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Dallas Mavericks Fall Prey to Playoff Hungry Jazz, 119-112

By Paul Wang

DALLAS, TX - MARCH 22: J.J. Barea #5 of the Dallas Mavericks is introduced prior to them game against the Utah Jazz on March 22, 2018 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Danny Bollinger/NBAE via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - MARCH 22: J.J. Barea #5 of the Dallas Mavericks is introduced prior to them game against the Utah Jazz on March 22, 2018 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Danny Bollinger/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Entering the night with playoff implications on the line, the Jazz trounced the Dallas Mavericks, 119-112, behind 26 points from rookie extraordinaire Donovan Mitchell.

Aside from Mitchell, each of Utah’s starters ended in double figures. Joe Ingles was particularly impressive, showing off his versatility with 18 points, 10 assists and 6 rebounds. Former Maverick, Jae Crowder, aided the Jazz’s multi-pronged attack off the bench with 11 points and 4 rebounds.

For the Dallas Mavericks, J.J. Barea continued to be steady as a rock in the absence of Dennis Smith. The veteran point guard paced the team with 23 points and 8 assists. However, Harrison Barnes and Yogi Ferrell were the only other Mavericks that reached double digits with 21 and 20 points respectively.

Tight throughout the first half, the Jazz opened the third quarter on an 11-2 spurt and never looked back. Although Dallas showcased its signature late game grit by cutting a 17-point deficit to 6, the result was never really in doubt.

Dirk Nowitzki, who is usually great against the Jazz, really struggled in the game, scoring only 4 points on 2-6 shooting. No Mavericks had more than 5 rebounds on the night.

Looking Ahead

The visiting Jazz breathe a sigh of relief as they rebounded from an ugly loss to the Hawks. At 41-31, they hold a 2 game cushion over the Denver Nuggets for the final playoff spot in the West. Worth noting, the Los Angeles Clippers can also crash the party at 2.5 games behind.

The Mavericks, on the other hand, can only hope to rejoin the race next year. Currently sitting at 22-50, Dallas has their sights set on the upcoming NBA draft. For coverage on the most promising prospects and latest draft news, be sure to stay tuned on The Smoking Cuban.

Next: Mo Bamba Could be the Dallas Version of Rudy Gobert

The Mavericks will have a day off before hosting Kemba Walker and the Charlotte Hornets on the 24th. Tip off is at 6:30 CT.

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