Gobert Block Leads To Three-Point Play By O’Neale Against Mavericks

SALT LAKE CITY – Jazz center Rudy Gobert blocked a shot and created a fast-break bucket for Royce O’Neale during Utah’s game against the Dallas Mavericks.

The Mavericks hosted the Jazz at American Airlines Center on Monday, March 7.

With 9:40 left in the third quarter, Gobert swatted a two-foot shot attempt by Dallas’ Dwight Powell. The blocked shot was rebounded by Mike Conley, who quickly pushed the ball ahead to O’Neale.

G🚫BERT pic.twitter.com/ShUZazAY2e

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) March 8, 2022

The Baylor product laid the ball off the glass for two points.

O’Neale’s bucket cut Dallas’ lead to 63-52 with 9:36 to go in the quarter.

Off to the Royces 🏁#TakeNote | @bucketsoneale00 pic.twitter.com/ps3ib9EoPR

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) March 8, 2022

At the end of the quarter, the Mavericks owned an 85-68 advantage.

Gobert had six points, six rebounds, and two blocks. O’Neale had eight points on 3-6 field goals. He added four rebounds and two assists during the first 36 minutes of game time.

This season, Gobert is averaging 15.7 points, 14.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 2.2 blocks, and 0.7 steals per game. O’Neale is averaging 7.7 points per game on 49.8 percent shooting.

Jazz vs. Mavericks

Dallas is 10-2 in their last 12 games and has won four straight since losing to the Jazz in Utah in late February.

However, they haven’t been statistically dominant during the stretch.

The Mavericks haven’t seen a game decided by 10 points or more in their last nine outings, with a February 8 victory over the Detroit Pistons serving as their last true easy win.

Though Dallas is 7-2 in the stretch, the average score differential has been just four points. The Mavericks have outscored their last four opponents by just 21 points, but have come out victorious in each effort.

Tonight's matchup with the @dallasmavs is massive for the @utahjazz.

But they might be without one of their key pieces. #TakeNote https://t.co/ULXvb8GaIx

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) March 7, 2022

The Mavericks will also be shorthanded as guard Jalen Brunson has been ruled out with a right foot contusion.

Tonight’s game could have a significant impact on the final standings as the Jazz and Mavericks look likely to face one another in the opening round of the playoffs.

If the two teams remain in the fourth and fifth seed at the end of the regular season, the fourth-seeded team would open the playoffs at home, and host a potential game seven in their own building.

The Jazz have won the first two games in the series this season and would clinch the tiebreaker with a win tonight. The two teams will play again later this month in Dallas.

❔Is this the most important game of the season❔

📺: AT&T SportsNet
📻: @ZoneSportsNet
🎧: https://t.co/yTfV2Fd1rE #TakeNote @utahjazz pic.twitter.com/Ruy1GgeDrb

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) March 7, 2022

Utah’s game against Dallas is broadcast on AT&T SportsNet, NBA League Pass, and The Zone Sports Network.

Follow @kyleireland