Irving scores 30 points and Grimes scores 24 as Dallas wins again without Doncic, 106-94 over Utah

SALT LAKE CITY – Kyrie Irving scored 30 points and Quentin Grimes had 24 points to help the undermanned Dallas Mavericks beat the Utah Jazz 106-94 on Saturday night.

Dallas led the entire game despite playing without Luka Doncic (right wrist), Klay Thompson (left foot) and Dante Exum (right wrist). Naji Marshall left the team in the second quarter and did not return due to illness.

PJ Washington had 16 points and 10 rebounds for the Mavericks, who have won four of five games – all without Doncic.

The Jazz have lost seven of their last eight games. Lauri Markkanen scored 19 points and Walker Kessler had 18 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks for Utah.

Thanks to Grimes’ quick start with four 3s in the quarter, the Mavericks led by as many as 20 points in the first quarter.

Mavericks: Dallas made everything look easy when they shot 9 for 13 from 3-point range in the first quarter, but they had some dry spells when Irving wasn’t on the court. The Mavericks had just one point in the first 5:15 of the fourth quarter and the Jazz cut it to 87-82.

Jazz: Utah played energetically but couldn’t shoot even when they managed to get open offense. The Jazz shot 35.8% from the field and had just 20 assists.

After watching the Jazz get within five points during their break, Irving made a 3-pointer, then stole the ball and assisted Grimes on a layup to make the score 92-82 with 6:19 to play.

Grimes was 5-for-6 on 3-pointers but 0-for-4 on free throws at one point in the first half. He finally hit a free throw in the fourth quarter, going 1-for-6 from the line and 9-for-16 from the field with five 3s.

Utah hosts the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday, while the Mavericks have their own clash in Portland on Sunday night.

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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba