Luka Doncic lights spark, Mavs bring the fight as Game 5 win puts Dallas on verge of second round

The Mavericks showed up to American Airlines Center ready for a Game 5 fight.

They answered in more ways than one.

With a few minutes left in their 102-77 victory, Utah Jazz defender Hassan Whiteside fouled Luka Doncic on a dunk attempt and forcefully pushed the 23-year-old All-Star down on his back.

Doncic looked up in anger. Dorian Finney-Smith barreled toward the reserve Jazz center. Reggie Bullock pushed into the crowd to confront him, too. Mavericks lead defensive assistant Sean Sweeney hurried into the middle of the growing scrum as more players hustled over in defense of their franchise superstar.

Moments later, Doncic emerged from the scuffle and clapped his hands twice over his head.

On a night he dominated in every facet to extend the Mavericks’ first-round series lead to 3-2, Doncic had prevailed again.

Of the 219 playoff series in NBA history that have started 2-2, 180 teams (82.2%) that won Game 5 went on to win the series.

Dallas will have the chance to seal the franchise’s first playoff series win since the 2011 NBA Finals on Thursday night in Salt Lake City or, if necessary, Saturday in Game 7 back home.

“The ball was just going in for him,” Jalen Brunson said of Doncic. “We feed off that. The fans feed off that. … He’s one of a kind. Makes life a lot easier.”

When Brunson got to the foul line midway through the second quarter, fans showered him with “M-V-P” chants as he completed a three-point play to open the Mavericks’ first double-digit lead (43-32).

A few minutes later, Doncic did the same — and received the same affection — after he pivoted, dribbled and then pivoted some more to work patiently around three-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert for a reverse layup.

He strutted toward fans on the baseline, shaking his head with a smile.

“For me, and-1s, they get me hype,” Doncic said. “When it’s and-1, it’s the old-school three-point play, and it gets me hype. I didn’t know if he’s going to jump or not, but I saw him jump, and I went up, and that was it.”

Call it a prelude to the Mavericks’ third-quarter clampdown.

Doncic scored Dallas’ first eight points 2:52 into the period.

Soon after: consecutive 3-pointers after starting the game 0-for-5 from deep.

And then another all-everything sequence with a leaping block on the perimeter against Jordan Clarkson and then a 3-pointer from his left-wing sweet spot on the other end.

The swish extended the Mavericks’ lead to their largest of the night, 33 points (79-46). He stared down fans roaring back in adoration as Utah called timeout.

Doncic scored 19 points in the third quarter.

1/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) yells at guard Spencer Dinwiddie (26) during the second quarter in Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game against the Utah Jazz at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

2/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) flows a shot over Utah Jazz forward Danuel House Jr. (25) during the second quarter in Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

3/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) has his shot blocked by Utah Jazz forward Danuel House Jr. (25) during the second quarter in Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

4/124Utah Jazz forward Danuel House Jr. (25) dunks the ball over Dallas Mavericks center Boban Marjanovic (51) during the fourth quarter in Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022. The Mavericks won 102-77.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

5/124Former Dallas Cowboys Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman applauds the Dallas Mavericks who beat the Utah Jazz in Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022. The Mavericks won 102-77.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

6/124Olympic gold medal gymnast Nastia Liukin (center, right) visits with Brittany Matthews, wife of Kasnas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (left) during Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

7/124Former Dallas Cowboys Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman and his daughter Jordan Ashley Aikman watch as the Dallas Mavericks beat the Utah Jazz in Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022. The Mavericks won 102-77.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

8/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) is introduced before Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game against the Utah Jazz at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

9/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) celebrates after hitting a 3-pointer during the third quarter in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series against the Utah Jazz at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

10/124Dallas Mavericks guard Josh Green (8) shoots a 3-pointer during the fourth quarter in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series against the Utah Jazz at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

11/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) celebrates with guard Spencer Dinwiddie (26) after a basket and a foul during the first half in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series as Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (45) walks away at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

