Film Study: How Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving Helped Dallas Mavs Pick Apart Jazz

The Mavs produced an impressive offensive display against the Jazz in the first of two matchups late in the 2023-24 season, with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving playing key roles.

SALT LAKE CITY — A team does not often face the same opponent in consecutive games outside of the playoffs, let alone with three full days off between matchups. The Dallas Mavericks face that situation as they are set to take on the Utah Jazz again at Delta Center on Monday night.

On Thursday, the Mavs won 113-97, with Luka Doncic contributing 34 points, nine rebounds, eight assists, and four steals. He shot 11-23 (47.8%) from the floor, 4-10 (40.0%) from 3-point range, and 8-12 (66.7%) on free throws. It was a strong bounce-back performance after missing a career-high 21 field goal attempts against the San Antonio Spurs in his previous game. As a team, the Mavs dished out 33 assists using an unselfish style the team aspires to build on going forward.

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"Just the penetration, the talk of the ball touching the paint. It's something we've been talking about since training camp," Mavs coach Jason Kidd said. "I thought the guys were able to find each other and be very unselfish tonight, and the bigs took advantage of that, including our stretch four with Kai (Kyrie Irving) on the lob. Making the extra pass tonight -- Timmy (Tim Hardaway Jr.) turned down a 3 to give someone else, Maxi [Kleber], a corner 3. He turns that down and drives it to find a teammate. [There were] a lot of great things tonight that we can build on."

Kyrie Irving was limited to 16 points, but made plenty of plays, too. He shot 7-19 (36.8%) overall, 2-8 (25.0%) from beyond the arc, and 4-6 (66.7%) on free throws. He played a helpful role in the Mavs attacking the rim to score 62 points in the paint and holding a 27-to-10 advantage in fastbreak points, both themes he's emphasized. Daniel Gafford totaled 24 points while recording 10 of the team's 18 dunks. Derrick Jones Jr. added 12 points.

“It is vital for us to keep attacking the paint and test teams at the rim. It is the most efficient shot in basketball," Irving said. "I just want to continue to have that mentality to attack other teams. It can help us tremendously as we get ready for the playoffs.”

Watch the in-depth breakdown of how the Mavs' offense, led by Doncic and Irving, picked apart the Jazz defense on my YouTube channel. You can also check out the Mavs' press availability and other content there throughout the season. 

The Mavs' focus on creating transition chances and attacking the paint will be tested in the elevation of Salt Lake City in Monday's matchup. With plenty of time between games, there should have been more than enough rest to produce another high energy display.