Mavs-Jazz preview: Irving finishes up big stretch as Luka nears return

SALT LAKE CITY – The Mavericks will bring the month of November to a close Saturday night against the Utah Jazz.

And what a month it’s been for Kyrie Irving.

Actually, more than five weeks if you go back to opening night on Oct. 24.

Irving’s body of work so far this season has been exemplary – and much needed. No, his points, rebounds and assists aren’t at Luka Dončić’s level. But they are crazy nonetheless.

The 6-2 veteran has averaged 24.5 points and 5.4 assists. He’s hit 46.6 percent of his three-pointers, by far the best mark on the team of players who have shot more than 10 triples.

And he has played 18 of the Mavericks’ 19 games.

“What Kai’s doing as a leader both on and off the floor has been very impactful,” coach Jason Kidd said. “You look at his numbers, he’s carrying a heavy load right now. But the beauty of what he’s doing is he’s picking his spots. He’s playing chess.”

And it’s more than Irving simply picking his spots to score.

“The guys he’s playing with, he’s encouraged them to play because he can’t do it by himself,” Kidd said. “In Atlanta, he did not shoot the ball extremely well in the first half, and we were only down six. The team’s playing at a high level for him. He’s playing the game the right way at a very high level.”

And his teammates are grateful for the way Irving is leading them and setting the table for them. They have prospered in particular lately when Dončić has been sidelined with a sprained right wrist.

The Mavericks have had four players score at least 20 points in each of the last two games – wins at Atlanta and at home against New York.

“In the first half, he’s telling us to go, be aggressive,” said P.J. Washington, one of the players who has benefited from Irving’s encouragement. “And obviously, in the second half, he’s being himself.”

Which the Mavericks need, now and when Luka returns, which the Mavericks hope will happen at Utah.

“He’s amazing,” Quentin Grimes said of Irving. “From the first time we watched him work out, he’s one of the most skilled players ever.

“And his leadership, that’s going to be big if things get rough again. It’s a blessing to have that.”

It’s part of the whole package that Irving has brought so far this season.

Here’s what else to watch for as the Mavericks visit the Jazz Saturday:

• The Mavericks hope to have Dončić back in the lineup after a four-game absence with his sprained wrist. Kidd said that the 6-7 Slovenian went through practice on Friday and “looked like Luka.” “He practiced, so we’ll see how he feels,” Kidd added. “We’ve kind of done this before. We don’t need to take a step back to wait on him. We got to continue to push the pace. He’ll join us. He’ll find a way to make it work.” As for any adjustments, Kidd said common sense usually prevails in these situations. “It goes both ways,” he said. “Adjusting to him (is key) but also he’s got to adjust with the new pieces. So understanding how we play, we see what P.J. (Washington) is doing now and (Naji) Marshall, but he’ll be fine with that.” Officially, Luka’s listed as doubtful against the Jazz.
• Klay Thompson, meanwhile, did not practice on Friday and is out for Saturday’s game.
• Spencer Dinwiddie said the return of Luka, whenever that may be, won’t exactly throw the Mavericks out of kilter. “Obviously Luka has a certain style,” Dinwiddie said. “And he’s an MVP-caliber player. Our job is to fit around the MVP. With that being said, if you’re committed to doing your job at the highest level, everything will work out.”
• It’s the start of a quick, tougher-than-it-looks-on-paper trip that moves on to Portland on Sunday evening. In addition to a long stretch of travel (the Mavericks have gone from West Coast to East Coast and back again to the West Coast within 18 days. It’s also going to run their recent total to nine road games in their last 12 overall.
• The Mavericks lost 115-113 at Utah two weeks back and that was the game after which the players and coaches aired things out in the locker room postgame, leading to the current run of six wins in seven games. Said Kidd on Friday: “It’s a tough road trip going back to back. We got to find a way to win on the road in Utah. Last time we were there it came down to the last possession. If we’re in that same situation, we got to find a way to win.”
• The Jazz have a slew of players who did not play Wednesday in a 122-103 loss to Denver, including Lauri Markkanen (personal), John Collins (knee), Jordan Clarkson (foot), Drew Eubanks (knee) and Kyle Filipowski (leg).
• The Jazz, who are getting good production from former Baylor guard Keyonte George (16.1 points, 5.7 assists), have lost six of seven games since their clutch win over the Mavericks on Nov. 14.

MAVERICKS (11-8) at UTAH JAZZ (4-14)

WHEN: 8:30 p.m., Saturday

WHERE: Delta Center, Salt Lake City

TV: KFAA, MAVS TV STREAM

RADIO: KEGL 97.1 FM, 99.1 FM Zona MX (Spanish)

X: @ESefko