In matchup of undermanned teams, Grizzlies handle Mavs

January 7, 20259:26 AM GMT+5:30Updated 36 min ago

January 7: The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the visiting Dallas Mavericks 119-104 on Monday night, snapping a two-game losing streak despite both teams missing important players. Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jaylen Wells both recorded double-doubles.

Along with important backups Santi Aldama and Marcus Smart, Memphis was without injured players Desmond Bane and Ja Morant. The Mavericks, who have dropped five straight games, did not include stars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.

Wells contributed 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Jackson finished with 35 points and 13 rebounds. Jackson had five assists, three steals, and a block while shooting 13 of 23. John Konchar pulled down 13 rebounds, while Scotty Pippen Jr. scored 18 points, pulled down five rebounds, stole five rebounds, and dished out four assists.

P.J. Washington led Dallas with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. Klay Thompson had 15 points, Naji Marshall had 16, and Dereck Lively II contributed 14 points, 12 rebounds, and four blocks. All 15 of Jaden Hardy’s points came in the second half.

mavericks vs grizzlies

Memphis took a double-digit lead for the majority of the fourth quarter after breaking open a close contest in the second half.

Early in the second quarter, the Grizzlies, who were coming home after a five-game road trip, were behind by twelve points. Memphis had to start playing catch-up after shooting 38.1 percent in the first quarter.

But Jackson Jr. directed a second-quarter rally along with reserve Jay Huff, to help the Grizzlies go up by 56-55 at the half. Jackson Jr. had eight points in the quarter and 16 in the half. Huff scored five of his eight first-half points during a 12-0 Memphis run that gave the Grizzlies their first lead at 50-48. Huff’s corner three with 29.2 seconds to go provided the halftime cushion.

Lively scored 10 points and pulled down seven boards, while Marshall led Dallas with 13 points in the first half.

Despite shooting 39.1 percent at the half, Memphis enjoyed a small lead at the break. The Grizzlies were able to stay in the game thanks to a 32-26 rebounding advantage, which included a 20-12 lead in the second quarter.

With 13 points from Jackson Jr. in the third quarter, the Grizzlies increased their lead to 12 points. Three quarters in, the Grizzlies were ahead 87-80.

mavericks vs grizzlies