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The Dallas Mavericks wrapped up the three-game homestand against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday. The first 5,000 fans received a $5 Target gift card. Dallas fell 102-96 to Memphis at the American Airlines Center. Memphis improved to 6-12, while Dallas fell to 5-13.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Memphis Grizzlies Starters

Saturday’s game offered an opportunity for Dallas to earn a second straight win. In case you missed it, Dallas defeated the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday. PJ Washington recorded his 700th career three-pointer, while Cooper Flagg scored a career-high 29 points.

Dallas’ starting lineup featured Brandon Williams, who celebrated his 29th birthday, Max Christie, Flagg, Washington, and Daniel Gafford. Dallas ruled out Kyrie Irving (knee), Anthony Davis (calf), Dante Exum (knee), Dereck Lively II (knee), D’Angelo Russell (illness), and Ryan Nembhard (knee).

Memphis’ starting lineup featured Cedric Coward, Vince Williams Jr., Jaylen Wells, Santi Aldama, and Zach Edey. Memphis ruled out Scottie Pippen Jr. (toe), Brandon Clarke (knee), Javon Small (toe), Ja Morant (calf), and Ty Jerome (calf). Memphis listed Jaren Jackson Jr. (ankle) as day-to-day.

Mavericks vs. Grizzlies Recap

Saturday’s game showcased a rivalry between two teams in the Southwest Division. Most recently, Memphis defeated Dallas 118-104 at the FedExForum on Nov. 7. Ja Morant and Coward scored 21 points apiece. Memphis built a big lead and never looked back.

Both teams sported their respective City Edition jerseys. The first quarter started slowly but gradually picked up the pace. Williams helped Dallas tie the game at 12 apiece. Klay Thompson made two three-pointers. Dallas took a 20-17 lead with three minutes left. Dallas settled for a 22-21 lead after the first.

Dallas opened the second quarter with a bucket. Dallas’ 5-0 run wowed the Mavericks fans. Memphis ended Dallas’ run with a bucket, which impressed the Grizzlies fans, who received autographed City Edition Polaroids before tip-off. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope applied pressure on the rim. Dallas held on for a 47-43 lead at halftime.

Memphis went on a 5-0 run early in the third quarter. Dallas ended Memphis’ run with a bucket. However, Memphis stayed the course. Vince Williams found Edey, who drove for a layup. Memphis took a 76-73 lead after three quarters.

The Mavericks jumped out to a 5-2 lead in the fourth quarter. Both teams’ efforts rose as ties and leads were exchanged. Brandon Williams weaved through traffic to make a layup. Aldama found Cam Spencer, who made a three-pointer. Memphis won 102-96 in regulation.

Final Thoughts

Dallas hits the road to open a four-game road trip starting with the Miami Heat on Monday at 7:30 p.m. Eastern. The game will be broadcast on FDSSUN.

Memphis returns home to host the Denver Nuggets in a one-game tilt on Monday at 7:00 p.m. Central. Memphis’ round trip to Dallas and back totaled 863 miles, per FlyMyAirport.

This article first appeared on Total Apex Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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