The Utah Jazz will play again on Friday night in Salt Lake City when they host the Phoenix Suns, but it’s hard to predict what will happen on the Delta Center court.
If NBA games could give fans whiplash, many Jazz supporters might be in neck braces after last week’s games. Utah followed a tough 27-point loss at Oklahoma City on Tuesday with an unexpected 141-99 win at Portland on Friday.
However, things turned around quickly on Sunday in Sacramento, where the Jazz gave up 141 points while only scoring 97. “Yeah,” Jazz coach Will Hardy said after the loss in Sacramento, “we got our butts kicked.”
Utah will have a short stop at home against the Suns, coming off a rough stretch where they lost six of seven games and 10 of 12. After this game, the Jazz will go on a five-game road trip from Dec. 16-26, traveling to Los Angeles to face the Clippers, then to Detroit, Brooklyn, Cleveland, and back to Portland.
For Utah to be competitive during this tough stretch, they will need to improve on both offense and defense. In the loss to Sacramento, the Kings shot 22 of 44 from three-point range, while Utah made only 38.8% of its shots overall.
The result wasn’t good.
“That’s the way the NBA can feel now,” Hardy said. “Games can feel crazy when teams get hot shooting the ball from kind of everywhere.”
Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns
Although neither Lauri Markkanen nor Kyle Filipowski made a big impact in the loss, both players returned for the Jazz, which could help during this upcoming road trip.
Keyonte George had a strong performance against the Kings, scoring 25 points on 8-of-14 shooting, along with six assists and four steals. Johnny Juzang scored a season-high 22 points in the win at Portland.
“We are in this space of guys being in and out, and it’s tough for young players to find continuity,” Hardy said. “I think for any team to find a level and sustain we do need to have continuity.”
The Suns are finishing up a four-game road trip, with their second visit to Utah this season. Phoenix won 120-112 on Nov. 12.
Phoenix has had a rough time on this trip, losing to New Orleans, Miami, and Orlando, and they are closer to the bottom of the Western Conference standings than the top.
Getting Kevin Durant back from a left ankle injury, which could happen as soon as Friday, would be a big boost. The Suns are 8-2 this season when Durant plays alongside Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, but just 1-9 when Durant is out.
Durant, who has missed the last three games and 12 games this season, is Phoenix’s leading scorer with 25.8 points per game, followed by Booker with 24.9 points and Beal with 17.8.
“You try to put importance on every segment of the season,” Suns center Mason Plumlee said. “Just being fully healthy, having everybody, it’d be nice to get rolling and string some wins together. Those stretches can be meaningful. It does bring out a sense of identity if you’re able to put some wins together.”
Kevin Huerter scored 26 points off the bench, and De’Aaron Fox added 21 points and nine assists as the Sacramento Kings easily defeated the Utah Jazz 141-97 on Sunday night.
Huerter made 10 of 14 field-goal attempts, including 6 of 9 from 3-point range. He had 23 points through three quarters, including five of the Kings’ last eight points in the third quarter, which helped Sacramento build a 31-point lead.
The Kings’ lead grew to 37 points in the fourth quarter after Huerter and Fox hit back-to-back shots with about nine minutes remaining. Sacramento’s lead reached as much as 46 points before the game ended.
Domantas Sabonis contributed 19 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists to support his teammates. He made 8 of 13 shots from the field. DeMar DeRozan finished with 18 points, shooting 8 of 14.
Doug McDermott added 18 points for Sacramento, making his first six 3-point attempts when the Kings put their bench players in to finish the game.
San Antonio Spurs and Utah Jazz
Sacramento took control early, starting the second quarter with a 14-4 run and outscoring Utah 36-22 in that period. Huerter led the Kings in the first half, hitting 4 of 7 3-point shots.
The Jazz were led by Keyonte George, who scored 25 points on 8 of 13 shooting, with 14 of those points coming in the first half. John Collins added 19 points and seven rebounds, while Walker Kessler grabbed 14 rebounds and scored eight points.
