Lauri Markkanen poured in 33 points and grabbed seven rebounds to lead the Utah Jazz to a 116-114 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night at Delta Center. The win snapped Utah’s five-game losing streak and improved their record to 13-24.
Keyonte George supported with 19 points and seven assists. Brice Sensabaugh added 14 points while veteran Kevin Love recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Cooper Flagg paced Dallas with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists.
Klay Thompson came off the bench to drain six three-pointers and score 23 points, and Anthony Davis contributed 21 points and 11 rebounds for the Mavericks, who fell to 14-24.
Utah dominated the paint, outscoring Dallas 64-46 inside. The Jazz also capitalized on mistakes, scoring 25 points off 21 Dallas turnovers.
The hosts attacked the rim early and often. They scored 24 of their 34 first-quarter points in the paint, fueling a 22-6 run highlighted by Cody Williams slamming home three dunks in four possessions.
Utah built a 14-point lead in the second quarter. Markkanen capped a 15-5 spurt with a dunk to push the advantage to 53-39.
Dallas responded after halftime. Back-to-back threes from Naji Marshall and Max Christie gave the Mavericks a 61-60 edge to start the third.
The game stayed tight until late. Dallas scored on four straight possessions, including Christie’s triple, to grab a 107-100 lead with 4:39 remaining.
Utah then clamped down defensively. The Jazz held the Mavericks scoreless from the field for nearly four minutes and unleashed a 12-0 run.
Markkanen scored three consecutive baskets during the surge. Utah took a 112-107 lead with 1:41 left and closed the game by scoring on seven of its final nine possessions.
The Jazz shot 49 percent from the field and forced Dallas into 20 turnovers. The Mavericks connected on 15 threes but could not overcome the interior deficit and miscues.
Dallas heads to Chicago to face the Bulls on Saturday. Utah hosts the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday.
