Preview: Mavericks Look to Rebound Against Winless Jazz with Focus on Fouls, Defense, and Supporting Dončić

The Mavericks host the Jazz, aiming to improve defense, reduce fouls, and support Luka Dončić. Dallas seeks a bounce-back win against Utah’s young, winless lineup.

DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks will host the Utah Jazz on Monday night at American Airlines Center, aiming to bounce back from a road loss to the Phoenix Suns. The Mavericks’ high-powered offense, led by Luka Dončić, Kyrie Irving, and Klay Thompson, will face a Jazz team still seeking its first win.

DALLAS (1-1): The Mavericks opened their season with a thrilling victory over the San Antonio Spurs. However, their recent 114-102 loss to the Phoenix Suns exposed some early-season challenges, particularly with fouling. Phoenix attempted 37 free throws, slowing Dallas' offensive flow and preventing a consistent rhythm. Despite this, Dončić put up a game-high 40 points and 10 rebounds, while Thompson and Irving combined for 41 points. With three-point shooting prowess—Dončić (37.5%), Irving (41.7%), and Thompson (50%)—the Mavericks will look to exploit their perimeter shooting against Utah’s younger lineup.

Last season, Dallas won three of four games against the Jazz, with Dončić averaging 30.5 points, 11.5 assists, and 9.3 rebounds. In their last meeting on March 25, 2024, Dončić posted a triple-double (29 points, 12 rebounds, 13 assists) to secure a 115-105 win. The Mavericks have also won eight of the last ten meetings and 32 of the last 40 matchups in Dallas.

UTAH (0-2): The Jazz come to Dallas following a 127-86 home loss to the Golden State Warriors, marking the second-worst home loss in franchise history. Head coach Will Hardy shifted Saturday’s practice to a film review, highlighting defensive urgency and competitive intensity as areas of focus. Lauri Markkanen, who averages 24 points, struggled against Golden State, limited to just 13 points on 4-for-17 shooting. Hardy emphasized the need for physical play, noting that no Jazz player fouled in Golden State’s 38-point third quarter.

The Jazz are rebuilding under Hardy, relying on young talents like Walker Kessler, Keyonte George, and Taylor Hendricks to develop alongside Markkanen. Although they’re facing growing pains, Utah’s emerging core hopes to progress in a challenging matchup against Dallas.

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How to Watch and Listen

Date & Time: Monday, October 28, 2024, 7:30 p.m. CST
Location: American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX
TV: KFAA-29; MavsTV Stream
Radio: KEGL 97.1 FM; 99.1 FM Zona MX (Spanish)

Injury Report

Utah Jazz

• Drew Eubanks: Questionable (illness)

• Isaiah Collier: Out (right hamstring strain)

• Johnny Juzang: Out (right thumb sprain)

• Micah Potter, Jason Preston, and Oscar Tshiebwe: Out (G League - Two-Way)

Dallas Mavericks

• Danté Exum: Out (right wrist surgery)

• Maxi Kleber: Out (right hamstring strain)

• Jazian Gortman: Out (G League - Two-Way)

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Matchup Notes

Last Matchup Recap: Mavericks 115, Jazz 105

The Mavericks defeated the Jazz 115-105 in their final regular-season matchup on March 25, 2024, at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City. Luka Dončić led Dallas with a triple-double, recording 29 points, 12 rebounds, and 13 assists. Kyrie Irving contributed 27 points, and P.J. Washington added 16.Daniel Gafford impressed defensively with 11 rebounds and five blocks. Utah’s Lauri Markkanen led the Jazz with a game-high 34 points, shooting 6-of-9 from beyond the arc. The Mavericks held off a competitive Jazz team with a 27-17 advantage in the fourth quarter to seal the victory and secure a 3-1 season series edge over Utah.

The Mavericks and Jazz played a tight game that featured nine lead changes and seven ties. Utah led 66-61 at halftime and briefly held their largest lead of eight points in the second quarter. However, Dallas gained control in the second half, outscoring Utah 27-22 in the third quarter and pulling away in the final period with a 13-point lead. The Mavericks’ late-game composure allowed them to close out the win on the road.

Series History

The Mavericks hold an 83-108 all-time record against the Jazz but have dominated recent matchups, winning eight of the last ten meetings, including seven straight at home. Dallas has also taken the season series in the past two years (3-1 in both 2022-23 and 2023-24). In a standout moment, the Mavericks scored 147 points in a 50-point win over Utah on Dec. 6, 2023, the sixth time in franchise history Dallas won by a 50-point margin. Dončić registered a 40-point triple-double through three quarters in that game, passing Larry Bird on the all-time triple-doubles list.

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Storylines to Watch