Kyrie Irving 'Pressed the Gas' to Help Lift Mavericks Over Jazz in Victory

Irving and Dinwiddie propel the Mavericks past the Jazz 110-102, overcoming Dončić’s shooting struggles with strong bench support and strategic adjustments.

Photo via Dallas Mavericks

DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks rebounded from a rough outing in Phoenix with a 110-102 victory over the Utah Jazz on Monday night at American Airlines Center. Key contributions from Kyrie Irving and Spencer Dinwiddie off the bench propelled Dallas to a 2-1 record, while the Jazz remained winless at 0-3.

Irving led Dallas with 23 points, six rebounds, and nine assists, while Dinwiddie’s 11 points and pesky defense, along with Dereck Lively II’s 14 points and 3 blocks, added crucial energy from the bench. Klay Thompson contributed 18 points and effectively spaced the floor, supporting Luka Dončić as he worked through a cold shooting night. Dončić scored 15 points on 5-of-22 shooting (1-of-9 from deep) but contributed 9 rebounds, 8 assists, and competitive defense. Though P.J. Washington is still finding his shot from the perimeter (0-of-4 on threes), he was disruptive defensively, adding 12 points, 11 rebounds, 4 steals, and 2 blocks.

The Jazz had a balanced attack led by Collin Sexton’s 23 points, with Lauri Markkanen and rookie Keyonte George each adding 17. Walker Kessler recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, while John Collins and Jordan Clarkson contributed 16 and 13 points, respectively.

How the Mavericks Defeated the Jazz

Dallas opened with a deliberate emphasis on tempo, especially in transition, but struggled early on the boards as Utah capitalized with seven offensive rebounds in the first quarter. However, Irving provided a late scoring boost, hitting two three-pointers in the final 40 seconds to give Dallas a 27-19 lead. His timely shots gave the Mavs a lift and exemplified the veteran’s leadership in crucial game moments.

“I feel like we’re headed in the right direction, but we’ve still got to be better, man,” Irving said about the team’s overall effort. “We’re nowhere close to our championship habits right now. We’re in that developmental stage, trying not to get too frustrated but also stay encouraged; stay motivated.”

In the second quarter, Thompson’s offensive rhythm and Lively’s versatility began to pay dividends, with Utah focusing on clogging the paint to limit Dallas’ signature lob plays. Lively adapted by leaning on his offensive rebounding and short-range jump hooks to provide essential scoring. Thompson hit a timely three late in the half, helping the Mavericks head to the locker room up 49-43.

Head coach Jason Kidd highlighted Lively’s ability to adjust as teams attempt to take away the lob, noting, “The league has taken the lob away from us. Looking at [Lively] being able to offensive rebound and also having the little jump hook with both the left and right—it’s something we can go to. He’s got great hands, and his ability to finish was strong tonight.”