Intro

Things look grim for the Mavericks after Game 1 when a Luka less Mavericks could not grab the win against Utah in game one. Their offense struggle all game long, and it felt like the team had no spark on the offensive side of the ball. Of course, this left many doubtful that the Mavericks would win Game 2 with Luka most likely being out.

Game 2

Game 2 was very crucial for the Mavericks to win, if they went 0-2 to the Jazz and then played two games in Utah would spell disaster for the Mavericks. But the chance of the Mavericks winning for many was very low however, in fact on the money-line only 26% of people picked the Mavericks to win. So you could say that the Mavericks’ victory in Game 2 was shocking for many.

4 thoughts after the Dallas Mavericks fall to the Utah Jazz, 99-93 - Mavs Moneyball

(Mavericks Spencer Dinwiddle shooting a layup over Utah Rudy Gobert)

Results

The Mavericks won a close game two against Utah, winning 110-104, and tied the series 1-1. Game two was a totally different story from game one with the Maverick’s offense being on fire for much of the game. In fact, the Mavericks broke a franchise record for most threes in a playoff game dropping 22 3-pointers, and the fourth-most ever. Also, many players stepped up to the plate for the Mavs, including Jalen Brunson who scored a career-high 41 points along with 8 rebounds and 5 assists. He also had 0 turnovers, and 0 fouls for the whole 42 minutes he was playing in the game. Another important player was Maxi Kleber, who had previously struggled this season, Kleber had 25 points and shot 8/11 from three. Spencer Dinwiddie played a solid game with 17 points and 6 assists.

The Mavericks need to be a better rebounding team in Game 2 - Mavs Moneyball

(Rudy Gobert and Maxi Kleber fighting for a rebound)

Conclusion

The next two games will be played in Utah, a place the Mavericks have not yet beaten Utah at this season. Utah’s atmosphere will be quite tough for the Mavericks, but with a hopeful Luka return the Mavericks have a solid chance to win at least one game in Utah. The Mavericks are looking at one of their best teams. One that still have a good chance to win the series against Utah and advance to the second round since the 2011 championship team.

Stay tuned to The Roundup for more basketball playoff coverage!

Austin Keith '24
Favorite Director: Werner Herzog | Favorite Song: Peg by Steely Dan | Favorite Sport Team: The Cowboy's sadly | Favorite cat: KC | Favorite Band: Steely Dan | _ " I will only speak french if you have a gun to my head" - Werner Herzog