Kyrie Irving and Key Moments in Mavericks 110, Jazz 102 Clash

Kyrie Irving's Clutch Performance in Mavericks vs Jazz

Little things make a big difference, both in life and basketball. I can think of countless examples in my personal life where clawing for inches made a positive difference and I’m sure you can, too. I recently had a conversation with someone that has a basketball acumen I greatly respect – my brother, Rob Harris. He tuned into the Pod Maverick podcast on Saturday night, where I had the privilege to join Kirk Henderson and David Trink. Coming out of that episode, my brother suggested the idea that we at Mavs Moneyball cover some of the little things that can get lost over the course of watching a game, but which nonetheless have a big impact on momentum swings and ultimately the outcome. As a result of that idea, we welcome you to the first installment of Turning Points after the Mavericks defeated the Jazz 110-102 Monday night.

Turning Point Plays

• At the 59-second mark in the first quarter, Kyrie Irving missed a jumper that resulted in a Collin Sexton three for the Jazz nine seconds later. With the Mavs' lead cut to two, Kyrie came back on the other end and canned a three of his own.
• After forcing a Jazz missed three, Kyrie once again nailed a three with one second remaining, increasing the lead from two to eight.
• With 33 seconds remaining in the half, Luka Doncic hit his first free throw to give the Mavericks a five-point lead, but missed the second. Dereck Lively cleaned up the offensive board and passed to Klay Thompson, who drained a three, extending the lead to eight.

Critical Moments Impacting the Game

In the third quarter, Doncic got on the bad side of the refs, earning a technical foul. This tech at the 7:26 mark saw the Mavericks leading by 13. By the 6:16 mark, the Jazz capitalized, cutting the lead to five.

• As the game neared its end at the five-minute mark, the Mavs, led by Klay Thompson's efforts, were poised to secure a win.
• However, Jordan Clarkson's three, alongside a goaltending call against Daniel Gafford that gave Collin Sexton two points, tightened the game, with Kyrie having an uncharacteristic turnover.

But enter Luka Doncic, who hit his first three of the night, extending the lead back to nine. Closing out from there, Kyrie hit two free throws, and Luka added a layup, wrapping up the win.