- 2022 NBA Playoffs Round 1
- Jazz vs Mavericks
We now have a series after starting the postseason non-existent. Utah has slowly find its identity. The Jazz went the distance with the Dallas Mavericks in game four. Keeping their season alive as they head back to Dallas for game five.
In his return from an injured calf strain, the Dallas Mavericks star guard Luka Doncic scored 30 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists. Back-up guard Jalen Brunson was keeping the Mavericks afloat in Doncic's absence. In-game four he added 23 points.
While Jazz Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert played their best game of the series combing for 40 points, and Gobert grabbed 15 rebounds. Jordan Clarkson was the X-Factor off the bench scoring 25 points for Utah.
Dallas had a huge third quarter outscoring the Jazz 39-24. In the fourth quarter, the Jazz held the Mavericks to 18 points. While Rudy Gobert gave the Jazz the lead with an alley-oop dunk with 11.0 seconds left on the clock. Final (100-99)
The Jazz stole game one in Dallas (99-93), but Luka Doncic was not in attendance. Utah outscored the Jazz 28-22 in the third quarter.
Gobert's presence in the paint definitely affected the Mavericks performance. Utah barely escaped with a win as Royce O'Neale made a huge 3-pointer in the final minute of the fourth quarter.
Gobert vs. the Mavericks
(Game 1) 5 points, 17 Rebounds, 3 Blocks
(Game 4) 17 points, 15 Rebounds
Game five will be in Dallas. The crowd will definitely be a factor, but if the Jazz can keep this mindset of controlling the monument of the game with their defense. The game changed when Gobert stamped his named in both wins vs. Dallas. His defensive presence will be Key to the Jazz defeating the Mavericks moving forward.
According to ESPN power index the Dallas Mavericks are favored by 70.2% to win game five.