Collin Sexton was the only other Jazz player in double figures, scoring 15 points on 4 of 8 shooting. Lauri Markkanen struggled, scoring only eight points on 2 of 9 shooting.
The Kings made 57 of 100 field-goal attempts (57 percent) and 22 of 44 3-pointers (50 percent). They outscored the Jazz 19-7 in fast-break points and 44-32 in points in the paint.
Sacramento also forced 20 turnovers by Utah while committing only eight turnovers themselves. The Jazz shot 38 percent (31 of 80) from the field and 35.7 percent (15 of 42) from beyond the arc.
The Sacramento Kings and the visiting Utah Jazz will both be looking for their second straight win when they play each other on Sunday.
The Kings have won two of their last three games, including a 140-113 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Friday. Domantas Sabonis played a key role in the win, scoring 22 points and grabbing 16 rebounds. Demar DeRozan also contributed 23 points. Sacramento had a 10-point lead at halftime and outscored the Spurs by 17 points in the second half to seal the win.
“Two out of our last three games, we’ve done a great job sharing the basketball,” Kings coach Mike Brown said. “We had 33 assists on 51 made field goals. I thought our sprays were really, really good tonight to the guys along the three-point line. We touched the paint, we got it out.”
“I like the looks (we’ve gotten). The one thing that we have to continue trying to do is when we touch the paint, when there are shooters that are open, we have to trust our teammates and spray the basketball. When we do, it’s usually good results.”
De’Aaron Fox is leading the team with an average of 26.6 points, which is eighth in the NBA before Saturday’s games, shooting 48.7 percent from the field.
Utah Jazz and Portland Trail Blazers
DeRozan is scoring 22.7 points per game, and Sabonis is adding 20.9 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game. The Kings are also getting 16.3 points from sixth man Malik Monk and 12.4 points from Keegan Murray.
The Jazz, who had lost nine of their last 10 games, ended a five-game losing streak on Friday with a 141-99 win over the Portland Trail Blazers.
Nine players scored in double figures for Utah, with Johnny Juzang leading the way with 22 points off the bench on 8-of-14 shooting. John Collins also scored 20 points for the Jazz, who shot a season-high 55.2 percent from the floor in the big win.
“There’s a lot to be learned from a game like this in terms of the connectivity of the group,” Utah coach Will Hardy said. “That when we really do trust each other and the concepts, that everybody can be involved in the game, I think there’s a lot of guys tonight that will get on the bus feeling pretty good about themselves and how they played tonight.”
The Jazz have five players averaging at least 15 points per game. Lauri Markannen is scoring 19.2 points, Collins is averaging 17.9 points, Colin Sexton is contributing 16.9 points, Keyonte George is adding 15.5 points, and Jordan Clarkson is scoring 15 points. Walker Kessler is also contributing 11.1 points, leads the team with 10.9 rebounds, and averages 2.8 blocks.
NBA Stars Shine in December 6 Thrillers: Scores, Highlights, and Record-Breaking Performances
Friday’s NBA schedule offered a thrilling spectacle, featuring seven games that produced unforgettable moments, record-breaking achievements, and standout performances. From Trae Young’s historic showing to Boston’s resilience against Milwaukee, here’s a deep dive into the night that was.
Game Summaries and Scores
Philadelphia 76ers 102, Orlando Magic 94
Paul George and KJ Martin led the 76ers to a victory over the Magic, capitalizing on Orlando’s 19 turnovers. Franz Wagner shone for Orlando with 30 points, but it wasn’t enough to stop Philadelphia from taking the win.
Boston Celtics 111, Milwaukee Bucks 105
Boston secured a 3-0 season sweep over Milwaukee, with Jayson Tatum posting 34 points and 10 rebounds. The Bucks celebrated Khris Middleton’s return, but his impact wasn’t enough to prevent a narrow loss.
