The Mavericks (38-27) had knocked off fifth-place Portland and East-leading Indiana Friday and Sunday, respectively. However, they couldn't knock off a third straight team in front of them in the standings, falling 108-85 at Golden State on Tuesday. Dallas is percentage points behind Memphis for seventh in the West and one game in front of Phoenix.
"I don't think we're in a situation to think about seeding," said Jose Calderon, who committed six turnovers after totaling seven over his previous seven games. "I think right now we're in a situation where we've got to win every game."
The Mavericks shot 36.6 percent from the field for their second-lowest mark of the season. Dirk Nowitzki scored only 12 points on 4-of-11 shooting, while Shawn Marion was 0 for six.
Dallas knocked off Indiana despite a 3-for-14 performance from Nowitzki, though it relied on a bench that outscored the Pacers 41-4, including 20 points from Devin Harris. Harris left within the second quarter of Tuesday's contest with a sore right Achilles, and the Mavericks' reserves were outscored 50-37.
Dallas will hope for a better offensive showing in comparison to the Jazz, against whom Nowitzki is averaging 26.1 points over his last 19 contests. Monta Ellis has also scored 27.9 per game on 54.5 percent shooting in his last seven against Utah.
The Mavericks have won 10 of 13 in the series and were 17 of 35 from 3-point range in two victories this season, though they've dropped three straight in Utah.
After playing the Jazz (22-42) -- who're tied with Sacramento and also the Los Angeles Lakers for last devote the West -- Dallas will face another tough test Sunday if this faces Oklahoma City, that is one-half behind West-leading San Antonio.
Utah has lost six of seven and it is allowing 106.0 points per game on 51.3 percent shooting over its previous five after previously quitting 100.3 and 46.1 for the season.
The Jazz a break down 112-110 home loss to Atlanta on Monday, with former Utah players Kyle Korver and Paul Millsap combining for 49 points. Utah trailed by as much as 17 in the first half, then led entering the final quarter after outscoring the Hawks 36-19 within the third period, but Atlanta pulled away again.