The Dallas Mavericks have found some new life in the last few weeks and looked to bring that fire to Utah. The game ended in a crushing last second loss against the Jazz, 103-100.
The Dallas Mavericks have really been looking like they are tired of seeing their record the last few weeks. Aside from some ugly games, Dallas has definitely been competing more and more each night.
A big part of that renewed life has been the play of Wesley Matthews and the return of players like Deron Williams and Devin Harris. But, even bigger than that has been the vigor that coach Carlisle has been willing to push the team with.
Stories of how Carlisle has been pushing the team to be better and try harder have come up in the news and it has shown on the court. Although this game did not end the way we wanted it to, there are still good things that came out of this game.
The Mavs fell on a last second three-pointer by Rodney Hood, a 36% three-point shooter that was 1-4 through the first 47 minutes, 59 seconds of the game. But, in the end, the last one was the dagger.
Dec 16, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Deron Williams (8) controls the ball as Utah Jazz guard Shelvin Mack (8) defends during the first half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
To walk you through the last possession of the game for each team may give a pretty good idea of how frustrating this loss is. The Utah Jazz had the ball with 45 seconds left, looking for a good shot no matter how much time was left.
After 20 seconds, Gordon Hayward missed a layup with 23 seconds left and Dallas fought hard to secure the rebound for what should’ve been the last shot. Seth Curry gets the ball and dribbles the clock down to about 10 seconds before feeding Deron Williams for a contested 24-footer that hit back iron.
Rodney Hood secured the rebound, dribbled down to the other end and heaved up a tough, off-the-dribble runner from 26-feet out. 0.8 seconds left was definitely not enough as Dallas fumbled the ball on the inbound…thrown by D-Will.
Both teams were fairly balanced as Dallas had 6 players in double-digits led by 21 from Harrison Barnes. The Jazz also had 6 in double figures led by 16 from Rudy Gobert. The Jazz also led the rebound battle 41-27.
The Mavericks need a win again and it is going to have to wait until Sunday when the Sacramento Kings come to town. The game will be at 3:00 CT in the afternoon when the Kings come to town.
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