Atlanta Hawks 134, Los Angeles Lakers 132 (OT)
In a game with 32 lead changes, the Hawks triumphed in overtime thanks to Trae Young’s heroics. LeBron James and Anthony Davis put up stellar numbers, but Atlanta’s bench outclassed Los Angeles.
Sacramento Kings 140, San Antonio Spurs 113
Sacramento’s balanced attack overwhelmed San Antonio, with six players scoring between 16 and 23 points. DeMar DeRozan moved into the NBA’s top-30 all-time scoring list during the game.
Indiana Pacers 132, Chicago Bulls 123
The Pacers shot an incredible 62.1% from beyond the arc, marking the best three-point shooting performance of the season. Tyrese Haliburton spearheaded Indiana’s offensive dominance.
Utah Jazz 141, Portland Trail Blazers 99
Utah made history by having nine players score in double digits in their blowout win over Portland. Walker Kessler was a defensive force, posting 17 rebounds and five blocks.
Minnesota Timberwolves 107, Golden State Warriors 90
Anthony Edwards led the way as the Timberwolves pulled away in the fourth quarter. Minnesota dominated the boards and outperformed the Warriors offensively.
NBA Stars Shine in December 6 Thrillers: Scores, Highlights, and Record-Breaking Performances
Top Performers of the Night
Trae Young: 31 points, 20 assists, and a game-winning shot in overtime.
LeBron James: 39 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists in a triple-double effort.
Anthony Davis: 38 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists in a dominant performance.
Jayson Tatum: 34 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in Boston’s victory.
Key Highlights and Storylines
Trae Young Makes History
Atlanta’s Trae Young became the first player in NBA history to record 30 points, 20 assists, and five three-pointers in a single game. Young’s clutch performance, which included assisting or scoring every bucket in overtime, sealed the Hawks’ sixth consecutive victory. His dagger against the Lakers proved to be the decisive moment in a thrilling game.
LeBron James and Anthony Davis Shine
LeBron James delivered yet another masterclass, logging his sixth triple-double of the season. Despite his efforts, including a spectacular chase-down block, the Lakers fell short. Anthony Davis added 38 points but struggled with turnovers and defensive lapses. Atlanta’s bench, led by De’Andre Hunter and Bogdan Bogdanović, provided the edge.
Boston’s Depth Outlasts Milwaukee
In a marquee Eastern Conference clash, the Celtics displayed their championship pedigree. Tatum’s brilliance and timely contributions from Jaylen Brown and Jrue Holiday were pivotal. Despite strong performances from Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee’s efforts fell short. Khris Middleton, returning from double ankle surgery, showed flashes of brilliance but will need more time to regain his rhythm.
Sacramento’s All-Round Effort
The Kings routed the Spurs with an impressive team display. Domantas Sabonis led the rebounding charge, while De’Aaron Fox orchestrated the offense. The game also highlighted DeMar DeRozan’s scoring milestone, as he eclipsed 24,000 career points. Julian Champagnie, filling in for Victor Wembanyama, delivered a career-high 30 points for the Spurs in a valiant effort.
Indiana’s Shooting Clinic
The Pacers were unstoppable from beyond the arc, hitting 62.1% of their three-point attempts. Tyrese Haliburton continued his hot streak, supported by balanced scoring from Pascal Siakam, T.J. McConnell, and Obi Toppin. McConnell’s remarkable season at age 32 has been a revelation, showcasing his ability to contribute both as a scorer and playmaker.
Utah’s Dominance
The Jazz registered a statement win over the Trail Blazers. Walker Kessler anchored the defense with five blocks, while Johnny Juzang paced the offense with 22 points. Utah’s depth was on full display, with nine players scoring in double figures for the first time in franchise history.
