Dallas MavericksOpen full analysis
Utah JazzOpen full analysis
The Utah Jazz edged the Dallas Mavericks 116–114 on January 8 at Delta Center in a tight contest that fell short of the 243.5-point Vegas total. Lauri Markkanen led Utah with 33 points, supported by Kai George's 19 points, as the Jazz shot 49.5 percent from the field and made 13 three-pointers. Dallas countered with Donovan Flagg's 26 points and Klay Thompson's 23, connecting on 15 threes while shooting 51.8 percent overall—yet turnovers proved costly, with 20 miscues compared to Utah's 9. The Jazz controlled the second quarter, outscoring Dallas 24–26 in that stretch, and their defense held firm down the stretch despite the Mavericks' superior shooting efficiency. Utah's 115.8 offensive rating and 112.1 defensive rating proved just enough to secure the two-point victory at home. The loss leaves Dallas searching for consistency as the Jazz move closer to the playoff picture in the Western Conference.
