Suns Bench Looks to Again Play Major Role in Game 6 vs. Mavericks

Lacking in Games 3 and 4, Phoenix's bench arrived at the right time to turn the tide of the series.

The starters for the Phoenix Suns can't be questioned. 

The duo of Chris Paul and Devin Booker is regarded as one of the best backcourts in the league, while Deandre Ayton is well on his way to earning a max contract thanks to his play in the paint. 

Jae Crowder and Mikal Bridges slot as forwards in what has been a fairly successful lineup for head coach Monty Williams.

However, for any team to make a deep run into the NBA Finals, strong play off the bench is not a luxury, but rather a necessity to get there. 

Last season, the Suns nearly won it all with significant contributions from the bench. 

This year's playoff push will require no different path.

After handling the New Orleans Pelicans in the first round of the NBA playoffs, the Dallas Mavericks have pushed Phoenix to their limits after the Suns took a quick 2-0 lead in the series. 

As a team, the Suns couldn't quite handle whatever Dallas threw at them for 48 minutes. Phoenix constantly found themselves either in foul trouble, turning the ball over or simply not being good enough on the defensive end of the court.

That narrative changed in Game 5, where the Suns took a commanding 3-2 series lead thanks to some of their best basketball played to date. 

"We've hung our hat on that all year. Guys being able to step up when their number's called, even if it's not called every night and keeping that team-first attitude (is important)," said Cam Johnson to Arizona Sports 98.7 FM on Thursday.

It was a game where all cylinders began to fire for Phoenix after a slow start to the first quarter. Booker (28) and Ayton (20) both contributed 20+ point outings to bring Dallas back down to Earth. 

Phoenix's bench and their roles can't be overlooked either, especially after disappointing showings in their last road trip to Dallas. 

In Games 3 and 4, the Suns saw a combined 43 points off the bench in that two-game stretch. Help outside of the starting five came too sparingly, and the Mavericks were able to take advantage down the stretch. 

Game 5 was a different story, as Phoenix's bench combined for a whopping 38 points against Dallas with three players leading the charge. 

Cam Johnson

In 25 minutes, Johnson managed to score 14 points (third on the entire team) including 5-8 shooting from the field. Johnson also tallied 2 rebounds/steals with a block and assist to his name as well.

Bismack Biyombo

In 21 minutes, Biyombo grabbed six rebounds and added an assist to his seven points. Biyombo helped relieve Ayton when he ran into early foul trouble and continued Phoenix's desire to remain physical on the court in the late stages of the game. 

Landry Shamet

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. 

Now, as the Suns look to wrap up their second series of the NBA playoffs, Phoenix again will need a strong outing from their other unit in order to make their second consecutive Western Conference Finals. 

Game 6 is Thursday, May 12 at 6:30 pm Arizona time and can be found on ESPN.