Timberwolves Hold Off Warriors
Minnesota showcased their defensive and offensive cohesion in a commanding win over Golden State. Anthony Edwards led the charge, surpassing 7,500 career points as the third-youngest player in NBA history to achieve the feat. Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid dominated the boards, while Stephen Curry was the lone bright spot for the Warriors.
Trae Young (NBA)
Player Milestones and Records
Trae Young’s Historic Feat
Young’s 30-point, 20-assist game was a first in Hawks history and a rare achievement across the league.
Anthony Edwards Joins Elite Company
At just 22 years old, Edwards became the third-youngest player in NBA history to surpass 7,500 career points, joining LeBron James and Kevin Durant.
DeMar DeRozan’s Scoring Milestone
With 24,000 career points, DeRozan entered the NBA’s top-30 all-time scoring list, further cementing his legacy.
Defensive Mastery
Walker Kessler of the Jazz put on a defensive clinic, racking up 17 rebounds and five blocks. His ability to protect the paint was instrumental in Utah’s dominant performance. LeBron James, despite his age, showcased his defensive prowess with a crucial chase-down block that kept the Lakers in the game against Atlanta.
What’s Next?
The excitement doesn’t stop here. Many of Friday’s matchups hinted at potential postseason previews, particularly Boston vs. Milwaukee. With Khris Middleton back in action and the Bucks seeking revenge, future clashes between these teams could be pivotal.
Additionally, Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves are set to face the Warriors again on Sunday. Minnesota’s recent form and Edwards’ rise make them a team to watch as the season progresses.
Final Takeaways
Friday night in the NBA reminded fans why basketball is more than a game. It’s about records being broken, milestones achieved, and the relentless pursuit of victory. From Trae Young’s historic night to the Celtics’ determination against the Bucks, every game had its unique flavor. Whether it’s LeBron James defying age, Anthony Edwards making history, or Walker Kessler locking down the paint, the league’s stars continue to shine brightly.
The season promises even more electrifying action, with teams battling for playoff positioning and players chasing individual greatness. Stay tuned, as the journey has just begun.
Johnny Juzang had a season-high 22 points, including six 3-pointers, and John Collins added 20 points as the Utah Jazz easily defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 141-99 on Friday night.
Walker Kessler grabbed 17 rebounds, blocked five shots, and scored 13 points as the Jazz ended a five-game losing streak. This victory was only their second in the last 11 games and their fifth in 22 games this season.
Keyonte George scored 17 points, Collin Sexton finished with 16 points and seven assists, and Svi Mykhailiuk added 13 points and eight rebounds for the Jazz. They had a 39-18 advantage in fastbreak points.
Jerami Grant and Dalano Banton each scored 19 points for Portland, which has lost seven of its last nine games. Anfernee Simons and Kris Murray each scored 14 points for the Trail Blazers.
The Jazz shot 55.2% from the field, including 43.8% (14 of 32) from 3-point range, and dominated on the boards with a 61-34 rebounding advantage. This win improved their road record to 3-8.
Juzang wasn’t the only Jazz reserve to step up. Drew Eubanks had 12 points and nine rebounds, Isaiah Collier scored 12 points, and Brice Sensabaugh added 11 points.
Los Angeles Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers
Portland struggled, shooting just 38.9% from the field and 29.8% (14 of 47) from 3-point range. Shaedon Sharpe contributed 10 points for the Blazers.
Portland was without Robert Williams III, who missed his fifth straight game due to a concussion.
Utah took control early, leading 13-3, 18-5, and 33-17 by the end of the first quarter. The Jazz’s lead grew to 38-20 after Sensabaugh’s basket at the 9:53 mark of the second quarter and reached 20 points with Kessler’s dunk at 1:38. Utah led 67-44 at halftime, with George leading the team with 13 points and Simons scoring 11 for Portland.
The Jazz continued to dominate in the third quarter, scoring the first seven points to push the lead to 30. A 3-pointer by Juzang made it 101-66 with 1:25 left in the period, and Utah took a 102-70 lead into the fourth quarter.
