The Utah Jazz pulled off a gritty comeback win over the Dallas Mavericks in overtime, 140-133 - but this one was as much about the promise of the future as it was about the result on the scoreboard.
Flagg’s Breakout, But Not Enough
Let’s start with Cooper Flagg. The rookie didn’t just show up - he announced himself.
A 42-point performance, the most ever by a Mavericks rookie, and he did it with a level of poise and physicality that’s rare even among seasoned pros. What stood out wasn’t just the volume of points, but how he got them: 13-of-27 from the field, just one made three-pointer, and a relentless 20 trips to the free-throw line.
That’s not perimeter-heavy rookie scoring - that’s a player who’s already figured out how to pressure defenses and live at the rim.
Flagg’s downhill attack is becoming his signature. He’s not just quick - he’s decisive.
Late in regulation, with Dallas down three, he drove hard, finished through contact, and nearly completed a game-tying and-one. The free throw missed, but the moment spoke volumes.
He’s not waiting for permission to take over - he’s already doing it.
And it’s not just scoring. Flagg added six assists, seven rebounds, and two blocks.
This wasn’t a volume-shooting night from a rookie trying to pad stats. This was a full-on, all-around performance that showed exactly why Dallas is building around him.
Jazz Turn Up the Heat Late
But while Flagg was the headline, Utah wrote the ending. Keyonte George was sensational, dropping 37 points and hitting big shots when it mattered most. Lauri Markkanen wasn’t far behind with 33, and the Jazz as a whole looked like a team that knows how to close.
They outscored Dallas 11-4 in overtime, and it wasn’t just about shot-making - it was about composure. Both teams took nine shots in the extra period.
Utah hit five. Dallas hit one.
That’s the game.
Dallas, despite all their experience in clutch-time minutes this season, couldn’t find their rhythm in OT. The legs looked heavy, the shots came up short, and the offense stalled.
Klay Thompson missed a pair of threes. PJ Washington went 1-of-3.
Flagg’s two points came from the line after going 0-for-2 from the field. The Mavericks simply ran out of gas, and Utah took full advantage.
A Tale of Two Halves - and an Identity Shift
The Mavericks came out blazing, dropping a season-best 43 points in the first quarter. Flagg had 14 in the frame, and it looked like Dallas might run away with it. But Utah kept chipping away, and by the second half, the game had turned into a grind.
Still, there’s a bigger story unfolding in Dallas - and it’s about growth. This is a team that, not long ago, looked completely lost on offense.
Turnovers, poor spacing, and a three-point shot diet that wasn’t working. But lately?
They’ve started to find themselves.
The shift has been subtle but significant. Ryan Nembhard, a true point guard, is now steering the offense, and it’s paying off.
Head coach Jason Kidd has started to tighten the reins, leaning into what works. The message is clear: unless your name is Klay Thompson, Max Christie, or Ryan Nembhard, the three-point line isn’t your first option.
And if you're Cooper Flagg? Go eat.
The offense is yours.
This new approach is cutting down on the low-percentage looks and letting players operate in their comfort zones. The result? A team that’s gone from offensively disjointed to increasingly dangerous.
Utah’s Poise vs. Dallas’ Potential
For Utah, this was a win that showcased their late-game execution and the continued emergence of Keyonte George as a go-to scorer. His confidence and shot-making in crunch time were the difference, and with Markkanen providing steady production, the Jazz look like a team that can hang in any shootout.
Dallas, meanwhile, is still figuring out how to close. They’ve played more clutch minutes than any team in the league this season, but overtime is a different animal.
It’s not just about strategy - it’s about stamina, decision-making, and shot-making under pressure. And right now, with rookies like Flagg and Nembhard leading the charge, there are going to be growing pains.
But if this game is any indication, the future is bright. Flagg isn’t just a promising rookie - he’s already impacting games at a star level.
The Mavericks may have fallen short in this one, but they’re not far off. Give this group time, and the late-game heartbreaks will start turning into wins.