Jalen Brunson averaged 27.8 points in the series and kept the Mavericks ahead of the Jazz, including a 41-point game in Game 2, until Doncic returned from a calf injury. The Mavericks shot 56% (14 of 25) from 3-point range after halftime, but several Dallas players credited their defense for the win.ĭespite a height disadvantage and the fact that Utah had the NBA's most-efficient offense in the regular season, Dallas held the Jazz to just 99 points per game in the series.
Luka causes so much pressure and then he finds guys.'' ''For guys like me, that's when I start smiling,'' Finney-Smith said about the ball movement to start the second half. Doncic had 10 points and Dallas made 8 of 12 from 3-point range to outscore Utah 36-19 in the third quarter.
The Mavericks found their range in the third quarter as the Jazz tried multiple defenses but somehow seemed to consistently leave someone alone behind the arc. Earlier in the fourth quarter, Finney-Smith's 3-pointer gave the Mavericks their largest lead at 88-80 before the Jazz scored eight straight - many coming off hustle plays as Utah played with desperation - culminating with a Mitchell-to-Rudy Gobert dunk.
