DALLAS — Point guard Deron Williams scored 27 and the Dallas Mavericks did enough late to subdue the injury-depleted Phoenix Suns 91-78 Sunday night at American Airlines Center.
The Mavericks (28-22) went on a 21-3 run in the fourth quarter to pull away and finish off a three-game sweep of the season series with Phoenix.
The Suns fell to 14-25 after their fourth consecutive loss and 10th in their last 11 games. Phoenix, which is 2-19 since Dec. 20, led going into the fourth and held a 73-68 edge early in the final period.
The Mavericks continued their mastery over teams at the bottom of the standings, improving to 20-6 against teams with losing records.
Phoenix has lost 14 in a row on the road, tied for the second-longest such streak in franchise history.
Williams had his second-highest scoring game of the season on a night where the Mavericks were without power forward Dirk Nowitzki, who was rested on the front end of a back-to-back. Williams made 10 of 19 shots, including 2 of 5 3-pointers, and dished out four assists.
Mavericks small forward Chandler Parsons scored 15, with 12 coming in the first half. Point guard Raymond Felton, starting because of Nowitzki’s absence, had 10 points and six assists. Center Zaza Pachulia grabbed 15 rebounds.
Rooking shooting guard Devin Booker paced the Suns with 19 points. Power forward Mirza Teletovic scored 14, but shot just 3 of 11. Center Tyson Chandler had 12 points and 13 boards.
The Suns were without their starting backcourt of shooting guard Eric Bledsoe and point guard Brandon Knight.
Phoenix took a 65-60 lead in the third on a 10-0 run, with the last eight points coming Booker.
The Mavericks tied it at 65-65 after guard J.J. Barea scored five in a row, including a 3-pointer after Dallas had missed 10 straight from beyond the arc.
The Mavericks went into halftime up 51-45 by closing the second quarter with a 14-6 spurt. Williams had 18 points at the break.
Phoenix opens a season-long seven-game homestand Tuesday against Toronto.
NOTES: Dallas PF Dirk Nowitzki sat out Sunday against the Suns in order to play Monday at Atlanta. “He’s not playing back-to-backs right now,” Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said. … Asked if the Mavericks are currently engaged in any trade talks, owner Mark Cuban said: “There’s nothing really tempting us, no conversations.” … Dallas G Devin Harris (sprained toe) missed his fourth consecutive game due to a sprained toe. … Phoenix PG Brandon Knight (groin strain) has missed his past six games. … Suns F T.J. Warren was out with a right ankle impingement. … The Suns and Mavericks met for the third and final time this season.