Micah Potter’s 3-pointer increased the lead to 41 points at 114-73 with 8:34 remaining. The lead reached 46 points when Juzang hit another 3-pointer with 6:33 left
Unfortunately, these turnovers aren’t benefiting their fans, as the opponents are the ones taking advantage.
The Jazz will try to cut down on their turnovers and end a five-game losing streak when they face the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night.
In their 133-106 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday, Utah committed an alarming 29 turnovers, which led to 45 points for Oklahoma City.
“Our ball security got really exposed,” said Jazz coach Will Hardy. “They really preyed on us in terms of our lack of quick decision making, (we) got caught in the crowd too much, we didn’t fight for our space very well.
“This was going to be the determining factor of the game, from my standpoint, before the game started. It ended up being very much the deciding part of the game.”
Friday’s game could see many turnovers. The Jazz lead the NBA with 18.5 turnovers per game, and the Trail Blazers are the second-worst team in this category with 17.1 per game.
In the loss to the Thunder, Utah was outscored 25-9 on fastbreak points. Oklahoma City committed only eight turnovers.
For Utah, five players had four or more turnovers in the game.
“My biggest fear is that the guys don’t see or feel that they are improving when it comes to the foundation of our defense,” Hardy said. “The turnovers are going to be something that if we can’t get it under control, it’s going to be distracting from the things that are improved.”
Portland Trail Blazers and Sacramento Kings
Utah has lost nine of its last 10 games while trying to fix its turnover issues.
Collin Sexton and Walker Kessler (who grabbed 11 rebounds) led the Jazz with 17 points each against Oklahoma City. In total, six players scored at least 13 points.
The Jazz are 2-8 on the road as they face the Trail Blazers, who are 5-5 at home. Portland has lost six of its last eight games.
The Trail Blazers were beaten 127-105 by the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday. Portland had five players score in double figures, with Deandre Ayton leading the team with 16 points, and Deni Avdija and Shaedon Sharpe both adding 15 points.
“Got off to a rough start again in the game,” said Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups. “I thought our second group came in and saved us and they really got us back in it. Kind of revitalized us as a group and it ended up being a good first half.
“And then we just kind of chopped and were clawing the rest of the way in the third quarter and then boom, it got away from us.”
Avdija and Dalano Banton (14 points) were the top Portland bench players against the Clippers.
Robert Williams III (concussion) will miss his fifth straight game for the Trail Blazers.
Portland has allowed more than 120 points in four of its last five games, losing every time they gave up at least that many points.
Before Thursday’s games, Portland was ranked 21st in scoring defense, allowing 115.3 points per game, while Utah was 28th, giving up 118.6 points per game.
The Jazz won three out of four meetings between the teams last season. The teams split the two games played in Portland.
Taylor Hendricksis carried off by the paramedics after an injury
After suffering a season-ending injury, Utah Jazz forward Taylor Hendricks is finding ways to stay active off the court. One of the ways he’s staying involved is by drawing up plays for his teammates.
Hendricks designed a play for the team during a home game against the Phoenix Suns on Nov. 12. His play helped set up John Collins for a stepback midrange jumper, marking Utah’s first basket of the game.
“He was sitting over there, and the board was by him, so I sent the first group over, gave him the board, and said, ‘Taylor’s going to draw up the first play for you,’” Jazz coach Will Hardy said. “It was fun. It was fun to watch him draw. It was even more fun to watch him explain it.”
Drawing up plays for his teammates while watching from the sideline was the last thing Hendricks or the Jazz expected for his second season in the NBA.
Los Angeles Lakers and Utah Jazz
Hendricks had hoped to make a big leap as a defensive specialist in his second year. However, he fractured his right fibula and dislocated his ankle on Oct. 28 during his third game, a 110-102 loss to the Dallas Mavericks. He lost his footing while running down the court and landed awkwardly, causing the injury. Hendricks had to be wheeled off the floor on a stretcher.
At first, he didn’t think the non-contact injury was as serious as it looked.
“I thought I was good because the doctor that came over, he snapped it back into place and I was like: ‘I’m probably straight. I’ll be out for a week or two and then I’m back,’” Hendricks said.
However, X-rays revealed the extent of the damage, and Hendricks had surgery a few days later. He’s now wearing a protective boot and using a scooter to get around during practices and home games.
Hendricks is not cleared to travel with the Jazz and won’t be until he no longer needs the scooter or crutches, which will likely be in January at the earliest.
It was heartbreaking for Hendricks not to be able to play for the rest of the season, especially after he had put in extra work during the offseason to improve his game. In his three games, he averaged 4.7 points and 5.0 rebounds in 25.0 minutes.
Hendricks was drafted by Utah ninth overall in the 2023 draft and played in 40 games as a rookie, starting 23 of them. He averaged 7.3 points and 4.6 rebounds.
“I was definitely a lot more comfortable on the floor,” Hendricks said. “That’s really why I was so excited to play my second year just ‘cause I knew what to expect and I was so much more comfortable.”
Taylor Hendricks (NBA)
Despite the injury, he’s tried to keep a positive mindset about his long rehabilitation. Hendricks said he’s not in a hurry to rush the process because he knows he won’t be able to return to the court until next season.
“Just keeping that in mind makes me really take it day by day and really take it slow and not try to rush anything because I’m not trying to rush for a certain date to play again,” Hendricks said.
The Jazz are also being cautious with his recovery. Coach Hardy said the goal is for Hendricks to return by training camp ahead of the 2025-26 season, but they don’t want to push him too soon and risk further injury.
“There’s no reason to talk about things like summer league right now because with an injury at this level, and how much we value Taylor, it’s about getting it right and getting it 100% right,” Hardy said.
Jalen Williams scored 28 points and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 26 to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 133-106 victory over the Utah Jazz on Tuesday in an NBA Cup game.
With this win, the Thunder finished 3-1 in the West B Group stage, keeping their chances of advancing to the knockout rounds alive. Oklahoma City has now won five out of its last six games.
The Jazz, on the other hand, lost their fifth straight game and ended the event without a win.
Despite shooting a season-high 54.3% from the field, Utah was unable to win because they attempted 32 fewer shots than the Thunder.
Oklahoma City’s strong defensive play forced Utah into 29 turnovers, tying their franchise high since the team moved to Oklahoma City. The Thunder capitalized on these turnovers, scoring 45 points off them and matching a season high with 18 steals.
Chicago Bulls’ Zach LaVine drives to the basket as Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game
The Thunder’s defense has been strong all season, and Utah, which turns the ball over the most in the NBA, struggled with that weakness again in this game.
Utah started the game hot, making 7 of their first 11 shots and building a nine-point lead midway through the first quarter. But even then, Oklahoma City was forcing turnovers. The Thunder finished the first quarter on a 22-6 run, taking a 32-25 lead.
Aaron Wiggins had a steal and three straight offensive rebounds to help the Thunder finish the quarter strong, and Gilgeous-Alexander capped it with a layup.
The Thunder continued to control the game, pushing the lead to 28-6 early in the second quarter. Utah never got closer than six points after that. By halftime, Oklahoma City was ahead by 12, having forced 19 turnovers.
In the third quarter, the Thunder opened the game wide with 16 of 20 shooting and scored 11 of their 40 points from Utah turnovers. The lead grew as large as 33 points.
Cason Wallace was the only Oklahoma City starter to play in the fourth quarter, as the Thunder led by 27 points heading into the final frame.
Walker Kessler and Collin Sexton led the Jazz with 17 points each. Kessler also grabbed 11 rebounds.
