on the road?

That's unlikely, but the choice ultimately rests in the hands of Phoenix's game plan. 

Three's Company

Prior to Game 5, we did a deep dive into whether or not the Mavericks could continue their hot form from downtown. 

Needless to say, Dallas' 8-32 (25%) failed to carry them to a victory in Phoenix. 

While the Mavericks will continue their lightning pace in shooting beyond the arc, the Suns must find a way to keep their defensive rotations close enough to impact shooters. 

And needless to say, they have a cast of players who want to rebound after a disappointing outing in Game 5. 

The Suns, focused on roping-off the paint, have taken their chances with three-point shooters this series. Can Dallas find their rhythm once more? The Mavericks have seen just two instances (Games 3 and 5) where they've shot below 41% from three-point territory. 

Chris Paul: King Closeout?

There's no doubting Chris Paul has been but a shell of himself in the last three games, and with current trends, it's easy to see why/how people are doubting who many have dubbed the Point God. 

Paul has 24 points and 13 turnovers in 95 minutes over the last three games along with 12 personal fouls. Phoenix is 1-2 in those games. 

Yet as the Suns stroll into Dallas, his recent history of closeout games in the playoffs gives hope that Paul will pull through in the clutch once more:

33 points on 100% shooting, 5 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 turnovers, 1 steal

41 points on 66.7% shooting, 4 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 steals, 0 turnovers

22 points on 42.1% shooting, 3 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 turnovers

37 points on 73.7% shooting, 3 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, 2 turnovers

Can Paul return to form just in time to push the Suns through to the next round? The numbers and history behind closeout games suggests that's very likely. We'll see if he's able to shake recent trends and return to the point guard those in the Valley have seen time and time again. 

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