Jazz-Mavs Thriller: Dallas Edges Utah in High-Scoring Affair
In a thrilling back-and-forth game between two of the NBA’s highest-scoring teams, the Dallas Mavericks edged out the Utah Jazz 113-111 in a prime-time matchup on Monday night. The game lived up to its billing as an offensive showcase, with both teams lighting up the scoreboard from start to finish.
Dallas entered the game as 8-point favorites, but the Jazz came out firing, jumping out to a 46-45 lead after the first quarter. Utah’s hot shooting was led by John Collins, who had 13 points in the opening frame and finished with 25 points and 6 rebounds.
However, the Mavericks refused to go away, thanks to the brilliance of Luka Doncic. The superstar guard was unstoppable, pouring in 34 points, grabbing 9 rebounds, and dishing out 7 assists. His scoring outbursts in the second and third quarters kept Dallas within striking distance.
The fourth quarter was a classic duel, with both teams trading haymakers. The lead changed hands multiple times in the final minutes, setting up a dramatic finish. With the game tied at 111 and under 30 seconds left, Doncic found Daniel Gafford cutting to the basket for the go-ahead layup.
On Utah’s final possession, Collin’s potential game-tying jumper rimmed out, securing the 113-111 victory for the Mavericks.
“It was an incredible game, back-and-forth the whole way,” said Doncic. “We knew Utah would come out firing after our win last week. They have so many scoring threats, but we were able to get just enough stops down the stretch.”
The win improves Dallas’ record to 42-29 on the season and keeps them firmly in the playoff picture in the hyper-competitive Western Conference. For Utah, the loss drops them to 29-43 and makes their postseason hopes look bleak.
Both teams will have a quick turnaround, with the Mavericks hosting the Clippers on Wednesday, while the Jazz head to Sacramento to take on the Kings. Fans will be hoping for more offensive fireworks in those contests after this scintillating duel in Salt Lake City.