These are two teams that were part of the “Big Three” in the West slightly more than a year ago.

Both teams were extremely exciting and featured old buddies.

It's not a secret the Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns aren't what they used to be. The Mavericks are fighting for the playoffs and are seemingly glued to the No. 8 seed. 

Meanwhile, the Suns appear to be headed to their first directly awarded lottery pick since Steve Nash returned to the desert.

Let’s break down each player in both starting lineups right now, along with their coaching and bench.


Coaching

Rick Carlisle has done a fine job with the Mavericks, considering the injuries (Josh Howard, Jerry Stackhouse) he has had to put up with.  When Antoine Wright is forced to start every game, it is impressive that the team can still be 43-30.

Carlisle’s player rotations are much more logical than Avery Johnson's. Needless to say, the defense is suspect. Johnson was much better in that category.

Former Suns head coach Terry Porter is an idiot. I'm sorry; there's nothing else to say. Alvin Gentry has brought the Suns back where they need to be. I mean, they lead the league in scoring for the season, even with Porter at the helm for a while.

Winner: Tie


Point Guard

Jason Kidd has done a fine job this year with the Mavs. Yes, his passing is magnificent, but his 41 percent three-point shooting is what stands out the most.

Kidd is a great point man for Dirk Nowitzki. What this team really needs is a shooting guard.

Steve Nash is Steve Nash though. I think we know who wins here.

Winner: Steve Nash


Shooting Guard

Antoine Wright or Jason Richardson? Yawn.

Winner: Jason Richardson


Small Forward

Josh Howard or Grant Hill? Well, Howard has only played 45 games this year. Hill has played every game. People would think it would be opposite considering Hill is injury prone. Phoenix has clearly had the edge at this position as well.

Winner: Grant Hill

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