Rick Carlisle: 'Monta Ellis stepped up when needed'

Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle has said that Monta Ellis played his "biggest game of the year" as the shooting guard helped to lead his side to victory over the Phoenix Suns.

The Mavs were able to grab the win after overcoming a double-digit deficit, thanks to standout performances from Ellis, who scored 27 points, while Dirk Nowitzki also added 23.

"Monta Ellis, at the time we needed him most, stepped up and played his biggest game of the year," Carlisle said after the game.

"He had to play the whole second half - we couldn't get him out."

The win sees Dallas sitting in third position in the Southwest Division and looking primed for the playoffs.