12/124The crowd stands for the national anthem before the Dallas Mavericks faced the Utah Jazz in Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

13/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) is shown on a highlight reel before their Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game against the Utah Jazz at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

14/124Dallas Mavericks forward Reggie Bullock (25) heads for the locker room after being ejected with two technical fouls against the Utah Jazz during the fourth quarter in Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022. The Mavericks won 102-77.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

15/124Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (00) passes the ball after scrambling for it with Dallas Mavericks forward Dorian Finney-Smith (10) during the fourth quarter in Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022. The Mavericks won 102-77.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

16/124Dallas Mavericks guard Spencer Dinwiddie (26) reacts after a three-pointer over Utah Jazz forward Juancho Hernangomez (41) during the fourth quarter in Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022. The Mavericks won 102-77.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

17/124Dallas Mavericks guard Spencer Dinwiddie (26) puts up and makes a three-pointer against Utah Jazz guard Mike Conley (11) and forward Juancho Hernangomez (41) during the fourth quarter in Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022. The Mavericks won 102-77.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

18/124Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) is tightly covered by Dallas Mavericks center Dwight Powell (7) and guard Spencer Dinwiddie (26) during the fourth quarter in Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022. The Mavericks won 102-77.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

19/124Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban (center) calls on the official for a foul as guard Luka Doncic (left) joins him during the fourth quarter in Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022. The Mavericks won 102-77.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

20/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) slaps hands with fans after beating the Utah Jazz in Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022. The Mavericks won 102-77.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

21/124Dallas Mavericks center Dwight Powell (7) reacts after being fouled by the Utah Jazz during the fourth quarter in Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022. The Mavericks won 102-77.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

22/124Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (00) passes the ball after scrambling for it with Dallas Mavericks forward Dorian Finney-Smith (10) during the fourth quarter in Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022. The Mavericks won 102-77.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

23/124Dallas Mavericks forward Reggie Bullock (25) celebrates a fourth quarter three-pointer in Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game against the Utah Jazz at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022. The Mavericks won 102-77.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

24/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) battles for a defensive rebound against Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) during the fourth quarter in Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022. The Mavericks won 102-77.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

25/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) floats in a shoot against the Utah Jazz during the fourth quarter in Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022. The Mavericks won 102-77.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

26/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic smiles as he does a broadcast interview after a victory over the Utah Jazz in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

27/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic high fives fans as he leaves the court after a victory over the Utah Jazz in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

28/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic celebrates on the bench during the fourth quarter in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series against the Utah Jazz at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

29/124Utah Jazz head coach Quin Snyder talkes with guard Donovan Mitchell during a timeout in the fourth quarter in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

30/124Dallas Mavericks forward Dorian Finney-Smith (10) fights for a loose ball against Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (00) during the fourth quarter in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

31/124Dallas Mavericks guard Josh Green (8) shoots a 3-pointer during the fourth quarter in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series against the Utah Jazz at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

32/124Dallas Mavericks assistant coach Sean Sweeney yells from the bench as guard Josh Green (8) defends against Utah Jazz guard Mike Conley (11) during the first half in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

33/124Dallas Mavericks forward Dorian Finney-Smith (10) takes a rebound away from Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (45) during the fourth quarter in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

34/124Dallas Mavericks assistant coach Sean Sweeney yells from the bench as guard Jalen Brunson (13) defends against Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (45) during the first half in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

35/124Utah Jazz center Hassan Whiteside (21)offers to help up Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) after he fouled him hard during the fourth quarter in Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022. The hard foul caused both benches to quarrel. The Mavericks won 102-77.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

36/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) is fouled by Utah Jazz center Hassan Whiteside (21) during the fourth quarter in Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022. The hard foul caused both benches to quarrel. The Mavericks won 102-77.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

37/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) is fouled by Utah Jazz center Hassan Whiteside (21) during the fourth quarter in Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022. The hard foul caused both benches to quarrel. The Mavericks won 102-77.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

