The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Utah Jazz 112–100, claiming an important home win in NBA Cup group play. After an evenly contested opening, Dallas pulled away in the third quarter and protected the lead through the fourth quarter to seal the result.
Jazz made a strong start
Utah came out of the gate sharper and took the first quarter 28–26. Lauri Markkanen was the driving force behind the Jazz's offense, finishing with 24 points, eight rebounds and one assist. Darryn Peterson contributed 21 points, two rebounds and five assists.
Dallas responded with a more focused second quarter. The Mavericks took the period 31–29 to level the game at halftime. P.J. Washington shouldered the offensive load, finishing with 26 points, six rebounds and one assist.
Dallas pulled clear in the third quarter
After the break, the Mavericks shifted the balance of the game decisively. Dallas won the third quarter 32–19 to open up a 13-point lead. Cooper Flagg scored 15 points in that stretch and was a central figure in the home team's run.
Flagg finished the game with 21 points, ten rebounds and seven assists, recording a double-double in his rookie campaign. Keyonte George was equally versatile for Utah with 16 points, six rebounds and nine assists, but could not arrest the slide.
Mavericks controlled the lead
Utah won the fourth quarter 24–23, but Dallas held firm without surrendering the lead and closed out the win. Kyrie Irving added 14 points, two rebounds and two assists. Morez Johnson Jr. delivered another double-double for Dallas with 13 points, 17 rebounds and two assists.
W. Clayton also chipped in with 12 points, four rebounds and two assists. As a team, the Mavericks pulled down 55 rebounds and recorded 23 assists, while Utah finished with 41 rebounds and 25 assists. Dallas committed 16 turnovers and converted 25 of 31 free throws. The victory gives the Mavericks further ground in NBA Cup group play.
