The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Utah Jazz 144‑122 on Jan. 16, 2026, delivering their most prolific offensive display of the season. Luka Dončić led with 38 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists, while Kyrie Irving added 32 points. The win lifts Dallas into the Western Conference playoff race and pushes Utah deeper into lottery contention.
Game Summary
Playing at the American Airlines Center, Dallas established dominance early and never looked back. The Mavericks shot 58.9% from the field and 48.6% from three‑point range, connecting on 17 triples. Utah managed only 44.2% shooting and eight threes. By halftime Dallas held a 78‑58 lead, a margin that proved insurmountable despite a late Jazz rally.
Key Performances
Luka Dončić
38 points, 11 rebounds, 9 assists – a near‑triple‑double that underscored his all‑court impact and reinforced his MVP candidacy.
Kyrie Irving
32 points on efficient shooting, providing a scoring boost that complemented Dončić’s playmaking.
Jaden Ivey
Contributed 20 points off the bench, energizing the second quarter and helping Dallas sustain its offensive rhythm.
Playoff Implications
With the victory, the Mavericks improve to 38‑33, moving closer to a top‑eight seed as the trade deadline approaches. Maintaining a 115‑plus scoring average could secure a direct playoff berth and avoid the play‑in tournament.
Jazz Outlook
The loss drops Utah to 14‑57, solidifying its position in the lottery. Injuries to key players have limited the roster, prompting the organization to focus on developing young assets and considering a defensive‑oriented system for the remainder of the season.
Future Outlook
Mavericks
Upcoming games against the Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns will test whether Dallas can preserve its high‑octane offense. Coach Jason Kidd is likely to continue relying on the Dončić‑Irving tandem while integrating emerging talent like Ivey.
Jazz
Utah will look to accelerate its rebuilding process, giving more minutes to rookie center Walker Kessler and backup guard Bojan Dubljević while exploring pace‑adjusted strategies.
Bottom Line
The Mavericks’ 144‑122 demolition of the Jazz signals a potent offensive surge that could propel Dallas into the Western Conference playoffs. Meanwhile, the Jazz face a rebuilding reality as they settle deeper into lottery contention.