The Mavs will try and make it five in a row tonight after a four-day Holiday rest. The Mavs won the last contest against Utah 127-117 about 2 1/2 weeks ago.
Trying to put something together
When the Mavs won the last meeting, it was the third straight loss in what would end up as a six-game losing streak for the Jazz. With such a promising start at 13-5, it is shocking to see Utah go through such a disappointing stretch. They may have broken that six-game losing streak, but they have lost three of their last five and are barely above .500 and have relinquished their division lead to the Nuggets.
Kirilenko scoring more
With so many scoring options, it seems as if Johnny-on-the-spot player Andrei Kirilenko is doing more than defending and rebounding. In his last three games, he's averaging 17 points and shooting the three very effectively. He's a very athletic player that was a focal scorer in the past before Carlos Boozer got healthy and started to dominate, and this could be a sign of AK-47's scoring resurgence.
Control the field goals
All 15 of Utah's wins this season have come when they have shot a higher field-goal percentage than their opponents. If the Mavs can put the Jazz on the line and keep them from dishing out easy assists, they'll probably have success.
Random useless fact
Carlos Boozer once sued musician Prince over a dispute on the use of property owned by Boozer. The dispute was later settled.
-Scooter Hendon, Hoops Nerd
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