Anthony Davis and LeBron James both had double-doubles, and the Los Angeles Lakers held off a late push from the Utah Jazz to secure a 105-104 win on Sunday night in Salt Lake City.
Davis finished with 33 points and 11 rebounds, while LeBron James contributed 27 points and 14 assists to help the Lakers earn their second win in six games.
The Jazz were down by nine points, 101-92, after James scored a floater with 5:33 remaining. However, they rallied and had a chance to win in the final moments.
Walker Kessler cut the lead to one point with a basket, and then grabbed a defensive rebound with 8.2 seconds left. The Jazz seemed to take the lead when Collin Sexton made a layup with less than two seconds remaining, but Utah’s coach, Will Hardy, called a timeout just before the shot.
On the inbounds pass, the Lakers triple-teamed Sexton, causing him to lose control of the ball, and preventing him from getting a game-winning shot off before the buzzer sounded.
LeBron James reacts in the 2nd half
Lauri Markkanen led the Jazz with 22 points, and John Collins added 21 points and nine rebounds in Utah’s fourth straight loss. Kessler finished with 13 points and 11 rebounds, while Sexton scored 15 points.
Although the Jazz outshot the Lakers 50.6% to 44.3%, Utah had 15 turnovers, which allowed the Lakers to score 20 points off those mistakes. Los Angeles committed only five turnovers, helping them win despite struggling with their 3-point shooting. The Lakers made only 7 of 33 3-pointers, while Utah hit 14 of 40.
The Lakers stayed tough in the fourth quarter, with Markkanen cutting the lead to two points with a step-back 3-pointer early on. However, Rui Hachimura answered with back-to-back 3s, giving the Lakers an 92-84 lead.
Sexton scored three straight baskets for the Jazz to bring them within 94-90, but James responded with four points, including a dunk, in a 5-0 run to give the Lakers their biggest lead at 99-90. Utah came back with a 10-2 surge, but James made a left-handed floater to beat the shot clock and push the Lakers’ lead to 105-102 with 41 seconds remaining.
Kyrie Irving scored 30 points, leading the Dallas Mavericks to a 106-94 victory over the Utah Jazz on Saturday night in Salt Lake City.
The Mavericks improved to 5-1 without their star player, Luka Doncic, who was with the team but didn’t play due to a wrist injury.
Quentin Grimes contributed 24 points, and both P.J. Washington (16 points, 10 rebounds) and Daniel Gafford (14 points, 11 rebounds) each posted double-doubles in Dallas’ third consecutive win.
Lauri Markkanen, who had missed the Jazz’s previous game for the birth of his child, led Utah with 19 points on 7-of-20 shooting.
The Jazz struggled with their shooting, hitting only 35.8 percent from the field, as they lost their third straight game and seventh in the last eight.
Walker Kessler had a solid performance for Utah, recording 18 points, 10 rebounds, five blocks, and three steals. John Collins added 16 points and nine rebounds, while Collin Sexton and Brice Sensabaugh each scored 13 points.
Luka Doncic (NBA)
Irving started the game strong, hitting a 3-pointer on the Mavericks’ first possession, and Dallas never trailed after that. A dunk by Dereck Lively II less than four minutes in put Dallas up by 10, 16-6. By the end of the first quarter, the Mavericks led 40-22, thanks to a 13-0 run toward the end.
Utah came out strong in the second quarter, starting with a 10-2 run, and cut the deficit to just four points, 53-49, after Keyonte George and Kessler combined for five free throws. Irving ended the half with a last-second 3-pointer, giving Dallas a 56-49 lead.
The Jazz made a few runs in the third quarter to get within three points, but Irving and Washington scored 17 of Dallas’ 30 points in the quarter, pushing their lead back to 10, 86-76, going into the fourth.
In the fourth, the Jazz got as close as five points, but Irving hit a crucial 3-pointer, and the Mavericks held on to secure the win. Utah managed only 18 points in the final quarter.
