MEMPHIS, Tenn — The Memphis Grizzlies demonstrated remarkable resilience on Monday night, defeating the Dallas Mavericks 119-104 at home, fueled by the stellar performance of Jaren Jackson Jr. The star forward scored 35 points, grabbed 13 rebounds, and dished out five assists, leading his team to victory.
While the Grizzlies celebrated, the Mavericks continued to struggle, witnessing their fifth consecutive loss. The absence of key players significantly affected their performance, with both Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving sidelined due to injuries. Doncic is dealing with a left calf strain, and earlier reports confirmed Irving's absence due to a bulging disc in his back.
Alongside Jackson, Memphis also saw contributions from Scotty Pippen Jr., who scored 18 points, and rookie Jaylen Wells, who added 17 points and 11 rebounds. Their performances were pivotal as the Grizzlies won their 10th game at home out of the last 11.
The Mavericks were not without their own bright spots; they were led by P.J. Washington, who finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Naji Marshall contributed 16 points, along with Klay Thompson and Jaden Hardy, who each added 15 points. Yet, Dallas' efforts were not enough to overcome their extended injury struggles.
The game saw both teams enter the match with weakened rosters. Memphis was also without star players Ja Morant and Desmond Bane due to injury. With the starting lineups heavily impacted, many players had to step up and fill substantial gaps. For the Grizzlies, rookie Zach Edey, who is gaining recognition as a Rookie of the Year contender, maintained his solid impact, contributing effectively throughout the night.
Initially, the Grizzlies faced challenges, falling behind early due to turnovers and shaky shooting. But Jackson Jr. took control, ensuring Memphis regained their rhythm, particularly during the last three quarters. Despite the Mavericks' attempts to pull back late, highlighted by some three-point shooting, Memphis consistently found ways to maintain their lead.
Memphis capitalized on their inside advantage, finishing the game with 52 points in the paint and grabbing 55 total rebounds, compared to 50 for Dallas. The Grizzlies' performance reinforced their position as one of the league’s most formidable teams at home.
Dallas, which was already grappling with the absence of its top two scorers, faced another setback when Daniel Gafford left the game with a sprained ankle early on. Such injuries have forced the Mavericks to field unconventional lineups, affecting their overall team chemistry and scoring consistency.
"The absurdity of injuries and illnesses this team has faced so far really can’t be overstated," noted one analyst, shedding light on the continuous challenges Dallas is facing this season. Their recent performances suggest difficulty stringing together scoring runs, often allowing small leads to dwindle.
The Mavericks now look to regroup as they prepare to face the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies, currently second in the league for points scored inside the paint, will host the Houston Rockets on Thursday. Both teams will be eager to secure victories as they navigate their injury-riddled rosters.
This match not only highlighted the Grizzlies' depth but also reflected the uphill battle the Mavericks face until their star players return to the lineup. With the playoffs on the horizon, every game counts, making the road to recovery all the more pressing for the Mavericks.