Mavericks look to rebound at Jazz after Blazers beating

Tip-Off: 8 PM CT

The Dallas Mavericks (3-2) will look to to bounce back on the road against the Utah Jazz (2-3) after their 108-87 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers (3-2).

The Mavs endured another poor third quarter after leading 50-46 at the half in Portland. They would get outscored 37-18 in the period and 62-37 for the half.

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LaMarcus Aldridge would lead the way for the Blazers; he finished with 20 points on 10-16 shooting and seven rebounds. Damian Liliard would add 18 points and six assists. Six other Blazers would score at least eight points.

Dirk Nowitzki led the way for Dallas with 17 points, but he’d go 6-17 from the floor. Monta Ellis, foul plagued, and Chandler Parsons would combine for just 25 points on 11-26 shooting.

The Jazz are coming off a thrilling win against the Cleveland Cavaliers. After a game-tying three by LeBron James, Gordon Hayward would put the Jazz on top with his buzzer beating jumper.

Tonight’s matchup pins two of the NBA’s top ranked offenses against each other.

Next: Mavs need another Piece

Game One

The Mavs home opener was against this same Jazz squad. Nowitzki and Parsons both pitched in 21 points in the 120-102 win while five other Mavs would score in double figures.  All five Jazz starters would score in double figures.

Grades and Recap of game one.

Max vs Max

Hayward vs Parsons might be the key to the game. After signing a max deal, it seems Hayward is ready to step up and lead this young Jazz squad. He’s averaging a career high 19.2 points this season and is shooting 50% from the floor and 35.7% from three.

Parsons has had mixed results for the Mavs so far. He’s combined to score 16 points in the two losses; both also being on the road. Despite the poor outings, he’s averaging 17.2 points and 4.4 rebounds.

Third Quarter Debacles

The Mavs haven’t figured out their third quarter issues just yet. In the five games this season, they’ve been outscored 170-106 during the period. They’ve averaged just 21.2 points in the period.

BTB Villians

The Mavericks will be the third team to stroll in Utah on a back-to-back this season. The Jazz took down both playoff hopefuls Phoenix Suns and Cavs early on in this season.

The Mavs went 6-0 last season on the second end of back-to-backs. The Jazz will be an early season test to see if they can build off last season’s winning ways.

Final Thoughts

Six Jazz players average double figures. Derrick Favors ,18.4 points and 8 rebounds (leads team), will be another tough matchup for the Mavs. Along with Hayward and Favors, Trey Burke and Alec Burks will test the Mavs’ perimeter defense. Both combined to average just under 26 points and put up 31 total in the first meeting.

The Jazz have shown they can score and will make it a team effort. The Mavs defense will be tested from all angles.

If the Mavs hope to avoid going 3-3, they must find a way to defend the perimeter and have a strong 48 minutes.

In the stacked West, every win matters.