The Dallas Mavericks returned home for a one-game tilt against the Memphis Grizzlies at the American Airlines Center on Tuesday. Most recently, the Mavericks wrapped up a brief, two-game road trip with a close 137-131 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday, while the Grizzlies concluded a four-game homestand with a 136-121 blowout win over the Indiana Pacers.
The Mavericks held off the Grizzlies for a 126-121 win in the knockout round of the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup. Dallas improved to 14-8, while Memphis fell to 14-8. Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with 37 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists. PJ Washington Jr. followed up with 18 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. Dereck Lively II added 17 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists. Spencer Dinwiddie had 16 points, one rebound, and three assists. Daniel Gafford scored 11 points and four rebounds.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Memphis Grizzlies Recap
The Dallas Mavericks vs. Memphis Grizzlies game featured intense action from start to finish. The Mavericks’ injury report listed Dante Exum, Naji Marshall, and Brandon Marshall as out, while the Grizzlies’ injury report ruled out Zach Edey, GG Jackson, and Vince Williams Jr. Both teams are dealing with injuries and illnesses, but Dallas seemed relentless entering Tuesday’s home game. Chicago Bulls legend Scottie Pippen was in attendance, as his son, Scottie Pippen Jr., who plays for the Grizzlies as a point guard.
The Mavericks’ starting lineup consisted of Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, PJ Washington Jr., and Dereck Lively II. The first quarter was a high-scoring affair between the two teams. Washington Jr.’s three-pointer was noteworthy, and so were Jaren Jackson Jr.’s 10 points. The Grizzlies came out on top for a 26-25 lead. The second quarter saw the Mavericks pick up the pace in scoring. Doncic’s three-pointer was on par with Jaylen Wells’ three. The Mavericks settled for a 60-57 lead at halftime.
The third quarter was rather controversial, as the officials determined Dereck Lively II committed an offensive foul rolling into Scottie Pippen Jr.’s path. The Grizzlies regained the lead 95-82, after three quarters. The fourth quarter was rather low-key, but Daniel Gafford’s pass to Jazian Gortman led to a notable shot at the rim. Spencer Dinwiddie and PJ Washington were connectors who showcased talent while wowing the home crowd. The Mavericks won 126-121 in regulation.
Mavericks-Memphis Grizzlies Highlights
The Dallas Mavericks vs. Memphis Grizzlies game featured multiple highlights, such as the fact the Mavericks have poured in a strong foundation at the one-quarter mark of the 2024-25 NBA season amid the injuries and illnesses. Dallas’ roster has shown they can survive the next 61 games and then the playoffs. Dallas can start by utilizing Spencer Dinwiddie, Quentin Grimes, and Jaden Hardy.
Mavericks’ CEO Cynt Marshall reflected on her tenure as the team’s Chief Executive Officer one month before her retirement. Marshall, 64, fundamentally changed the culture of the team, but will step down from her role on New Year’s Eve and become a consultant for the team through 2025. Marshall, the first Black female CEO in NBA history, transformed an organization affected by sexual harassment and misconduct into a model for other organizations. Marshall’s next steps will be the three B’s: Books, Boards, and Better.
For the Grizzlies, rookie Jaylen Wells has been named the NBA’s Kia Western Conference Rookie of the Month for games in October and November. Wells, 21, was joined by Philadelphia 76ers Guard Jared McCain, who won the award for the Eastern Conference. Wells has been averaging 12.2 points per game while shooting 39.6% from the three-point line so far this season.
Final Thoughts
Doncic returned to the court on Sunday night, and the Dallas Mavericks continued to find a way to win against the Portland Trail Blazers. Doncic finished Sunday night’s game with 36 points and 13 assists, as the Mavericks fended off the Trail Blazers 137-131 at the Moda Center. The Mavericks’ win extended their winning streak to four games and completed their sweep of back-to-back games.
Aside from Doncic’s return, two Basketball Hall of Fame point guards competed against each other. No, not on the court, but on the sidelines. Mavericks Head Coach Jason Kidd on one side, and Trail Blazers Head Coach Chauncey Billups on the other. Kidd and Billups have a combined 50+ years of NBA history between them — and 17,727 assists. Both won NBA championships as players, as Kidd was a 2011 NBA champion with the Mavericks and Billups was a 2004 NBA champion with the Detroit Pistons.
After a quick, one-game tilt against the Memphis Grizzlies, the Mavericks will embark on a brief, two-game road trip with the first stop in Washington, D.C., against the Washington Wizards on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. Eastern. Most recently, Washington wrapped up a brief, two-game road trip of their own against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night. The Cavaliers handed the Wizards a blowout loss, 118-87, at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Cleveland improved to 19-3, while Washington fell to 2-17.
