Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic lead Dallas Mavericks to victory over Utah Jazz

The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Utah Jazz in a close game. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving were once again guarantors of victory. Tim Hardaway Jr. also stays hot, but the Mavs have a lot of trouble and only just win with 120:116

Dallas Mavericks (34-32) – Utah Jazz (31-35) 120:116 (BOXSCORE)

Scarce box in Dallas. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving combined for 62 points for the Mavs and a win in the tight game against a weakened Utah Jazz. Although they were without Jordan Clarkson, Collins Sexton and Walker Kessler, they were led by the recovered Lauri Markkanen. The Finn had 33 points and six rebounds. Irving also managed to do that, and he also gave eight assists. Doncic played a double-double with 29 points and 11 rebounds. His 6 assists are a little below his average, but the Slovenian always managed to decode the Jazz’s defense with clever passes, even if this was not noted in the box score.

Tim Hardaway Jr. helped out from the bench and hit 7 threes (24 points). Maxi Kleber was able to record 5 points and 7 rebounds in 26 minutes, but was still missing the accuracy from the outside (1/4). Talen Horton-Tucker gave Utah 21 points but caused concern with 5 turnovers. Mavs starter Reggie Bullock injured his quadriceps and only played eight minutes.

Defensive fanatics were disappointed right at the start of the game. Both teams allowed many open throws early on. Doncic was active as usual and collected 12 points in the first quarter. There was an acute risk of burns when high-fiving Tim Hardaway Jr. The microwave scored ten points in a row. However, the Mavs could not break away because the Jazz worked properly on the offensive board. Substituting Maxi Kleber couldn’t change that.

In the second quarter, Irving also helped diligently. First an assist for Hardaway, then a quick three of his own, followed by a stepback. The Texans had a 14-point lead at one point. But Dallas couldn’t save the lead at half-time. Led by Markkanen, the Jazz fought their way back into the game bit by bit. The Finnish put the end with a tip-in and equalized 59-59 at the break. Both teams shot at the same number of times and gave the same number of assists.

NBA: Dallas Mavericks – Kyrie Irving decides tight game against Utah Jazz

In the third quarter, Justin Holiday was able to recommend himself after four tickets with two threes. After two missed Markkanen free throws, Doncic ensured the 8-point lead with another triple. As a result, it wasn’t particularly important that the Slovenian made a relatively unchallenged dunk attempt on the ring. However, Utah remained within striking distance thanks to Kris Dunn (9 points in the third). Kleber was also able to score his first two points in the box score with a nice dunking. Dallas went into the final quarter with a narrow 87-86 lead.

Now it was Irving’s turn again. Neither team had a decisive advantage when Uncle Drew decided to take matters into his own hands. First he pulled the foul, followed by a threesome. With two minutes left, Holiday Markkanen blocked and netted a triple. Seven-point lead Mavericks. Doncic missed the decision after a strong stepback and a completely open threesome. After a step error by Irving and a layup by Horton-Tucker, the lead melted to three points. An airball gave jazz hope again. But Dallas coach Jason Kidd fouled Horton-Tucker to avoid an equalizer. The former Laker hit the first free throw and missed the ring on the second try. Irving then made the final score from the line.

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