38/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) is fouled by Utah Jazz center Hassan Whiteside (21) during the fourth quarter in Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022. The hard foul caused both benches to quarrel. The Mavericks won 102-77.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

39/124Players coaches and referees try to separate Dallas Mavericks forward Dorian Finney-Smith (10) and forward Reggie Bullock (25) from Utah Jazz center Hassan Whiteside (21) after Whiteside fouled Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) during the fourth quarter in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

40/124Players coaches and referees try to separate Dallas Mavericks forward Dorian Finney-Smith (10) and forward Reggie Bullock (25) from Utah Jazz center Hassan Whiteside (21) after Whiteside fouled Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) during the fourth quarter in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

41/124Players coaches and referees try to separate Dallas Mavericks forward Dorian Finney-Smith (10) and forward Reggie Bullock (25) from Utah Jazz center Hassan Whiteside (21) after Whiteside fouled Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) during the fourth quarter in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

42/124Players coaches and referees try to separate Dallas Mavericks forward Dorian Finney-Smith (10) and forward Reggie Bullock (25) from Utah Jazz center Hassan Whiteside (21) after Whiteside fouled Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) during the fourth quarter in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

43/124Players coaches and referees try to separate Dallas Mavericks forward Dorian Finney-Smith (10) from Utah Jazz center Hassan Whiteside (21) after Whiteside fouled Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) during the fourth quarter in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

44/124Dallas Mavericks forward Dorian Finney-Smith (10) shoves Utah Jazz center Hassan Whiteside (21) after he fouled guard Luka Doncic (77) during the fourth quarter in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas. (Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

45/124Players coaches and referees try to separate Dallas Mavericks forward Dorian Finney-Smith (10) from Utah Jazz center Hassan Whiteside (21) after Whiteside fouled Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) during the fourth quarter in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

46/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) hit the floor after being fouled by Utah Jazz center Hassan Whiteside (21) during the fourth quarter in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas. (Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

47/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) is fouled by Utah Jazz center Hassan Whiteside (21) during the fourth quarter in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas. (Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

48/124Dallas Mavericks forward Dorian Finney-Smith (10) scores past Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (00) during the third quarter in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

49/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) is fouled by Utah Jazz center Hassan Whiteside (21) during the fourth quarter in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas. (Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

50/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) celebrates after hitting a 3-pointer during the third quarter in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series against the Utah Jazz at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

51/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) celebrates after hitting a 3-pointer during the third quarter in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series against the Utah Jazz at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

52/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) shoots a 3-pointer over Utah Jazz forward Bojan Bogdanovic (44) during the third quarter in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

53/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) celebrates after hitting a 3-pointer during the third quarter in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series against the Utah Jazz at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

54/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) and forward Maxi Kleber (42) fight for a defensive rebound against Utah Jazz center Hassan Whiteside (21) during the third quarter in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

55/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) celebrates after hitting a 3-pointer during the third quarter in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series against the Utah Jazz at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

56/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) goes for a steal against Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (00) during the third quarter in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

57/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) celebrates after hitting a 3-pointer during the third quarter in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series against the Utah Jazz at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

58/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) celebrates after hitting a 3-pointer during the third quarter in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series against the Utah Jazz at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

59/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) goes for a steal against Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (00) during the third quarter in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

60/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) puts up a blind shot as he’s fouled by Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) during the second quarter in Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

61/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) passes the bal past Utah Jazz forward Bojan Bogdanovic (44) during the second quarter in Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

62/124Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (center) reacts to a missed call against the Utah Jazz as he watched Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

63/124Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes reacts to a missed call against the Utah Jazz as he watched Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

64/124Olympic gold medal gymnast Nastia Liukin sitting visit sis during the second quarter in Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

65/124Arizona Cardinal quarterback Kyler Murray (center) visits with a friend during the second quarter in Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game against the Utah Jazz at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

