Dallas Mavericks Lose To Memphis Grizzlies, 124-105

The Dallas Mavericks continued their three-game homestand against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday. However, Memphis beat Dallas 124-105 at the American Airlines Center. Memphis improved to 22-36, while Dallas fell to 21-38 and is on a two-game losing streak.

In Case You Missed It

The Dallas Mavericks fell to the Sacramento Kings 130-121 at the American Airlines Center on Thursday. Naji Marshall led the Mavericks with 36 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists. Precious Achiuwa led the Kings with 29 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists.

Marshall finished with his first career 30-10 game. Marshall’s professional basketball career started with a four-year tenure in New Orleans after going undrafted during the 2020 NBA Draft. Achiuwa finished with a career-high 29 points, along with 12 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals. Daeqwon Plowden had a perfect night with 19 points, 4 rebounds, and 7-of-7 from the field. Maxime Raynaud shone with 22 points and 6 rebounds.

The Memphis Grizzlies suffered a 133-112 blowout loss to the Golden State Warriors at the FedExForum on Wednesday. GG Jackson led the Grizzlies with 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists. Will Richard led the Warriors with 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Memphis Grizzlies Starters

Dallas’ starting lineup featured Brandon Williams, Max Christie, Khris Middleton, Marshall, and Daniel Gafford.

Dallas ruled out Dereck Lively II (right foot surgery), Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery), Cooper Flagg (left midfoot sprain), Marvin Bagley III (neck sprain), PJ Washington Jr. (left ankle sprain), Klay Thompson (rest), and Caleb Martin (lower back soreness).

Memphis’ starting lineup featured Javon Small, Scotty Pippen Jr., Jaylen Wells, Jackson II, and Olivier-Maxence Prosper. Maxence Prosper’s return to Dallas made headlines, thanks to Prosper’s great play in recent days.

Memphis ruled out Zach Edey (left ankle stress reaction), Ja Morant (UCL sprain), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (right pinky finger surgery), Cedric Coward (right knee hyperextension), Santi Aldama (right knee injury management), Brandon Clarke (Grade 2 right calf strain), Ty Jerome (left thigh contusion), and Taj Gibson (recently signed).

Mavericks vs. Grizzlies Recap

The Dallas Mavericks and Memphis Grizzlies’ rivalry is must-see television when the two teams are healthy. Both teams sported their Association jerseys. Williams ended Memphis’ 4-0 run with a big bucket, but Dallas missed 10 straight shots with five minutes left in the first quarter. Pippen Jr. was a perfect 4-of-4 in field goals. Memphis took a 34-20 lead to end the first.

Middleton got a tough bucket to open the second quarter. Dallas’ struggle on both ends of the floor showed, while Memphis’ wing ball movement showed out. Jackson caught the ball off the bounce, found Rayan Rupert, and Maxence Prosper nailed the three-pointer. Memphis took a 64-44 lead into halftime.

Dallas’ shooting was solid, but Memphis scored 18+ points off turnovers. Memphis used a 16-6 run to take a 28-point lead at the 8:33 mark. Williams responded with 5 straight points for the Mavs. Dallas’s unsuccessful challenge resulted in Dwight Powell’s fourth foul of the game. Memphis took a 101-90 lead through three quarters. Dallas’ late comeback of 35 points wasn’t nearly enough. Memphis won 124-105 in regulation.

Next Steps

The Dallas Mavericks conclude their homestand against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday at 7:00 p.m. Central. Dallas can pull off an upset over Oklahoma City by improving their shooting game to counter Oklahoma City’s strong defense and offense.

The Memphis Grizzlies conclude their three-game road trip against the Indiana Pacers on Sunday at 5:00 p.m. Eastern. Memphis can pull off a win over Indiana by building a strong defensive game to limit Indiana’s shooting while forcing turnovers.