Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd is expecting an improved performance from Phoenix Suns point guard Chris Paul when the two teams meet for Game 4 on Sunday.
Dallas won the third meeting to reduce Phoenix's lead to 2-1 and the Mavs are 23/20 to level the series by winning Game 4 in the Money Line, while the Suns can be backed at 20/27 to open up a 3-1 series lead.
Paul scored 47 points across the first two games and is averaging 21.2 points-per-game, 9.2 assists and 4.9 rebounds in the play-offs this season, but he had a quiet night in Game 3 in Dallas on Friday.
Bullock bullish after Game 3 success
The 37-year-old managed just 12 points, four assists and seven rebounds as Dallas claimed a 103-94 win, with Paul largely contained by Mavs forward Reggie Bullock.
"CP is 37 years old. I'm 31," Bullock told the Mavs' official website. "So hopefully I got a little more energy in my tank than he did. He's a great player, but I just got to wear him down with my youth.
"I trust my backline behind me. He's going to get past me sometimes, but I know my team-mates will be there to cover. It started with me being aggressive, just trying to be attached to him. It's my turn to make life miserable for him."
Bullock will be tasked with guarding Paul again in Game 4, but Kidd isn't necessarily expecting the same result.
Kidd ready for Paul response
"His basketball IQ is off the charts," said Kidd, via Sportsnaut. "And he understands at this point of his career what's at stake and that's winning the championship. And that's what he's going for.
"He understands how to play the game. He picks his spots. He doesn't have to do it for 48 minutes, he doesn't have to do it for 36 minutes. He understands when it's winning time and he's delivered."
