Mavericks Roll Past Short-Handed Jazz in High-Scoring Affair
DALLAS, January 17, 2026 – The Dallas Mavericks, playing without rookie sensation Cooper Flagg, delivered an offensive masterclass to defeat the Utah Jazz 144-122 at the American Airlines Centre on Thursday night. Klay Thompson led the charge with a season-high 26 points, including six three-pointers, to move into fourth place on the NBA’s all-time three-pointers list.
Recent Series Recap
The victory gave Dallas a 2-1 edge in the season series against Utah, with all three meetings proving to be high-scoring affairs. The teams split a pair of games in Salt Lake City earlier this month. On January 8, Lauri Markkanen’s 33 points propelled the Jazz to a narrow 116-114 victory. Just over a month prior, on December 16, the Jazz needed overtime to outlast the Mavericks 140-133, with several players from both sides posting big numbers.
Thursday’s contest in Dallas told a different story. With Flagg sidelined by an ankle sprain and Utah’s Markkanen absent due to illness, the Mavericks’ depth proved superior. Brice Sensabaugh scored a game-high 27 points in a losing effort for the Jazz.
Western Conference Standings Snapshot
The result solidified both teams’ positions in the lower half of a competitive Western Conference playoff race. As of January 17, the standings among the bottom seeds are tightly packed.
| Team | Record (W-L) | PCT | Games Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10. LA Clippers | 18-23 | .439 | 16.5 |
| 11. Memphis Grizzlies | 17-23 | .425 | 17.0 |
| 12. Dallas Mavericks | 16-26 | .381 | 19.0 |
| 13. Utah Jazz | 14-27 | .341 | 20.5 |
| 14. Sacramento Kings | 12-30 | .286 | 23.0 |
Historical Context
Despite Dallas’s recent victory, history favours Utah in the long-term rivalry. Since the Mavericks entered the league, the Jazz hold a commanding 111-86 advantage in the all-time regular season series between the two franchises.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cooper Flagg’s status?
The Mavericks’ rookie star sprained his left ankle in a game against the Denver Nuggets on January 14. He was held out of the January 15 matchup against Utah as a precaution. His status for upcoming games is considered day-to-day.
When do these teams play next?
The Mavericks (16-26) are scheduled to host the Chicago Bulls on Saturday, January 17. The Jazz (14-27) continue their road trip, facing the Charlotte Hornets on the same night.
Who were the key performers in the January 15 game?
For Dallas, Klay Thompson (26 pts, 6 ast), Naji Marshall (22 pts), and Brandon Williams (18 pts) provided the scoring punch. For Utah, Brice Sensabaugh came off the bench to score 27 points, while Ace Bailey added 15 points and 5 rebounds.