Doncic A Game Time Decision As Mavs, Jazz Shift To Utah
Apr 21, 2022, 1:36 PM
Utah Jazz forward Bojan Bogdanovic surrounded by Dallas Mavericks defenders (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
(Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – Luka Doncic went through shoot-around on Thursday ahead of the Dallas Mavericks Game 3 matchup with the Utah Jazz.
After splitting the opening two games of the series in Dallas, the teams travel to Utah where the Jazz will look to protect home-court advantage.
The Mavericks haven’t won a game at Vivint Arena since April of 2016, two years before Doncic was drafted.
Jazz Leaning On Adjustments
The Jazz indicated that there would be adjustments to the team’s game plan after Wednesday’s practice in preparation for Game 3.
The Mavericks easily dissected the Jazz in their Game 2 series leveling victory, repeatedly attacking the rim, and kicking the ball out to open shooters on the perimeter.
“We watched the film today,” Jazz coach Snyder said Wednesday. “We had good work on the court [and] addressed a few adjustments that can help us.”
Adjustment was a common phrase for the @utahjazz at practice ahead of game three against the @dallasmavs .
Plus, Mike Conley talked about the need for pride when defending Mavericks guards.
"We have to do it, can’t talk about it."#TakeNote https://t.co/wZa9dub3UH
— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) April 20, 2022
During the Jazz shootaround on Thursday, Donovan Mitchell indicated he knew what it would take for his team to overcome their Game 2 issues.
“I’m confident in my abilities on defense,” Mitchell said, “and so are my teammates. But I’m not too worried about it, just go out there and guard and do what I’ve got to do.”
Pessimism about Doncic Return In Utah
Despite going through shoot-around with the Mavericks, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski indicated there were doubts about the superstar’s ability to return for Game 3.
“There’s still significant pessimism on Luka Doncic’s availability for Game 3 tonight, sources tell ESPN,” Wojnarowski tweeted. “He’s eager to play, but it’s trending unlikely as he recovers from that left calf strain.”
There's still significant pessimism on Luka Doncic's availability for Game 3 tonight, sources tell ESPN. He's eager to play, but it's trending unlikely as he recovers from that left calf strain. https://t.co/Qodn0Fuuyc
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 21, 2022
Doncic was hardly missed in the Mavericks Game 2 victory, however.
Jalen Brunson scored a series-high 41 points while Maxi Kleber knocked down 8-11 three-point attempts in the 110-104 Mavericks victory.
Broadcast
The Jazz and Mavericks will tip-off at 7 pm MT and can be heard on KSL NewsRadio and The Zone Sports Network. The game will be televised on NBATV, AT&T SportsNet, and FuboTV.
