Las Vegas Summer League recap: Utah Jazz vs Dallas Mavericks

The Utah Jazz edged the Dallas Mavericks 81-80 in a sudden death, double overtime thriller on Wednesday evening. 

Debating the significance of Summer League results is an annual tradition across the National Basketball Association. In the case of the Utah Jazz, it has been difficult not to see the Forrest for the trees, if you will, since summer play has gotten underway.

Soon-to-be sophomore Trent Forrest led the way for the Jazzmen once again on Wednesday, showing off his signature court vision en route to 16 points, 9 assists and 2 steals as the Utah Jazz edged the Dallas Mavericks 81-80. He also knocked down the clutch, sudden death free throw in double overtime that finalized the decision.

While Forrest once again led the way for the Jazzmen, It was a well-balanced effort from the team, with six players scoring in double figures. Other notable contributors included Udoka Azubuike (11 points, 8 rebounds, 6 blocks) Dakota Matthews (14 points, 4 rebounds) and MaCio Teague (13 points in only 16 minutes).

The Utah Jazz struggled from the free throw line, converting only 20 of their 34 attempts (58.8%). Nonetheless, they managed to come away with the victory.

On the Mavericks’ end, 24-year-old G-Leaguer Robert Franks was a standout performer. He finished with 17 points on a hyper-efficient 5-for-7 shooting from three-point range. The team was held back by a grizzly 37.7% field goal percentage (as well as a single Trent Forrest free throw).

With Forrest’s consistently high level of play throughout Summer League thus far, it’s fair to assume that he’ll at least compete for a consistent spot in Utah’s top-heavy guard rotation. Meanwhile, Udoka Azubuike’s 6 blocks represent the single most impressive individual statistic from this game. If he can demonstrate improved conditioning, veteran Hassan Whiteside may have some competition for the primary backup 5 spot.

The Utah Jazz next suit up on Friday evening against the Miami Heat.