NBA: Markkanen shines as Jazz snap 5-game skid with win over Mavericks

SALT LAKE CITY: Lauri Markkanen led the Utah Jazz to a thrilling 116-114 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in a National Basketball Association (NBA) clash here at Delta Center on Thursday, ending a five-game losing streak.

The Finnisher scored 33 points, adding seven rebounds and four assists, while Keyonte George contributed 19 points and seven assists.

The Jazz, who trailed 107-100 with just over four minutes remaining, stormed back with a 16-4 run to take a 116-111 lead with 29 seconds left.

Dallas had earlier gone on a 9-0 run, capped by Max Christie's 3-pointer, to seize control of the game. However, Utah's late surge, led by Markkanen and George, proved decisive.

Despite a last-ditch 3-pointer by Naji Marshall with one second remaining, the Mavericks were unable to complete their comeback.

Brice Sensabaugh added 14 points for Utah, while Kevin Love contributed a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Walter Clayton Jr. also chipped in 12 points, helping the Jazz to a crucial win.

For the Mavericks, Cooper Flagg put up a strong performance, scoring 26 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, while Klay Thompson added 23 points.

However, the Mavericks struggled with 20 turnovers, contributing to their fifth defeat in seven games.

The game saw numerous lead changes and ties, with the third quarter proving pivotal as Dallas edged ahead 89-88.

The Jazz’s solid defensive performance and clutch scoring in the final minutes sealed their second win of the season over Dallas.

The Dallas Mavericks will next face the Chicago Bulls on January 11th.