SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - In a high-octane showdown on Thursday night, the Dallas Mavericks overwhelmed the Utah Jazz with a final score of 144-122, showcasing a potent offensive performance led by Klay Thompson. The veteran sharpshooter matched his season high with six three-pointers and netted a season-best 26 points, reinforcing his position as one of the league's most reliable long-range threats. This victory marks yet another impressive outing for the Mavericks, who have been steadily climbing the ranks in the Western Conference. Thompson's performance was a pivotal element in the Mavericks' win, especially as they continue to strive for playoff positioning. The 33-year-old guard’s six three-pointers not only tied his season high but also propelled him into fourth place on the NBA's all-time career three-pointers list. This milestone comes as no surprise to fans and analysts alike, given Thompson's storied career with the Golden State Warriors, where he has been instrumental in their multiple championship runs. "It feels good to contribute and help the team win, especially in an environment like this," Thompson said after the game. His humility was evident as he expressed gratitude for the support from Mavericks fans and his teammates. The victory also showcased the deep bench of the Mavericks, with several players stepping up to maintain the team’s momentum throughout the game. On the other side of the court, the Utah Jazz struggled defensively, allowing the Mavericks to dominate the scoreboard. Despite a notable performance from rookie Brice Sensabaugh, who tallied 27 points, the Jazz failed to keep pace with Dallas. Sensabaugh, coming off a career-high 43-point game against the Chicago Bulls the previous night, demonstrated his scoring prowess but lacked the necessary support for a cohesive team performance. The young player’s efforts, while commendable, were not enough to offset the lapses in defense that characterized the Jazz's play. The game began with both teams trading baskets, but the Mavericks quickly found their rhythm. They shot an impressive 55.3% from the field and connected on 19 three-pointers, showcasing their offensive firepower. Luka Dončić, the Mavericks’ star player, contributed significantly with 21 points and 10 assists, facilitating the offense and distributing the ball effectively. The synergy between Dončić and Thompson was evident, as they combined for several fast-break opportunities that stunned the Jazz defense. As the first half progressed, the Mavericks took control, closing the second quarter with a commanding lead. The Jazz, however, had moments of brilliance, with notable plays from veteran forward Lauri Markkanen and guard Jordan Clarkson, but their efforts were sporadic. Markkanen finished with 23 points while Clarkson added 19, yet their contributions were overshadowed by the Mavericks’ offensive onslaught. Defensively, the Jazz struggled to contain the Mavericks' perimeter shooting, and the visitors capitalized on this weakness. Dallas’s ability to stretch the floor forced the Jazz into mismatches, leading to open shots that were routinely converted by Thompson and his teammates. The Mavericks' success from beyond the arc proved crucial, particularly in the third quarter, where they extended their lead to 23 points at one point. In the fourth quarter, the Jazz attempted to mount a comeback, outscoring the Mavericks 36-28, but it was too little, too late. Head coach Will Hardy acknowledged the need for improvement on the defensive end. "We can't let teams shoot that well from three-point range and expect to win games. It’s something we need to address going forward," he stated post-game. Looking ahead, the Jazz will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next matchup. Their defensive strategies will be under scrutiny as they attempt to halt their recent slide in performance. Meanwhile, the Mavericks will look to build on this momentum as they aim for a strong finish to the regular season, leveraging the chemistry between their key players. This game serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of the NBA season, where individual talents can shine but team dynamics ultimately pave the way for success. As the playoffs approach, teams like the Mavericks are positioning themselves as serious contenders, while the Jazz must find a way to regain their footing to stay competitive in the playoff race.