Player Grades: Mavericks Fall to Jazz in a 140–133 Overtime Shootout
Monday night in Utah felt like one of those games that swings on inches, possessions, and energy. The Dallas Mavericks, playing without Anthony Davis and still finding their footing, went toe-to-toe with the Jazz in a fast-paced, offense-heavy battle that had fans glued from tipoff to the final buzzer. Dallas welcomed back Daniel Gafford to help stabilize the interior, and for long stretches, it looked like the Mavs had done enough to steal a road win.
Then came the final minutes missed chances, tired legs, and a Jazz surge that pushed the game into overtime and ultimately sent Dallas home with a 140–133 loss. Despite the result, there was plenty to unpack, including one of the most eye-opening individual performances of the season.
Here’s how each Maverick graded out in the overtime defeat.
Ryan Nembhard — B+
14 PTS | 4 REB | 11 AST | 1 STL | 38 MIN
Nembhard looked refreshed and confident, bouncing back in a big way after a shaky previous outing. He controlled the offense with poise, consistently finding teammates in rhythm and finishing the night with a strong double-double. His assist total could have been even higher if a few open shots had fallen.
The lone knock was his turnover count, which climbed higher than usual for a player known for ball security. Still, given his minutes and responsibility, this was a stabilizing performance that Dallas badly needed.
Naji Marshall — B+
15 PTS | 3 REB | 1 AST | 1 STL | 36 MIN
Marshall continues to be one of the most reliable “glue guys” on the roster. His calm demeanor never changes, but his impact is undeniable. Defensively, he stayed engaged and disruptive, and offensively, he scored efficiently without needing plays called for him.
His best moment came late in the shot clock, when he casually drained a three as time expired a perfect example of how his confidence never wavers. Shooting nearly 60% from the floor, Marshall once again proved his value.
Cooper Flagg — A+
42 PTS | 7 REB | 6 AST | 1 STL | 2 BLK | 42 MIN
This was Cooper Flagg’s night, plain and simple.
In the absence of Anthony Davis, the offense ran through Flagg and he delivered in spectacular fashion. He poured in a career-high 42 points, relentlessly attacking the rim, drawing fouls, and making defenders look helpless. His ability to control the game stood out just as much as the scoring, as he mixed in playmaking, rebounding, and timely defensive plays.
Turnovers and missed free throws were minor blemishes on an otherwise dominant performance. Even in a loss, this felt like a defining moment the kind of game that signals a star taking the next step.
P.J. Washington — A
25 PTS | 13 REB | 1 BLK | 39 MIN
Washington was rock-solid from start to finish. He attacked the glass, ran the floor with purpose, and capitalized on smart leak-outs for easy buckets. His 13 rebounds led the team, and his scoring efficiency kept Dallas competitive during critical stretches.
While a few missed free throws and a lack of playmaking stats slightly muted the night, this was still an elite two-way performance. Games like this are why Washington is such a vital piece for the Mavericks.
Daniel Gafford — N/A
2 PTS | 2 REB | 2 AST | 1 STL | 1 BLK | 13 MIN
In his first game back, Gafford was understandably limited. On a minutes restriction, he showed flashes of what he brings rim protection, energy, and solid passing instincts but also some rust.
Three fouls in 13 minutes reflected timing issues more than effort. While it’s hard to assign a grade, his return alone is a positive sign for Dallas moving forward.
Max Christie — B
8 PTS | 5 REB | 3 AST | 1 BLK | 28 MIN
Christie didn’t have the green light offensively, but he made the most of his opportunities. He contributed across the board, rebounded well for his position, and played within the flow of the offense.
His shot from deep wasn’t there, but his calm presence at the free-throw line in the final seconds knocking down clutch shots to force overtime earned him a grade boost. That kind of composure matters.
Klay Thompson — B
12 PTS | 2 REB | 1 STL | 21 MIN
Statistically, Thompson had a solid night, especially from beyond the arc where he connected on four of his nine attempts. Early on, he spaced the floor and punished defensive lapses with vintage shooting touch.
As the game tightened, however, those same shots didn’t fall, and his influence waned. It wasn’t a poor performance just one that felt incomplete when Dallas needed a late-game dagger.
Final Thoughts
This was one of those losses that stings because it felt within reach.
Despite missing a major scoring presence and managing a returning big man, the Mavericks had enough strong individual performances to win. Flagg was sensational. Washington and Marshall delivered. Nembhard steadied the ship. But fatigue, execution, and a few missed opportunities late allowed Utah to flip the script.
The silver lining? Dallas showed resilience, depth, and star power. Clean up the late-game details, get healthier, and nights like this can quickly turn from frustrating losses into momentum-building wins.
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