On a chilly Friday night in Dallas, the Memphis Grizzlies and Dallas Mavericks met for what many had dubbed a 'battle of the battered.' Both teams entered the February 27, 2026, clash at the American Airlines Center weighed down by injuries and recent struggles, but what unfolded was a showcase of resilience and unexpected dominance from Memphis. The Grizzlies walked off the court with a statement 124-105 victory, marking their sixth consecutive win over the Mavericks—a streak stretching back to 1995 and now the longest in their shared history.
Heading into the game, the Grizzlies (21-36) sat 11th in the Western Conference, just behind the Mavericks (21-37), who occupied the 12th spot. Both teams, eyeing the upcoming NBA Draft, were without a slew of key players. Dallas was missing rookie sensation Cooper Flagg (foot), Kyrie Irving (knee), Dereck Lively II (foot), Marvin Bagley III (neck), and several others. Memphis, meanwhile, was without star guard Ja Morant (elbow), rookie Cedric Coward (knee), Zach Edey (ankle), Santi Aldama (knee), and more. In total, a staggering sixteen players were unavailable between the two squads, setting the stage for unlikely heroes to emerge.
The Mavericks, reeling from a shocking home loss to the Sacramento Kings the previous night, were playing the second night of a back-to-back. Fatigue was evident, and their six-game home losing streak hung over the arena like a cloud. Memphis, at least, had enjoyed a day of rest, but had dropped three straight themselves, falling to Miami, Sacramento, and Golden State in the days leading up to this matchup.
Despite the depleted rosters, the Grizzlies wasted no time asserting control. They jumped out to an early lead and, remarkably, never trailed—a wire-to-wire win that was only their second of the 2025-2026 season. The offensive attack was balanced and relentless. Eight of the ten active Grizzlies reached double figures, a testament to the depth and hunger of Memphis's bench. Cam Spencer, who had struggled in recent outings, erupted for 25 points, knocking down four three-pointers on 9-for-16 shooting. He finished just one point shy of his career high, sending a clear message that he could step up when the team needed him most.
“I just wanted to come out aggressive and help my team any way I could,” Spencer said postgame, according to The Commercial Appeal. “With so many guys out, it’s next man up. We talked about playing for each other, and tonight, everyone contributed.”
The Grizzlies' other young talents also took advantage of their expanded roles. GG Jackson, a 21-year-old forward who had been thriving in recent weeks, continued his impressive run. Over his last ten games leading up to this matchup, Jackson was averaging 17.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists, shooting an efficient 57% from the field and 49% from deep. While he didn’t lead the team in scoring on this night, his versatility and shooting helped stretch Dallas’s defense and open up lanes for teammates.
“GG has really grown into his role,” a team insider noted before the game. “He’s hitting shots, defending, and just playing with a lot of confidence. That’s what you want to see from a young player, especially in a season like this.”
Memphis’s recent acquisition, Taylor Hendricks, also made his presence felt. Brought in as part of the Jaren Jackson trade, Hendricks had scored ten or more points in four of his last six games, and his energy was palpable on both ends. Rookie guard Walter Clayton Jr., another piece from the Jackson deal, continued to distribute the ball effectively, having posted six or more assists in three of his first four games with the Grizzlies.
On the Dallas side, the absence of Flagg, Irving, and others forced the Mavericks to dig deep into their rotation. Brandon Williams led the way with 16 points, but the Mavericks struggled to keep pace. Six Dallas players did reach double figures, but it was not enough to overcome the Grizzlies’ balanced assault. Veteran Khris Middleton, acquired earlier in the month, chipped in as expected. Since joining Dallas, Middleton had averaged 14.5 points on 50% shooting (38% from three), and he continued to provide a steadying influence for a team in desperate need of stability.
“We’re just trying to stay positive and keep working,” Middleton commented after the loss. “It’s tough with so many guys out, but that’s the NBA. You have to be ready when your number is called.”
The Mavericks’ defensive woes were on full display. Since the departure of Anthony Davis and with key defenders like P.J. Washington and Cooper Flagg sidelined, Dallas had slipped to 28th in defensive rating and was playing at the sixth-fastest pace in the league over the past month. The Grizzlies exploited these weaknesses, pouring in 124 points and connecting on 14 three-pointers—a number that matched the Mavericks’ season-long struggles against the deep ball. Over their previous ten games, Memphis had allowed 14.3 made threes per game, but on this night, it was Dallas who found themselves on the wrong end of the barrage.
For the Grizzlies, the win improved their record to 22-36, offering a rare bright spot in an otherwise challenging campaign. With Ja Morant and other key contributors sidelined, the victory was a testament to the team’s depth and fight. The Mavericks, meanwhile, fell to 21-38, their playoff hopes fading as injuries and inconsistency continued to mount.
Looking ahead, Memphis will hit the road to face the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 1, with tip-off scheduled for 4 p.m. Fans can catch the action on the FanDuel Sports Network. Dallas, still searching for answers and health, will need to regroup quickly if they hope to snap their now seven-game home losing streak.
It wasn’t the star-studded showdown fans might have hoped for, but in the end, it was a night for the unsung heroes and up-and-comers. As the Grizzlies celebrated their sixth straight win over the Mavericks, both teams were reminded that in the NBA, even a season marred by injuries and setbacks can offer moments of triumph and hope for the future.