Lauri Markkanen scores 33, rallies the Jazz to a 116-114 win over the Mavericks

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Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) shoots over Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Tyler Tate)

Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) drives to the basket while guarded by Utah Jazz forward Cody Williams (5) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Tyler Tate) — Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) shoots over Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Tyler Tate)

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8:29 PM on Thursday, January 8

By JOHN COON

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Lauri Markkanen had 33 points and seven rebounds and the Utah Jazz snapped a five-game losing streak with a 116-114 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night.

Keyonte George added 19 points and seven assists. Brice Sensabaugh scored 14 points and Kevin Love chipped in 10 points and 10 boards.

Cooper Flagg had 29 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists to lead Dallas. Klay Thompson made six 3-pointers and scored 23 points off the bench. Anthony Davis added 21 points and 11 rebounds for the Mavs.

Utah scored 25 points off 21 Dallas turnovers and outscored the Mavericks 64-46 in the paint.

Dallas scored baskets on four straight possessions, culminating in Max Christie’s 3-pointer, to take a 107-100 lead with 4:39 left. Utah then held the Mavericks without a basket for nearly four minutes and surged into the lead.

Markkanen scored three straight baskets to fuel a 12-0 run that gave the Jazz a 112-107 lead with 1:41 left. Utah scored on seven of its final nine possessions to secure the victory.

Utah’s willingness to attack the rim early paid off. The Jazz scored 24 of their 34 first-quarter points in the paint. It sparked a 22-6 run that helped Utah to a 27-17 lead. Cody Williams fueled the run with three dunks over four possessions.

The Jazz led by as many as 14 points in the second quarter, going up 53-39 after Markkanen capped a 15-5 run with a dunk.

Dallas chipped away at the deficit and took a 61-60 lead after Naji Marshall and Christie hit back-to-back 3-pointers to open the third quarter.

Up next

Mavericks: At Chicago on Saturday.

Jazz: Host Charlotte on Saturday.

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