Dallas Mavericks Struggle in Close Loss to Utah Jazz, 115-113
The Dallas Mavericks (5-7) entered this game on a three-game losing streak, hoping to turn things around against the struggling Utah Jazz (3-8), the worst team in the Western Conference. However, the Mavs couldn’t get the job done, falling 115-113 in a game they fought hard to get back into.
The first half saw the two teams even, but the Mavs were outplayed in the second, falling behind by as much as 16 points early in the fourth quarter (11:20 mark). Thanks to some gritty defense and a nearly five-minute scoring drought by the Jazz between 6:42 and 3:22 in the fourth, Dallas made a comeback and even took the lead. But a dunk from John Collins in the final moments sealed the victory for the Jazz, giving them their first home win of the season.
Here are a few key stats from the game:
5: Lively’s Defensive Impact
Dereck Lively was a standout defensively, especially during the Mavs’ comeback attempt. In limited minutes, he recorded 4 blocks and 1 steal, playing a major role in Dallas cutting the deficit and even taking a 2-point lead with 1:33 left in the game. Without his defensive presence, the comeback likely wouldn’t have been possible. However, staying out of foul trouble is key for him moving forward.
4/20: Mavs’ Struggles from 3 in the Second Half
The Mavs shot well from beyond the arc in the first half, hitting 8 of 19 attempts. But their shooting cooled off dramatically in the second half, making just 4 of 20 from three-point range. This shooting slump was a major factor in their inability to close out the game.
10: Rebounding Deficit
The Mavericks were out-rebounded 40-30, including a 16-11 deficit on the offensive glass. Luka Dončić was the only player to grab more than 5 boards, leaving a lot to be desired on the boards for Dallas. The Mavs’ failure to box out and secure crucial rebounds was a significant factor in the loss.
8: Combined Points Lost in the Last 4 Games
The Mavericks have now lost 4 straight games by a combined 8 points, making them the first team in 15 years—and just the fourth team in the three-point era—to lose 4 consecutive games by one possession. It’s been a painful stretch for Dallas, as they just can’t seem to close out close games.
The Mavs will try to turn things around on Saturday night when they host their division rivals, the San Antonio Spurs (6-6). Let’s hope they can break this tough streak and get back on track.
