Ja Morant’s Return Bolsters Grizzlies’ Win
Ja Morant made a triumphant return to the court after a two-game absence due to a shoulder injury, leading the Memphis Grizzlies to a decisive 122-111 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. With 31 points, Morant’s performance provided a much-needed boost to a team that had been struggling, having lost eight of its past 11 games. This win was particularly significant as it snapped a four-game losing streak for the Grizzlies, who are currently embroiled in a tight four-team battle for the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference standings. Morant’s shoulder issue seemed to affect his outside shooting, as he managed only 1-for-5 from beyond the arc. However, his eight assists and overall court presence played a crucial role in the team’s success. In a postgame interview with ESPN’s Cassidy Hubbarth, Morant joked that he "got some help" in playing through the injury but was "ready to go sit down," highlighting his resilience and team-first attitude.
Grizzlies’ Struggles and Rebound
The Grizzlies had been on a rollercoaster ride of late, with their recent struggles leading them to the No. 4 spot in the West at 38-24, just a half-game ahead of the Houston Rockets. The team hadn’t won two consecutive games since a four-game winning streak from January 30 to February 5, which was part of a dominating run where they secured 10 wins out of 11 games. Desmond Bane’s contribution was significant, adding 27 points and 16 rebounds to the effort, while Brandon Clarke chipped in with 17 points and eight boards. Rookie Zach Edey also had a standout game, grabbing 10 offensive rebounds and a total of 13. The team’s upcoming schedule, which includes matches against some of the NBA’s worst teams—the New Orleans Pelicans, Phoenix Suns, and Utah Jazz—offers a golden opportunity to string together some wins and climb the standings. This victory against the Mavericks signals a potential turning point for the Grizzlies, who will aim to capitalize on their momentum against these upcoming opponents.
Mavericks’ Fight Despite Injuries
Despite the Grizzlies’ dominance, the Dallas Mavericks put up a strong fight, especially given their current roster issues. The Mavs were playing without key players like Kyrie Irving, whose season is over, and Anthony Davis, who remains sidelined due to injury. Additionally, Luka Dončić has recently been traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, further complicating matters. Dallas ended the first quarter with a 31-22 lead and managed to hold a three-point margin at halftime. Dante Exum’s deep 3-pointer at the end of the third quarter gave the impression that fortune was on the Mavericks’ side. However, the tide turned dramatically in the fourth quarter, with the Mavs being outscored 33-17. The final push by Bane and Morant sealed the game for Memphis. A win would have significantly bolstered the Mavericks’ fading playoff chances, as they currently sit at 32-31, with a 2.5-game lead over the Phoenix Suns for the No. 10 seed and a spot in the NBA play-in tournament.
Key Performances on Both Teams
Brandon Williams led the Mavericks with a remarkable 31 points off the bench, displaying his scoring prowess despite being on a two-way contract. Naji Marshall added 29 points and 17 rebounds, showcasing his versatility and effort. Klay Thompson, though not at his peak, contributed 15 points. For the Grizzlies, Morant’s resilience and leadership were complemented by Bane’s all-around performance. Bane’s 27 points and 16 rebounds not only provided offensive firepower but also crucial defensive support. Brandon Clarke’s 17 points and eight rebounds further solidified the Grizzlies’ frontcourt, while Edey’s 10 offensive rebounds were instrumental in giving the team second-chance opportunities. The combined efforts of these players were pivotal in securing the win and halting the Grizzlies’ losing streak.
Coach Kidd’s Perspective
Head coach Jason Kidd of the Dallas Mavericks addressed the challenges of planning the team’s offense without a clear top scoring option. "We don’t have a No. 1 or No. 2, we’re not built like that right now," Kidd told reporters. "It’s gonna be a group effort every night, it’s gonna be someone different, and that can mean that we can be dangerous, because then no one can load up on one person, and we gotta take advantage of that.” Kidd’s comments reflect the team’s adaptability and the importance of a collective effort in their current situation. The absence of Irving, Davis, and Dončić has forced the Mavs to rely on a more balanced and versatile attack, which could make them unpredictable and challenging opponents.
Looking Ahead
The Mavericks will face the Phoenix Suns in a Sunday matinee, a crucial game given their playoff aspirations. The Suns, despite a recent improvement, are still 2.5 games behind the Mavs, making this matchup a significant hurdle for both teams. On the other hand, the Grizzlies will travel to New Orleans to take on the Pelicans later in the evening. This game, along with the upcoming matches against the Suns and the Utah Jazz, presents Memphis with a favorable schedule to rebuild their confidence and secure more wins. The Grizzlies will be hoping to extend their winning streak and solidify their position in the West, while the Mavericks will need to find ways to continue their resilience and maximize their chances in the play-in tournament.
