The Dallas Mavericks got back on track after losing to Phoenix and celebrated a convincing win against Memphis. Luka Doncic was the best scorer in the 104:91 win, while Kristaps Porzingis cleaned up the defense.
Dallas Mavericks (27-20) – Memphis Grizzlies (32-17) 104:91 (BOXSCORE)
With the win, the Mavericks secured the tiebreaker against Memphis (3-1) and reduced the lead to the Grizzlies to 4 games. This was once again guaranteed by the defense, which kept the Grizzlies out of the field at just 37 percent. “Everyone is involved,” praised Luka Doncic. “Everyone helps each other. That’s what we have to do.”
On the other hand, the three-pointer fell again rather moderately (9/30), but the Texans scored efficiently from the two-pointer area. This also applied to Doncic, who with 37 points (13/25 FG, 9/12 FT, 11 rebounds, 9 assists) again (nearly) the duel against Ja Morant (35, 14/31 FG, 13 rebounds, 6 assists). decided for himself. The Slovenian was wearing neck plasters after his injury against the Suns but that didn’t seem to affect him.
Doncic showed after the game how difficult it was for him to turn his head at the moment. “My neck is quite stiff, but it should get better with treatment,” said Doncic. The 22-year-old kept breaking up the Grizzlies’ defense and showed great touch with his floaters.
There was support from Jalen Brunson (13), Maxi Kleber (7, 3 rebounds, 3 blocks) and also from Kristaps Porzingis (15, 6/11, 8 rebounds), who also blocked 6 throws and made numerous shots difficult for the Grizzlies. 6 minutes before the end, the Latvian fouled out Steven Adams while fighting for rebounds. But Dallas also rocked it home so confidently.
Losing Grizzlies: “Just couldn’t hit a throw”
The Grizzlies lacked important support on the other side with Dillon Brooks, Desmond Bane or Kyle Anderson. So it was all the more bitter that Jaren Jackson Jr. (10, 4/17) again had a difficult time against the Mavs defense. Otherwise, only backup guard De’Anthony Melton (12) scored in double digits.
“We just couldn’t hit a shot today,” complained Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins. “The defense was there. The offense just wasn’t enough.”
Memphis was even close to being in the game because of their strength under the basket. The guests grabbed 21 offensive rebounds (Dallas: 9) and yet the Grizzlies didn’t lead a single second in this game. The Mavs consistently held a double-digit lead for the last three quarters and managed it to the end.
The Grizzlies, on the other hand, hit just 17 percent from downtown (4/24), none sinking more than one try. Dallas ended its home series with 4-1, now two tough games await at the Golden State Warriors and the Portland Trail Blazers. The Grizzlies remain third in the West and will not compete again until Thursday night in San Antonio.
