The Utah Jazz fell to the Dallas Mavericks 110-102 in their first regular season road game at American Airlines Center. They are 1 of 3 teams yet to win a single game through October, including the Detroit Pistons and Sacramento Kings (as of now they lead Portland 47-43 in the second quarter).
The Jazz’s defense was spectacular early on, holding both Doncic and Irving below 11 through the first half. Once Hendricks’ tragic injury occurred in the third quarter, Utah’s main POA defender was lost as well. Dallas thrived off a 15-5 run to give them an 82-70 lead entering the final quarter.
Offensive ability wasn’t much of a strong suit either. Utah certainly had oppurtunities to take advantage and gain a lead, but was overshadowed by poor shooting. The Jazz finished 9-34 from beyond the arc (26.5%) as well as 34-92 (37%) from the field.
Six Jazzmen finished in double figures, including Collin Sexton’s team-high 23 points on 9-11 from the field,
Game Notes
The tragedy of October 28th
Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images
We’ll rip this bandage off as quickly as we can. With 6 minutes remaining in the third quarter, Taylor Hendricks has the stretcher brought out for him after a gruesome slipping leg injury.
You could feel emotions all around the arena. The Jazz bench in tears, Dallas crowd completely silent. No Jazz fan wanted to continue watching the game. Tim MacMahon reports Hendricks suffered a fractured right fibula and dislocated ankle, returning to Utah tomorrow for further testing.
“[Hendricks] He’s a great kid, and so we’re really just trying to focus on him, his health, keeping his spirits up, as he begins the road of his recovery” Will Hardy said following the game.
It was a heartbreaking one for sure, with the progression that Hendricks made in his limited three games through the regular season. We’ll likely see more Cody Williams/John Collins minutes in his stead. Hopefully, the return of Isaiah Collier may be able to put some of the offensive pressure off some of Utah’s less confident ball handlers.
Keyonte woes continue
Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images
This is a development year for most of the Utah Jazz, but all eyes stay on the second-year guard. Keyonte’s struggled continued early on in the game with forced shots and turnovers that came purely out of frustration. By halftime he only managed to record 4 points on 2-9 from the field.
It’s been a rough 3 games from Keyonte, with no understatement. His 17 points tonight was his highest compared to his two 12 point performances, but it’s been more apparent in setting the tone for the energy that enters the ball in the flow of the game. He’s definitely received it more rough than most — he hasn’t had the same whistle as everyone else and has been overwhelmed by some of the expectations placed on him from the preseason.
There aren’t any rushes for him to be great right now, in fact we still have 79 games left to play. Seeing him get more comfortable and moderate with how he handles the ball will be the indicator moving forward.
Jazz travel back home tomorrow on October 29th as they take on the Sacramento Kings at 7:00 PM MT.
