Jordan Clarkson’s exceptional performance off the bench fueled the Utah Jazz in a commanding 127-90 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night. Clarkson not only scored 20 points but also contributed 11 assists and 10 rebounds, marking the first regular-season triple-double for a Jazz player since Carlos Boozer achieved the feat in 2008.
The significance of Clarkson’s triple-double extends beyond recent history; it’s the first by a Jazz player coming off the bench in over four decades, dating back to Mark Eaton’s performance in 1983. This milestone achievement comes in Clarkson’s 685th regular-season game since being drafted 46th overall in 2014 by Washington and then traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, followed by stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Jazz.
Simone Fontecchio led the Jazz in scoring with 24 points, followed by Lauri Markkanen with 17 points and John Collins with 15. Walker Kessler contributed impressively with team-highs of 10 rebounds and four blocks, along with 11 points.
This win marks Utah’s fourth consecutive home victory and a significant rebound from their 50-point loss to Dallas in December. The Jazz have been on a roll, winning eight of their last 11 games.
For the Mavericks, Luke Doncic led the team with 19 points, 14 assists, and six rebounds. Jaden Hardy added 17 points, fueled by five 3-pointers. Kyrie Irving, returning after a 12-game absence due to a bruised heel, scored 14 points and provided nine rebounds and four assists. Despite these efforts, the Mavericks fell to the Jazz for only the second time in their last eight meetings.
The game started with a burst of energy from Fontecchio, who scored 12 of Utah’s first 14 points, including three 3-pointers. His scoring spree set the tone for the Jazz, leading to a significant early lead. The Mavericks attempted a comeback, narrowing a 12-point deficit, but Fontecchio and Markkanen’s consecutive dunks halted their momentum.
Utah sealed the game with a decisive 16-4 run in the fourth quarter, where Clarkson played a pivotal role in scoring and assisting key baskets.
Looking ahead, the Mavericks will host the Portland Trail Blazers, while the Jazz will face the Detroit Pistons, both games scheduled for Wednesday.
Clarkson’s historic night, combined with strong contributions from the Jazz’s starters and bench, signifies Utah’s capacity to dominate and adapt, highlighting their potential as a formidable force in the league.
