The Dallas Mavericks moved on from their NBA Cup first-round loss to the Golden State Warriors on “Salute Captain Klay” night at the Chase Center on Tuesday night. The Mavericks tried to salvage the three-game road trip with a win against the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center on Thursday night. The Mavericks fell to the Jazz 115-113. Dallas dropped to 5-7, while Utah improved to 3-8.
Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with 37 points, six rebounds, and eight assists in 38 minutes. Naji Marshall followed up with 19 points, two rebounds, and four assists in 34 minutes. Klay Thompson added 17 points, four rebounds, and four assists in 28 minutes. Quentin Grimes had 15 points, four rebounds, and five assists in 36 minutes. Daniel Gafford scored 10 points, five rebounds, and one assist in 19 minutes.
Dallas Mavericks-Utah Jazz Recap
The Dallas Mavericks’ away game against the Utah Jazz was action-packed from start to finish. Before the game, Dallas’ injury report grew, as Kyrie Irving was added due to a right shoulder sprain. Irving’s injury could affect the Mavericks, as Luka Doncic has been playing through a right knee contusion. PJ Washington was out due to a right knee sprain and Dante Exum remained out following offseason right wrist surgery. Meanwhile, Utah’s injury report reported Walker Kessler as out with hip bursitis and Taylor Hendricks with a right fibula fracture.
The Mavericks starting lineup consisted of Luka Doncic, Quentin Grimes, Klay Thompson, Maxi Kleber, and Dereck Lively II. Lively II recovered from a right shoulder sprain after sustaining the injury during a warming up, while Kleber healed from a right hamstring sprain. Kleber’s spot in the team’s rotation remains unsafe, as the German Power Forward has struggled when returning to the court from previous injuries.
How the Game Unfolded
The first quarter saw a high-scoring affair between the two teams. Klay Thompson got the scoring started with a three-pointer in the opening minutes. Aside from Thompson’s scoring plays, Dallas’ defense successfully converted into offense, and Daniel Gafford’s hammer play was noteworthy. The Mavericks led the Jazz 28-27 at the end of the first.
The second quarter saw a similar affair between the two teams. Thompson continued to dominate with scoring plays, including three-pointers, to help the Mavericks’ cause. Daniel Gafford’s shot could’ve been described as “beautiful.” The Mavericks settled for a mere 64-61 lead over the Jazz at the halftime break, which might’ve bummed former Power Forward Carlos Boozer, who was in attendance.
The third quarter favored the Utah Jazz, who outscored the Mavericks to take control. The Mavericks’ efforts, such as Luka Doncic’s big bucket, essentially went to waste, as the Jazz made it rain with three-pointers. The Jazz also benefited from Drew Eubanks knocking the ball out of Klay Thompson’s hands to prevent a potential bucket. The Mavericks trailed the Jazz 99-85 after three quarters.
The fourth quarter favored the Dallas Mavericks, who outscored the Jazz but ultimately lost. Jordan Clarkson’s and-one was a significant play in the fourth. Clarkson has been playing for the Jazz since being traded to Salt Lake City, Utah, in exchange for now-Mavericks Guard Dante Exum and two future second-round draft picks on December 24, 2019. The Mavericks fell to the Jazz 115-113 in regulation.
Mavericks-Jazz Highlights
The game featured many highlights, such as Quentin Grimes’ hot hand in the first quarter. Grimes’ hot hand (a streak of making many consecutive shots) was apparent after his range shot between the paint and the three-point line. The 24-year-old entered the Mavericks’ starting lineup in relief of Kyrie Irving, who was out with a strained right shoulder.
For the Dallas Mavericks, Daniel Gafford’s rim shot in the second quarter. Gafford moved to the Mavericks’ bench ahead of Thursday’s game in favor of Dereck Lively II. Gafford’s move to the bench was the first of the season for the 26-year-old, who averaged 14.8 points and 6.5 rebounds per game while shooting 79.6% from the field through six games to start the 2024-25 NBA season.
For the Utah Jazz, Kyle Filipowski’s big bucket in the first quarter was a sight to see. Filipowski’s steps before the bucket made the play look easy. Filipowski played for the Jazz since signing a rookie contract on August 12, 2024, and was selected with the 32nd overall pick in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft. The 21-year-old was a standout Center at Duke University from 2022 to 2024.
Final Thoughts
On Tuesday, the Golden State Warriors edged the Dallas Mavericks 120-117 at the Chase Center. Tuesday was a return game for Klay Thompson, who played for the Warriors from 2011 to 2024, and “Salute Captain Klay” night. The Mavericks lost their third straight game, while the Warriors won their second straight. Stephen Curry sizzled late and ultimately had the last laugh.
Tuesday’s final score resembled a flashback for the Mavericks, who recalled the end of the 2022-23 NBA season when Kyrie Irving was brand-new to a Mavericks team like an engine with no oil at crunch time. The Mavericks’ woes, including but not limited to, the inability to close out games — an issue that re-appeared against the Warriors. The Mavericks missed five of their last six shots and had one possession end in a turnover.
Klay Thompson disliked when the Mavericks lost his first return game in the Bay Area. However, Thompson didn’t let the Mavericks’ loss ruin the joyful night the Warriors had planned. Thompson told the media, “I actually didn’t think much of (what to expect) because I wanted to go in here with an open mind … It was a really cool experience. I appreciate the fans very much.”
The Dallas Mavericks will return home and host the San Antonio Spurs at the American Airlines Center on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Central. Previously, Mavericks fans saw a halftime performance from American Idol finalist and Dallas native Jack Blocker. Blocker, 26, finished in third place on Season 22 of American Idol and took the court at the Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns game for his second performance at a Mavericks game this year.
