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Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts after a name as Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (3) seems on through the second half of an NBA basketball sport in Dallas, Thursday, March 21, 2024. (AP Photograph/LM Otero)
DALLAS — Luka Doncic had 34 factors, 9 rebounds and eight assists and the Dallas Mavericks beat the Utah Jazz 113-97 on Thursday night time to maneuver into the sixth and ultimate assured playoff place within the NBA Western Convention.
Dallas gained its third straight and seventh in eight video games. The Mavericks and Phoenix — a winner at house late Thursday night time over Atlanta — are each 41-29, however the Mavericks maintain the tiebreaker over the Suns. Sacramento is a half-game behind.
Doncic, who has 18 triple-doubles this season, didn’t have a rebound or an help within the fourth quarter, enjoying 4 minutes. He shot 11 of 23 from the ground, 4 of 10 on 3s.
READ: NBA: Mavericks sweep season collection vs Spurs
Daniel Gafford added 24 factors, his excessive sport since being acquired in early February, on 10 of 11 capturing. Gafford went into play main the NBA capturing 70.8%.
“He has nice palms,” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd stated about Gafford. “His capability to complete in site visitors is one thing we haven’t had.”
Dallas Mavericks teammates Kyrie Irving (11) and Luka Doncic (77) attain out to one another at a break in play through the first half of an NBA basketball sport in opposition to the Utah Jazz in Dallas, Thursday, March 21, 2024. (AP Photograph/LM Otero)
Gafford missed the second half of the second quarter after crumpling to the court docket and being helped to the locker room, then returned to start out the second half.
Kyrie Irving scored 16 factors, 11 within the second half.
The Mavericks had 33 assists, 4 off their season excessive compiled of their 147-97 win over the Jazz at house on Dec. 6.
READ: NBA: Kyrie Irving’s lefty floater lifts Mavericks over Nuggets
“Guys are being very unselfish, and it’s actually enjoyable to look at and be part of,” Kidd stated.
The Jazz had been swept in a street back-to-back, dropping at Oklahoma Metropolis on Wednesday night time, and have misplaced 4 consecutive video games and 15 of 18. They’re eight video games out of play-in qualification with 12 video games left.
Lauri Markkanen led Utah with 21 factors after lacking the earlier seven video games due to a quadriceps harm. Collin Sexton added 20 off the bench for his sixth straight sport of not less than 20 factors.
Dallas led by 19 factors after trailing by seven 2 1/2 minutes in. The Mavericks outscored the Jazz 27-15 within the second quarter to steer 53-42 with Utah capturing 31.6% within the interval, 0 for 9 from deep, and committing seven turnovers.
Utah shot 4 of 30 from 3 total, Markkanen going 1 of 9.
“It was a extremely powerful night time capturing the ball,” Jazz coach Will Hardy stated. “Credit score to Dallas. That’s a extremely good crew.”
Doncic got here off what Kidd known as a “human sport” during which the sixth-year celebrity had a triple-double however hit solely 6 of 27 field-goal makes an attempt in scoring 18 factors for his lowest whole since mid-November.
The Jazz had been lacking Jordan Clarkson, their No. 3 scorer. He sat out his fifth straight sport due to a groin harm. The Mavericks performed with out Josh Inexperienced, who missed his third consecutive sport due to a sprained proper ankle.
NEXT NBA SCHEDULE
Jazz: At Houston on Saturday night time.
Mavericks: At Utah on Monday night time to start a five-game street journey.
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