Darryn Peterson Surpasses 20 Points in Latest Loss

Utah Jazz rookie Darryn Peterson surpassed 20 points for the first time in his NBA career on Friday. The Jazz lost to the Dallas Mavericks on Friday at the American Airlines Center.

After a tight first half, the Mavericks outscored Utah 32-19 in the third quarter and held on for the victory.

It was the Jazz's first group stage game in this year's NBA Cup. Utah is in West Group A with Dallas, Denver, Houston and Phoenix. Dallas improves to 2-0.

Darryn Peterson scored 21 and was the second-leading scorer for Utah behind Lauri Markkanen's 24. Peterson played 30 minutes and shot 6-of-12 from the field, 3-of-7 from behind the arc and went a perfect 6-of-6 from the charity stripe.

He caught fire in the second half and almost led a Jazz comeback by himself. Peterson scored 12 straight points in the fourth quarter.

Peterson looked comfortable last night. He was able to utilize the high pick-and-roll and get to his spots, attacking Dallas's Cooper Flagg on multiple possessions. His three 3-pointers were in rhythm as well, with two of those coming off catch-and-shoot opportunities.

More of the same story for Utah. The Jazz struggled to protect the ball, committing 21 turnovers. They also got outrebounded 55-41, and also gave up 21 offensive rebounds.

Utah's frontcourt (Markkanen, Jaxson Hayes and Tony Bradley) combined for 15 of those rebounds.

Coach Will Hardy is well aware of what the Jazz need to improve on moving forward. "I mean, it's another representation of a bunch of good basketball and then some stretches where we're just really sloppy," Hardy said. "Defensive rebounding has been a calling card for us all year. I thought our physicality on the glass needs to be higher... we need everyone to participate."

Utah has dealt with turnovers and rebounding issues in the first nine games of its season. Sitting at 1-8, the Jazz are now tied with the Sacramento Kings for last in the Western Conference.

Utah's best chances to steal two wins were against New Orleans on Wednesday, a loss in overtime, and Dallas on Friday. The Jazz now travel to a stifling Minnesota squad on Sunday, Nov. 8.

Following two home games against Eastern Conference opponents Miami and Orlando, they play in their second NBA Cup game on Friday, Nov. 13, on the road against Houston.

If Utah doesn't find a way to win the next few games, fans may start to hit the panic button.