SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH — The Mavericks extended their losing streak to 4 after losing to the Jazz 120-101, and the game was never close. Dallas has dealt with their fair share of problems with consistency, but the most consistent thing about this team right now is how they begin games.
It was a typical start to the game for the Mavericks. Turnovers, low defensive intensity and poor shooting from behind the three point line plagued Dallas placing them in an early bind with the Utah Jazz. The Mavericks scored 12 first quarter points and made 3 out of 19 of their shot attempts which is 16% their worst statistical quarter of the year finishing trailing by more than 20 points. The Jazz converted on 54% of their shots in the first quarter which tells you the glaring difference in offensive output between the two teams in the first quarter.
Second chance points and rebounding put the Mavericks behind the eight ball again and set the tone for the game.
The Mavericks offense gained some steam and some rhythm in their offense heading into the second quarter and made a solid push going on a 13-3 run, out-scoring the Jazz in a quarter for the first time in the season series. Dallas also stepped it up on the defensive end collecting 5 first half steals which led to scoring more points in the points off turnovers category.
Luka Doncic continued to be the heart beat of this Mavericks team that is still looking for an answer. Doncic finished the first half with 17 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists, but finished with a negative performance along with 9 out of the 10 players who saw the floor in the first half.
Dallas finished the first half with another poor performance from beyond the arc which added insult to injury and hampered the Mavericks scoring efforts, and allowed the Jazz to assert their lead.
Entering the third quarter the story was very much the same, as the Mavericks began a comeback attempt against the Jazz who rank among the league’s best in most offensive statistics. Dallas knocked down 38% of their shots which didn’t put a dent in the Jazz lead whatsoever. Utah knocked down the three ball at a high clip and got an outstanding performance from Bojan Bogdanovic scoring 17 in the third quarter and helped douse the Mavericks chances of coming back.
The fourth quarter was a game of keep away. Dallas needed to score fast if they wanted a chance to comeback and all the Jazz needed to do was continue to score at a minimal rate. The Mavericks converted on 52% of their shots from the field, outdoing the Jazz from the field. The Jazz maintained their 20 point lead and secured their 10th win in a row, and handed Dallas their fourth loss in a row which is the first time the Mavericks have lost 4 straight games in two years.
Chalk this up as the Mavericks fourth blowout loss suffered this season. It’s been a tough start, but the Mavericks have a foundation to what they are doing, it just hasn’t come to fruition as of yet. The Mavericks head home to face the Suns in hopes of regaining some momentum and a much needed win to begin their home stand.
