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Dallas Mavericks Beat Jazz, Show Real Promise in NBA Cup Standings
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- Dallas Mavericks Beat Jazz, Show Real Promise in NBA Cup Standings
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
The Dallas Mavericks beat the Utah Jazz on Friday night at the American Airlines Center, winning 112-110.
The first half was back and forth, with Utah finally looking the part of a competent NBA team. In the third quarter, though, Dallas was able to pull ahead, establishing a 16-point lead. Kyrie Irving-- who was in trade rumors --remained a steady hand for Dallas. Remember, he single-handedly kept the Mavericks in their loss to the Spurs before the rest of the roster finally kicked into gear.
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Cooper Flagg finished with 21 points, looking much more confident than he did on Wednesday. However, he only shot 7-for-16 from the floor. Even though he's quite clearly the franchise player and biggest star on the team, having veterans like Irving and PJ Washington goes a long way.
Washington led Dallas with 26 points.
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Mavericks Made Strides in NBA Cup
With the win, the Mavericks advance to 2-0 in the NBA Cup. They are the leaders in West Group A, with Utah falling to 1-1, the Nuggets at 1-0, and the Suns and the Rockets both sitting at 0-1.
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With the 12-point win over Utah, the Mavericks also extend their point differential in the Cup to +19 points.
While advancing in the NBA Cup is ultimately no major prize, the young Mavericks seem to be ahead of schedule. Playing meaningful basketball this early in the season is a refreshing change of pace from last season, and the Cup could be a stepping stone.
Rookie Morez Johnson recorded his first double-double, finishing with 13 points and 17 rebounds. Along with Flagg, who is just as good as advertised, the Mavericks have one of the most promising young frontcourts in the NBA.
Utah, meanwhile, was also expected to take big steps this season. However, after the loss, the Jazz are 1-8 this season. Unlike most top-five picks, second-overall selection Darryn Peterson has been relegated to role-player duties, although he did set a career-high with xpoints, taking over for the Jazz in the fourth quarter.
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The Jazz were led by 24 points by Lauri Markkanen. The team shot a solid 38.5 percent from 3-point range, which is usually good enough to win (if not be competitive), although the Mavericks outrebounded Utah 63-45
That gritty, physical playstyle has come to define Dallas this season, and after advancing to 5-4, above .500, it's time to take them seriously. So far, the NBA Cup has been a litmus test for the season, and the Mavericks are passing with flying colors.