66/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) has the ball knocked away by Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) for a first quarter turnover in Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

67/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) makes contact with Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) during a first quarter shot in Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

68/124Utah Jazz guard Mike Conley (11) drives past Dallas Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson (13) for a first quarter shot in Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

69/124Dallas Mavericks forward Dorian Finney-Smith (10) and forward Reggie Bullock (25) battle Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) for a first quarter rebound in Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

70/124Utah Jazz center Hassan Whiteside (21) rebounds the ball in front of Dallas Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber (42) and Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (45) during the first quarter in Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

71/124Dallas Mavericks center Dwight Powell (7) lays up a shot against the Utah Jazz during the first quarter in Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

72/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) celebrates with forward Dorian Finney-Smith (10) after being fouled by Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) during the first half in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

73/124Dallas Morning News photojournalist Tom Fox photographs Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) as he is fouled by Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) during the first half in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

74/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) grabs a long rebound during the first half in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series against the Utah Jazz at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

75/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) scores over Utah Jazz forward Bojan Bogdanovic (44) during the first half in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

76/124Dallas Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson (13) hits the floor as center Dwight Powell (7) and forward Reggie Bullock (25) defend against Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (00) during the first half in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

77/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) os fouled by Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) during the first half in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

78/124Dallas Mavericks forward Reggie Bullock (25) steals the ball from Utah Jazz forward Bojan Bogdanovic (44) during the first half in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

79/124Dallas Mavericks center Dwight Powell (7) gets tangles with Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (45) as guard Luka Doncic looks to pass during the first half in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

80/124Dallas Mavericks center Dwight Powell (7) hangs on the rim on a dunk as guard Jalen Brunson (13) and Utah Jazz forward Danuel House Jr. (25) hit the floor during the first half in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

81/124Dallas Mavericks fans cheer a 3-pointer by forward Dorian Finney-Smith (10) during the first half in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series against the Utah Jazz at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

82/124Dallas Mavericks fans cheer a 3-pointer by forward Dorian Finney-Smith (10) during the first half in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series against the Utah Jazz at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

83/124Dallas Mavericks fans cheer a 3-pointer by forward Dorian Finney-Smith (10) during the first half in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series against the Utah Jazz at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

84/124Dallas Mavericks guard Spencer Dinwiddie (26) grabs a defensive rebound away from Utah Jazz forward Danuel House Jr. (25) during the first half in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

85/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) has his shot blocked by Utah Jazz forward Danuel House Jr. (25) during the first half in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

86/124Dallas Mavericks guard Josh Green (8) tumbles over Utah Jazz guard Mike Conley (11), who was called for an offensive foul on the play during the first half in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

87/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) shoots over Utah Jazz forward Danuel House Jr. (25) during the first half in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

88/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic argues for a call during the first half in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series against the Utah Jazz at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

89/124Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell falls into the crowd chasing a loose ball during the first half in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

90/124Dallas Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson (13) scores pas Utah Jazz center Hassan Whiteside (21) during the first half in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

91/124Dallas Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber (42) fights for a rebound with Utah Jazz center Hassan Whiteside (21) and guard Donovan Mitchell (45) during the first half in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

92/124Dallas Mavericks center Dwight Powell (7) dunks the ball past Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert during the first half in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

93/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) takes a shot during the first half in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series against the Utah Jazz at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

94/124Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) misses a dunk as Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) and center Dwight Powell (7) defend during the first half in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

95/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic argues for a call as coach Jason Kidd looks on during the first half in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series against the Utah Jazz at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

96/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic reacts after being fouled during the first half in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series against the Utah Jazz at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

97/124Dallas Mavericks fans cheer a basket during the first half in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series against the Utah Jazz at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

98/124Dallas Mavericks fans cheer as their team warms up before Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series against the Utah Jazz at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

99/124Dallas Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson (13) takes a 3-point attempt over Utah Jazz forward Bojan Bogdanovic (44) during the first half in Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

