The Memphis Grizzlies snapped their four-game losing streak in dramatic fashion on Friday night, defeating the injury-plagued Dallas Mavericks 122-111. Ja Morant led the charge, scoring 31 points, including seven crucial points in the final 1:35, to secure the win. The Grizzlies closed the game on a dominant 14-3 run, showcasing their resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
Desmond Bane was instrumental in the victory, contributing 27 points and a career-high 16 rebounds. Brandon Clarke added 17 points and eight rebounds, while Zach Edey chipped in with 12 rebounds. The Grizzlies’ collective effort on both ends of the floor proved too much for the Mavericks, who have now lost four straight games.
Despite the loss, the Mavericks had standout performances from Brandon Williams, who scored a career-high 31 points off the bench, and Naji Marshall, who finished with 29 points and a career-best 17 rebounds. Klay Thompson added 15 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Grizzlies’ late surge.
The Mavericks were without their star guard Kyrie Irving, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in a loss to the Sacramento Kings earlier in the week. Dallas led 107-104 with 6:23 remaining after two free throws by Marshall, but they managed only four points the rest of the way. Morant and Bane combined for 16 of the Grizzlies’ final 18 points, sealing the victory.
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Memphis also played without their all-star forward Jaren Jackson Jr., who has been sidelined with a left ankle injury since Monday’s loss to the Atlanta Hawks. Despite his absence, the Grizzlies showed depth and determination, erasing a five-point deficit early in the third quarter with a 9-0 run. Santi Aldama’s fastbreak layup gave Memphis a 59-55 lead, but Dallas fought back behind Marshall’s 16-point quarter. Dante Exum’s buzzer-beating 3-pointer gave the Mavericks a 94-89 lead heading into the fourth.
The Mavericks led 53-50 at halftime despite shooting just 36.7 percent from the field. However, their inability to maintain momentum in the final minutes cost them the game.
In other news, the Mavericks provided an update on Anthony Davis, who has been out with a left adductor strain since his first and only game with the team following a trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. A recent re-evaluation indicated that Davis is improving daily and has been cleared for more dynamic on-court movements. Additionally, Caleb Martin made his Dallas debut in the first quarter after recovering from a hip injury sustained in a trade last month.
The Grizzlies’ victory not only ended their losing streak but also highlighted their potential to compete at a high level, even without key players. As they look to build on this win, the Grizzlies will aim to maintain their momentum and continue their climb in the standings.
