In a remarkable turnaround, Jordan Clarkson led the Utah Jazz to a resounding 127-90 victory over the Dallas Mavericks, avenging a previous 147-97 loss on December 6. Clarkson notched a triple-double with 20 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds, becoming the first Jazz player to achieve this feat in the regular season since Carlos Boozer in 2008.
The game was a redemption story for the Jazz, who controlled the play for much of the night and employed a decisive 25-2 run in the second half to secure the win. Simone Fontecchio contributed significantly with 24 points, including 14 in the first quarter, as Utah took an early double-digit lead. Lauri Markkanen added 17 points, John Collins scored 15, Keyonte George had 14, and Walker Kessler made his presence felt with 11 points, 10 rebounds, and four blocks.
Luka Doncic, who played a pivotal role in the Mavericks’ dominant victory in December, finished with 19 points, 14 assists, and six rebounds. Kyrie Irving returned after a 12-game absence due to a heel injury, contributing 14 points, nine rebounds, and four assists. Jaden Hardy showcased his shooting prowess, hitting five 3-pointers and scoring 17 points.
Although the Mavericks briefly narrowed the Jazz’s lead in the third quarter, Utah responded with a game-changing 12-4 run, with Markkanen and Clarkson leading the charge. The Jazz entered the fourth quarter with a comfortable 14-point lead and continued to extend their advantage. Despite Irving’s efforts for the Mavericks, the Jazz seized control with a 13-0 run, ultimately winning the game 127-90.
Former Jazz guard Dante Exum, who has been performing well for Dallas this season, left the game early with a right heel contusion. The victory marked a significant redemption for the Jazz, showcasing their resilience and ability to bounce back from a substantial defeat.
