Klay Thompson delivered a vintage first-half performance and the Dallas Mavericks’ depth took over Saturday night, rolling past the Utah Jazz 138-120 to complete a two-game sweep in Salt Lake City.
Thompson scored all 23 of his points before halftime, including the 17,000th point of his career, as six Mavericks reached double figures. Coming off the bench, Thompson shot 7-of-12 from the field and knocked down six 3-pointers, leading Dallas in scoring for the second straight game in the absence of rookie Cooper Flagg.
Dallas and Utah met three times in a 10-day span, with the Mavericks rebounding from a narrow January 8 loss in Utah by winning the final two matchups by 22 and 18 points, respectively.
Despite missing Flagg (left ankle sprain) for a second straight game, along with Anthony Davis (finger), Kyrie Irving (knee) and P.J. Washington (personal reasons), the Mavericks never looked shorthanded. They jumped out to a 42-29 lead after one quarter and maintained control throughout.
Brandon Williams and Max Christie each scored 22 points for Dallas, while Naji Marshall added 16. Jaden Hardy chipped in 12 points and Dwight Powell finished with 10 as the Mavericks bounced back after winning just two of their previous five games.
Utah was led by Keyonte George’s 29 points, while Brice Sensabaugh scored 25 and rookie Ace Bailey added 18. Kyle Filipowski posted a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds, and Cody Williams scored 11, but the Jazz never seriously threatened after the opening quarter.
Lauri Markkanen, Utah’s leading scorer at 27.9 points per game, missed his third consecutive contest due to illness. Center Walker Kessler (shoulder) was also sidelined.
Up next:
The Jazz continue their road trip Monday at San Antonio, while the Mavericks head to New York to face the Knicks.
