Utah Jazz-Dallas Mavericks: Instant Analysis

DALLAS — One week ago, the Utah Jazz and the Dallas Mavericks squared off in Salt Lake City, with the Mavs eking out a heartbreaking 94-91 win. Friday’s rematch saw Dallas having a much easier go at it, riding a strong fourth quarter on the way to a 116-101 victory over the Jazz. Utah lost its second consecutive game and the third of four.

Sans Finals MVP Dirk Nowitzki, the defending champion Mavericks put forth a balanced effort. Six Dallas players scored in double figures for coach Rick Carlisle. Utah was paced by Paul Millsap’s 20 points.

Another Jazz killer: One game after notorious Jazz killer Linas Kleiza torched Utah for 25 points, a Maverick decided to assume the role. But it wasn’t just longtime nemesis Lamar Odom this time (although his 19 points were integral). Speedy guard Rodrigue Beaubois had his second straight strong game versus the Jazz. A week ago, he recorded 17 points and some clutch play in the EnergySolutions Arena win. Friday, he nearly matched that in the first half alone (16 points).

His final line was very impressive: 22 points (with three triples), seven assists, six rebounds and a surprising four blocked shots. And he adds his name to a list of players who thrive against Utah.

Fatal fourth: After three quarters, the Jazz were hanging tough in the high-scoring affair. Even four minutes into the fourth, Utah was down just 90-84 until Beaubois and Odom dialed up back-to-back 3-pointers. From there on, Dallas quickly ran away with things, showing champion mettle in a 28-19 fourth quarter.

Utah just had no answer defensively as different Maverick players attacked from all over the court. It didn’t help that the Jazz had offensive woes, managing just seven points until Utah coach Tyrone Corbin flew the white flag with 3:39 left in the game.

Odds and ends:

• Dallas put on a shooting exhibition, nailing a sparkling 55 percent from the field. The team also calmly drained 11-19 from long range.
• Enes Kanter, with 12 points and seven rebounds in just 13 minutes, was the only Jazz player who saw 10 or more minutes who had a positive +/- with +9.
• Josh Howard is just 2-13 in his two games back from injury.
• Speaking of which, future Hall of Famer Jason Kidd exited the game just two minutes in, suffering a calf injury.
• Gordon Hayward, whose recent struggles have been well publicized, had his most under-control effort in a while, scoring eight points and dishing a team-high six assists.

David Smith is providing instant analysis for Deseret News' Utah Jazz coverage this season. He works for LDS Philanthropies and also blogs for the Utah Jazz 360 website. He can be reached at mechakucha1@gmail.com or on Twitter at davidjsmith1232.