Irving and Dinwiddie propel the Mavericks past the Jazz 110-102, overcoming Dončić’s shooting struggles with strong bench support and strategic adjustments.
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.”
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Thompson’s perimeter play continued to show promising chemistry with Dončić and Irving, as Kidd noted that while their synergy is still developing, the quality of open looks is a positive indicator. “They’re not going to make every shot, but if we can get quality shots like that, we’ll live with the results,” he added.
Kidd noted that, while it would take time for Dončić and Thompson to fully mesh, the quality of open looks has been encouraging. “They’re not going to make every shot, but if we can get quality shots like that, we’ll live with the results,” Kidd said.
In the third quarter, Dinwiddie provided a major spark off the bench. After going scoreless in the first half, he erupted with 11 points in the quarter, including a crucial three-pointer that helped the Mavericks extend their lead to 82-70 entering the fourth. Lively’s backward dunk further energized the crowd, bolstering Dallas’ momentum.
“Spence came in, being the first off the bench, and delivered,” Kidd said. “The spark from the bench picked up Luka, who didn’t have a Luka-type game, and helped us find a way to win.”
Lively acknowledged the bench’s role in maintaining energy. “Just electric: Having my teammates stand up, having the fans stand up, just gets the team going,” he said.
Utah battled back in the fourth quarter, trimming the lead to 101-95. However, Dončić hit a critical three-pointer to regain control, followed by free throws from Irving and a dunk from Washington to secure the game, showcasing the value of veteran poise under pressure.
Taylor Hendricks’ Gruesome Injury and Irving’s Response
The game took a somber turn in the third quarter when Taylor Hendricks suffered a gruesome leg injury. With just under six minutes remaining in the period, Hendricks collapsed near the baseline, his right leg giving way without contact. Paramedics rushed onto the court and wheeled him off, leaving both teams visibly shaken by the incident.
Kyrie Irving, who has witnessed similar injuries in his career, expressed his sympathy and concern for Hendricks after the game.
“I gave him a hand on the shoulder, but I’m sure he was in shock,” Irving said. “I’ve unfortunately been a part of a few of those injuries happening on the court, and it does something to the psyche as an athlete. You’re praying for him, praying for his family, and hoping he comes back even stronger.”
Dončić’s Off Shooting Night and Irving’s Response
Dončić’s 5-for-22 shooting night underscored some offensive challenges, as Utah effectively defended his drives and limited his scoring. Rather than forcing shots, Dončić shifted his focus to playmaking, tallying nine rebounds and eight assists. Irving, recognizing his teammate’s off-night, adjusted by “pressing the gas” offensively to give Dallas the edge.
“I pressed the gas a little bit,” Irving said. “Basketball is an up-and-down game. Nights like that happen, whether it’s me struggling or not finding my shot as soon as I would like, but we all have to pick each other up.”
Kidd noted Dončić’s adaptability, explaining, “He’s human, and we saw that tonight. But he really leaned on his teammates to create plays and wide-open looks.”
Strategic Adjustments: Taking Away the Lob Play
A significant challenge for Dallas has been teams increasingly defending against their lob plays by packing the paint. Kidd explained how Dallas has adapted to opponents’ strategies, using offensive rebounds and different scoring methods to counter these tactics.
“The league has taken the lob away from us,” Kidd noted. “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.”
Lively detailed how Dallas has adjusted as defenses deploy coverages designed to cut off lob plays. “We’re not getting as many lobs, but that means we’re putting the defense in rotation, swinging to the corner or wing, and making the ball move,” Lively said. “If we don’t get it on the first pick-and-roll action, swing, swing—second side drive. We can get a lob then, or we can get a little duck-in and find other ways to play.”
Lively explained that the added attention on Dallas’ lob threat has required the team to be more precise with movement and spacing. “Everyone’s watched us play throughout the whole postseason, so that’s why everyone’s focusing a lot on the lob because we were ‘Lob City’ last year,” he added. “Since they’re focusing on that, we’re going to pick them apart on the weaknesses on the other end.”
Washington’s Role in Transition
Washington’s contributions in transition have become a focal point for Dallas, which prioritizes pushing the pace to keep defenses off balance. Known for his versatility, Washington has been tasked with initiating or finishing in transition, and against Utah, his ability to attack the paint created advantages.
“One of our strengths is getting out and running,” Kidd said. “PJ is that guy who can go coast-to-coast or be on the other end for lobs. His intent on getting the ball into the paint was really high tonight.”
Rotation Adjustments and New Additions
As the Mavericks continue refining their rotation early in the season, head coach Jason Kidd made notable adjustments in Monday’s game, featuring Spencer Dinwiddie for the first time this season in place of Jaden Hardy. Dinwiddie’s impact was immediate, as his 11-point burst in the third quarter helped spark Dallas’ decisive run. Kidd emphasized the importance of players stepping up and contributing positively whenever called upon.
“If you’re not positive, you don’t have a seat,” Kidd said. “It’s just the name of the game—we’re in the business of winning, not feelings.” Kidd’s decision to adjust the bench rotation showcases his willingness to adapt based on matchups, with Dinwiddie seizing the opportunity to bring energy and defensive intensity off the bench.
In the frontcourt, Daniel Gafford continued to start at center, contributing 9 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 blocks in 20 minutes. Gafford’s defensive presence in the paint provided stability, but it was Lively who saw extended minutes, logging 26 off the bench and posting 14 points, 3 blocks, and high-energy plays that enlivened the Mavericks’ tempo and transition game.
The offseason additions also saw meaningful minutes. Naji Marshall played 15 minutes, contributing 4 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists, showing his versatility in rebounding and defensive positioning. Marshall’s impact was strongest on the glass and in hustle plays, though he continues to work on his scoring efficiency within the system. Quentin Grimes, logging 13 minutes, added 4 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist but struggled with his shooting, going 1-of-4 from the field and 0-of-2 from beyond the arc.
Looking Ahead: Developing Chemistry and Consistency
As Dallas prepares for a quick turnaround against the Minnesota Timberwolves, they’ll look to continue building their chemistry and refining both their offensive and defensive strategies. With Thompson’s shooting providing spacing and Dinwiddie bringing energy off the bench, the Mavericks are focused on maintaining consistency as the season progresses.
“We’re getting quality looks that just haven’t gone down,” Kidd said. “It’s early, but if we get these shots all season, we believe that we’re going to be one of the best offensive teams in the league.”
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