100/124Dallas Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson (13) reacts after being fouled during the second quarter in Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game against the Utah Jazz at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

101/124Dallas Mavericks center Dwight Powell (7) goes up for an offensive rebound against Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) in the second quarter in Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

102/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) puts up a blind shot as he’s fouled by Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) during the second quarter in Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

103/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) looks to get around Utah Jazz forward Bojan Bogdanovic (44) during the second quarter in Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

104/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts toward the Utah bench after being fouled by Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) during the second quarter in Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

105/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) pulls down a defensive rebound against Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (45) during the second quarter in Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

106/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) drives to the basket between a pair of Utah Jazz players during the second quarter in Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

107/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) brings the ball up court after a missed Utah Jazz shot during the second quarter in Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

108/124Dallas Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson (13) gruards Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (00) during the second quarter in Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

109/124Utah Jazz forward Danuel House Jr. (25) and Dallas Mavericks guard Spencer Dinwiddie (26) battle for a second quarter rebound in Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

110/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (left) and center Dwight Powell take the court before Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series against the Utah Jazz at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

111/124Dallas Mavericks fans cheer as their team warms up before Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series against the Utah Jazz at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

112/124Dallas Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson (13) makes a running layup against Utah Jazz center Hassan Whiteside (21) during the first quarter in Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

113/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic takes the court for Game 5 of a NBA first round playoff series against the Utah Jazz at American Airlines Center on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

114/124Dallas Mavericks center Dwight Powell (7) and Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) jump for the opening-tip in Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

115/124Dallas Mavericks president of basketball operations and general manager Nico Harrison (right) visits with with friends before Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game against the Utah Jazz at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

116/124Angel White (center) camerawomen ready for Game 5 with her best friend April Watson before an NBA first-round playoff game against the Utah Jazz at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

117/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic warms up before Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game against the Utah Jazz at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

118/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic warms up with shooting coach Peter Patton before Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game against the Utah Jazz at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

119/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic warms up with shooting coach Peter Patton before Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game against the Utah Jazz at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

120/124Dallas Mavericks forward Sterling Brown arrives for Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game against the Utah Jazz at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

121/124Dallas Mavericks guard Theo Pinson arrives for Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game Utah Jazz at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

122/124Dallas Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson arrives for Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game against the Utah Jazz at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

123/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic arrives for Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game against the Utah Jazz at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

124/124Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic arrives for Game 5 of an NBA first-round playoff game against the Utah Jazz at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 25, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

The Jazz also scored 19 points in the third quarter.

“It’s not hard to talk at nauseam about Luka Doncic’s ability to make plays,” Jazz coach Quin Snyder said. “He plays in such an artistic way.”

Forgive Mavericks fans in American Airlines Center and around the Metroplex if the euphoria of the Game 5 beatdown gives way to an underlying nervousness ahead of Game 6.

After all, the franchise held the same 3-2, first-round advantage last June against the Los Angeles Clippers — and then lost two straight to waste Doncic’s dominance.

Several core Mavericks who experienced the letdown have vowed to make this run different.

They have a point.

Doncic ran what amounted to a one-man show the last two postseasons, but teammates have provided ample support this spring, including two wins while he rehabbed the calf strain he suffered in the April 10 regular-season finale.

Brunson continued a breakout postseason with 24 points, five rebounds and four assists Monday. Finney-Smith led the Mavericks’ defensive punch over a team-high 41 minutes, and Bullock would’ve joined him in high-minutes production if he hadn’t picked up a second technical foul in defending Doncic against Whiteside to trigger an automatic ejection.

All contributions alongside Doncic’s stardom positioned the group one win from the second-round goal they’ve focused on, talked about and worked toward every day since starting training camp late September.

The Mavericks finished the third quarter with a commanding 81-55 lead, thanks to a Luka Doncic scoring outburst. Doncic scored 19 points in the quarter, the same total as Utah as a team. A look at Luka’s third quarter vs. the Jazz: