Relive the Memphis Grizzlies' dominant 120-106 play-in victory over the Dallas Mavericks. Stats, analysis, and reactions from Ja Morant, Anthony Davis, and more.
Memphis Grizzlies Outlast Mavericks in Western Conference Play-In Showdown
The Memphis Grizzlies punched their ticket to the NBA playoffs with a commanding 120-106 win over the Dallas Mavericks in Friday night’s Western Conference play-in tournament clash at FedEx Forum. Behind stellar performances from their star trio—Jaren Jackson Jr. (24 points, 7 rebounds), Desmond Bane (22 points, 9 assists), and Ja Morant (22 points, 9 assists)—Memphis capitalized on Dallas’ early mistakes to secure a wire-to-wire victory.
Grizzlies’ Big Three Shine:
Memphis’ trio dominated, combining for 68 points and showcasing their playoff-ready chemistry. Jackson Jr.’s rim protection, Bane’s sharpshooting, and Morant’s playmaking overwhelmed Dallas’ defense.
Anthony Davis’ Valiant Effort Falls Short:
Despite battling a calf injury, Anthony Davis dropped a game-high 40 points and 9 rebounds. His third-quarter heroics briefly narrowed the deficit to 7 points, but Dallas couldn’t sustain the momentum.
Turnovers & Rebounding Doom Dallas:
The Mavericks committed 16 turnovers (leading to 24 Memphis points) and were outrebounded 50-36. Memphis’ 16-7 offensive rebounding edge fueled second-chance opportunities and stifled Dallas’ comeback hopes.
First-Quarter Blitz:
Memphis stormed to a 39-24 lead in the opening quarter, converting 7 Dallas turnovers into 11 fast-break points. The Mavericks shot just 45% compared to Memphis’ 56% in the period.
Davis’ Near-Miss Momentum Shift:
A potential game-changing three-pointer by Davis rimmed out in the third quarter, which would’ve cut Memphis’ lead to 4. Instead, the Grizzlies responded with a 14-2 run to seal the game.
Bane’s Clutch Fourth Quarter:
Desmond Bane’s late layup extended Memphis’ lead to 108-88, extinguishing Dallas’ hopes. The Grizzlies outscored the Mavs 60-44 in the paint, highlighting their aggressive interior play.
Jason Kidd (Mavericks Coach):
“Live-ball turnovers killed us. They capitalized on every mistake. We fought, but Memphis was the better team tonight.”
Anthony Davis:
“I wanted to leave everything on the floor. Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. It’s tough, but we’ll regroup.”
Klay Thompson:
“We dug ourselves too big of a hole. In a one-game elimination, there’s no room for errors.”
Season Implications
Grizzlies Advance:
Memphis moves on to face the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round, leveraging their depth and defensive intensity.
Mavericks’ Early Exit:
Dallas’ season ends in disappointment, failing to become the first No. 10 seed to reach the playoffs since the play-in’s 2021 inception. Questions loom about offseason roster adjustments.
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