3 keys for Dallas Mavericks to defeat the Utah Jazz in potential playoff preview

Key to Dallas Mavericks defeating Utah Jazz: 3. Limit 3s

The Jazz take 40.6 3-pointers per game, which is the second-most in the NBA. Their success depends on knocking them down. They have the seventh-best percentage in the league at 36.3, but when they get knocked out of their rhythm it can be a long night.

Utah leads the NBA in offensive rating at 116.1 this season, but they are 15th over the last five games as the Jazz have shot just 34.0 percent from 3-point range. They are not the best defensive team, especially on the perimeter, but if Utah is sinking threes they can beat any team.

Donovan Mitchell is the key to the Jazz’s offensive success. The All-Star guard has shot 40 percent or better from 3-point range in 25 contests this season, and Utah has lost just three of those games. When Mitchell makes five or more 3-pointers, the Jazz are 14-4.

The Mavericks need to make sure they run the 6’1 guard off the line, and they must contest every outside shot on Sunday night if they want to walk away with the victory and vault themselves into fourth in the Western Conference. Expect Dorian Finney-Smith to guard Mitchell, and he has held the All-Star guard to four of 14 shooting in the first three meetings. It will be a matchup to watch on March 27.