Thompson scores 26 points, moves up 3-point list, as Flagg-less Mavericks cruise past Jazz, 144-122

DALLAS (AP) — Klay Thompson matched his season high with six 3-pointers and moved into fourth place on career list, scoring a season-best 26 points to help the Dallas Mavericks beat the Utah Jazz 144-122 on Thursday night.

The Mavericks (16-26) played without rookie star Cooper Flagg after he sprained his left ankle Wednesday night in the first half of a home loss to Denver.

Thompson has 2,809 3-pointers, passing Damian Lillard (2,804) on the career list. Stephen Curry is the leader, followed by James Harden and Ray Allen, who had 2,973. Thompson shot 10 for 18 overall and had a season-high six assists.

The teams — both coming off losses Wednesday night — will meet again Saturday in Dallas.

Naji Marshall added 22 points to help Dallas improve to 16-26. The Mavs had season highs in points and 3-pointers (19) against the team that allows the most points (127.0) and 3-pointers (15.6) in the NBA.

Brice Sensabaugh scored 27 points for Utah as the Jazz dropped to 14-27. Scoring leader Lauri Markkanen sat out for the second consecutive game because of illness.

AP NBA: https://www.apnews.com/hub/NBA

Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall (13) dribbles during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz in Dallas, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (3) shoots against Dallas Mavericks guard Ryan Nembhard (9) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Dallas, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Utah Jazz guard Ace Bailey slam dunks during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Dallas Mavericks in Dallas, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Injured Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg watches from the bench during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz in Dallas, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson reacts to scoring a 3-pointer during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz in Dallas, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

DALLAS (AP) — Dallas rookie Cooper Flagg missed the Mavericks' 144-122 victory over Utah on Thursday night because of a sprained left ankle.

The No. 1 overall pick went down in the second quarter of a 118-109 loss to Denver on Wednesday night. He limped to the locker room but came back for the final 2:35 of the first half. Flagg didn’t return for the second half, finishing with six points in 15 minutes.

The 19-year-old former Duke standout missed just one of Dallas’ first 41 games when he was out with an illness for a home loss to New York on Nov. 19. He's averaging 18.8 points and 6.3 rebounds.

AP NBA: https://www.apnews.com/hub/NBA

Injured Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg watches from the bench during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz in Dallas, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Injured Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg watches from the bench during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz in Dallas, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg leaves the court and heads to the locker room during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)