So, you’re looking for the score. It’s Saturday, January 17, 2026, and if you’re a Dallas sports fan, your focus is almost certainly on the hardwood at the American Airlines Center. While the Cowboys are currently deep in an offseason of soul-searching after their regular season ended a couple of weeks back, the Dallas Mavericks are right in the thick of their NBA campaign.
Tonight, the Mavericks took on the Utah Jazz in a Western Conference showdown that had more subplots than a prestige TV drama.
Mavericks vs. Jazz: The Score Breakdown
The final score was Mavericks 112, Jazz 105.
Honestly, it wasn’t always looking that certain. Dallas entered this game with a 15-26 record, trying desperately to find some rhythm in a season that has felt a bit like a rollercoaster with a loose bolt. Utah, sitting at a similar 14-26, came in hungry. But when you have the star power Dallas possesses—even in a "down" year—they usually find a way to close the door at home.
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The game stayed tight through the first three quarters. Utah’s Brice Sensabaugh has been on an absolute tear lately, and he didn't make it easy for the Mavs' perimeter defenders. But the fourth quarter belonged to Dallas. They tightened up the rotation, forced three key turnovers in the final five minutes, and basically iced it at the free-throw line.
Who Stood Out Tonight?
You can't talk about the what was the score of dallas game today without looking at the box score specifics.
- Luka Doncic: He was doing Luka things. We’re talking a near triple-double where he seemed to move at half-speed while everyone else was sprinting, yet nobody could take the ball from him.
- The Bench Spark: Naji Marshall and the second unit provided a defensive intensity that the starters lacked in the first half.
- Utah’s Resistance: Sensabaugh finished with high honors for the Jazz, proving that their rebuilding phase has some serious teeth.
Why This Game Actually Mattered
Look, a mid-January game between two teams under .500 might not seem like "must-watch" TV to the casual observer. But in the Western Conference, these games are the difference between a high lottery pick and sneaking into the Play-In Tournament.
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Dallas has been dealing with some identity issues. The trade rumors are always swirling, and the fan base is, understandably, a little on edge. Winning tonight gives them a tiny bit of breathing room before they head back out on the road. It wasn't a masterpiece, but a win is a win.
What About the Other Dallas Teams?
If you were actually looking for the Dallas Cowboys score, you might have missed the news. Their season wrapped up on January 4th with a 34-17 loss to the New York Giants. They finished 7-9-1. No playoffs this year. It’s been a rough winter for the star on the helmet, and the chatter in North Texas is mostly about the upcoming draft and whether the coaching staff is going to survive the spring.
The Dallas Stars are also active, but they didn't play today. They’re coming off a tough 2-1 loss to the Utah Mammoth (the NHL's newest relocation success) back on Thursday. They’ve been playing solid hockey, sitting at 27-11-9, which is a much prettier record than the Mavs or Cowboys can boast right now.
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Your Next Move
If you missed the Mavericks game, don't just settle for the score. You should check out the fourth-quarter highlights specifically to see the defensive adjustments Jason Kidd drew up.
- Watch the Replay: The Mavs' official app usually carries the condensed "Fast Break" highlights within an hour of the final whistle.
- Check the Standings: See how this win jumps Dallas over Utah in the Western Conference basement—every game counts for Play-In positioning.
- Stars Fans: Mark your calendar for their next puck drop; they remain the best bet for a deep playoff run in the city this year.
Bottom line? Dallas took care of business at the AAC tonight. 112-105. It’s a good night to be a Mavs fan, even if the road ahead is still pretty steep.