The Utah Jazz ended a five-game losing streak in a nail-biting 116-114 victory against the Dallas Mavericks on January 8, 2026. This game was a rollercoaster of momentum shifts and individual brilliance!
Lauri Markkanen was the star of the show for the Jazz, putting up an impressive 33 points and grabbing 7 rebounds. Keyonte George contributed 19 points and 7 assists, while Brice Sensabaugh added 14 points, and Kevin Love chipped in with a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds.
On the Mavericks' side, Cooper Flagg led the charge with 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists. Klay Thompson had a hot hand, sinking six 3-pointers for a total of 23 points off the bench, and Anthony Davis added 21 points and 11 rebounds.
But here's where the game truly unfolded: Utah capitalized on Dallas's mistakes, scoring 25 points off 21 turnovers. They also dominated in the paint, outscoring the Mavericks 64-46 in that area.
The Mavericks surged ahead with a 107-100 lead with just over 4 minutes remaining. However, the Jazz responded with a 12-0 run, fueled by Markkanen's three consecutive baskets, taking a 112-107 lead with 1:41 left. Utah's ability to score on 7 of their final 9 possessions ultimately sealed the win.
And this is the part most people miss... The Jazz's early aggression in attacking the basket set the tone. They scored 24 of their 34 first-quarter points in the paint, sparking a 22-6 run that gave them a 27-17 lead. Cody Williams's dunks were a key highlight during this stretch.
The Jazz even led by as many as 14 points in the second quarter, reaching a score of 53-39. However, the Mavericks fought back, taking a 61-60 lead early in the third quarter thanks to back-to-back 3-pointers from Naji Marshall and Max Christie.
Controversy & Comment Hooks: Do you think the Jazz's inside game was the key to their victory? Or did Dallas's turnovers prove to be their downfall? Share your thoughts in the comments below! What was the most exciting moment of the game for you?
Up next:
Mavericks: At Chicago on Saturday.
Jazz: Host Charlotte on Saturday.
