Shorthanded Mavericks Show Their Grit - And Potential - in Blowout Win Over Jazz
The Dallas Mavericks are walking a tightrope right now - trying to stay afloat in a crowded Western Conference while navigating a laundry list of injuries. But if Thursday night’s 144-122 win over the Utah Jazz is any indication, this team isn’t going down quietly. Despite missing key pieces, Dallas delivered its most complete performance of the season, flashing the kind of offensive rhythm and defensive intensity that could make them a problem down the stretch - if they can keep it up.
Now, with a rematch against the Jazz looming on Saturday, the question is whether that momentum can carry over. Because while the Mavs found a groove on Thursday, the injury report hasn’t gotten any shorter.
Injury Bug Still Biting - Hard
Let’s start with the bad news. P.J.
Washington, one of Dallas’ steadiest frontcourt contributors, is out due to personal reasons. He was originally listed as probable with right ankle management, but now he won’t suit up.
Rookie Cooper Flagg is doubtful after tweaking his left ankle on Wednesday against Denver. And that’s just the beginning.
Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving are still rehabbing from surgeries. Dereck Lively II remains sidelined with a right foot injury.
Daniel Gafford is doubtful with an ankle sprain, Max Christie is probable while working through an illness, and two-way players Moussa Cissé and Miles Kelly are both questionable. Danté Exum is still out recovering from right knee surgery.
That’s a full rotation’s worth of talent in street clothes. But on Thursday, the Mavericks didn’t flinch.
Depth Steps Up in a Big Way
Against Utah, Dallas leaned into its depth and played with a level of pace and cohesion that’s been hard to come by this season. The Mavericks hit a season-high 19 threes, led by as many as 38, and looked like a team that had finally found its rhythm - even without its stars.
“Great team win,” head coach Jason Kidd said after the game. “Great bounce back from last night, being able to make 19 threes.
I thought we got off to a really good start. But I thought Klay was the leader of the group - the energy the guys played off of getting him the ball.”
The ball movement was crisp, the defensive effort was there, and everyone who stepped on the floor seemed locked in. It was the kind of performance that makes you wonder what this team could look like at full strength - but also a reminder of how important adaptability is in the NBA grind.
Jeremiah Robinson-Earl Makes Most of 10-Day Opportunity
Enter Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, who signed a hardship 10-day contract to help fill the frontcourt void. He didn’t waste any time making his presence felt.
In 22 minutes, Robinson-Earl posted 12 points and seven boards, shooting an efficient 5-of-8 from the field. His late-third-quarter three capped Dallas’ largest lead of the season and was a testament to staying ready - even when the opportunity comes on short notice.
“There was a list, and he was one of the guys on that list for us to try to get,” Kidd said. “Having him in training camp was a big reason. He understood what we were doing.”
That familiarity paid off. Robinson-Earl didn’t look like a newcomer - he looked like a guy who knew his role and executed it to a tee.
Naji Marshall: The Steady Hand in a Rotating Cast
If there’s been one constant in the Mavericks’ ever-changing lineup, it’s been Naji Marshall. The 6-foot-7 forward has played in all 42 games this season, and he’s doing a little bit of everything - and doing it well.
Against the Jazz, he poured in 22 points, grabbed six rebounds, and added three steals. That came on the heels of a 22-point night against Brooklyn and 24 against Denver. Whether he’s starting or coming off the bench, Marshall has become a Swiss Army knife in Kidd’s rotation.
“He’s been playing at a high, high level for us,” Kidd said. “His ability to get into the paint, find teammates, rebound the ball, defend, and then be able to score - he’s doing it all.”
Versatility like that is gold, especially when the roster is in flux. Marshall’s ability to slide into different roles and still produce has been crucial in keeping Dallas competitive.
The Road Ahead: Can Dallas Build Momentum?
With the Western Conference standings tighter than ever, every game matters. Dallas sits at 16-26, right in the thick of a middle tier that includes Memphis, Sacramento, New Orleans, and yes - Utah. A couple of wins can vault a team up the standings; a couple of losses can send them tumbling.
Thursday’s blowout win was a statement, but now comes the real test: consistency. Can the Mavericks replicate that energy and execution in Saturday’s rematch?
Can the bench keep delivering while the starters recover? Can they stay within striking distance until reinforcements arrive?
It’s a lot to ask, but if Thursday night was any indication, this group isn’t backing down. They’ve got depth, they’ve got fight, and they’ve got just enough momentum to make things interesting.
Saturday’s game won’t just be about beating the Jazz again - it’ll be about proving that Thursday wasn’t a fluke. And if Dallas can keep stringing together performances like that, the rest of the West might want to start paying attention.