Jazz Bounce Back With Win Over Dallas
Feb 23, 2019, 11:31 PM | Updated: 11:40 pm
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – After a gut-wrenching loss to Oklahoma City the night before, the Utah Jazz responded with a 125-109 victory over the Dallas Mavericks.
Both teams were coming off of losses the night before. Dallas had dropped a 114-104 contest at home against Denver, while Utah had been beaten in double overtime by the heroics of Oklahoma City’s Paul George in a 148-147 double overtime decision on the road.
The Jazz were back at home for the first time since Jan. 9 and gave the home crowd a treat with their 19th home win of the season.
Although it may have been expected that the Jazz would show up to the game tired after playing a double-overtime game the night before, Utah was aggressive all game long.
📹| In the last two seasons, teams were 0-6 on the second half of back-to-backs after playing a double-overtime game.
Until tonight.#DALatUTA highlights ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/OpbZj7dN63
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) February 24, 2019
The Jazz’s aggression led them to 33 trips to the free throw line, where they converted on 29 attempts. In a game where both teams made 41 field goals, that seemed to make the difference for Utah, which improved to 33-26 on the season. Dallas fell to 26-33 overall.
Rubio Responds With Big Game
Coming off an eight turnover performance against OKC that left him disappointed with himself in his comments with the press after the game, Ricky Rubio responded with a much better showing against Dallas. The point guard finished with 25 points and five assists and zero turnovers.
He tied Donovan Mitchell for the game-high in scoring as Mitchell also added 25 points of his own.
😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/FAC35IDlpL
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) February 24, 2019
“Next play mentality,” said head coach Quin Snyder when asked about how Rubio was able to shake off a tough game. “It’s no different, Ricky’s performance tonight as if he had hit a game-winner the night before. That’s who we need to be as team and who we need to be individually.”
Ingles Plays Well In 281st Straight Game
Joe Ingles added 18 points with five 3-pointers made. He extended his streak of consecutive games played to 281, which is tops among active players.
📹| @joeingles7 ⤵️
18p | 6a | 5r | 5 3pm | 1s pic.twitter.com/eASbn2Saaf
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) February 24, 2019
Farewell To Dirk
It was likely the final appearance at Vivint SmartHome Arena for Dallas legend Dirk Nowitzki. The future Hall of Famer turned in a season high 15 points with three 3-pointers made in the losing effort.
Dallas rookie sensation Luka Doncic did not suit up for the Mavericks against Utah due to a sore right ankle.
JAZZ WIN!#TeamIsEverything pic.twitter.com/OmMevEAiYP
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) February 24, 2019
Gobert Dunk Counter
Going into the matchup against the Mavericks, Gobert trailed Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo for the season dunk total lead. Antetokounmpo was in front with 211 throw downs, while Gobert was just behind with 204.
Gobert made up some ground with three dunks in the Jazz’s win over Dallas. He turned in a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds.
Next Up
The Jazz will turn their attention to the LA Clippers, who will be in town for Wednesday’s game. The contest will begin at 7 p.m. and be broadcast on AT&T SportsNet.
