The NBA play-in tournament reached a thrilling climax on April 19, 2025, as the Memphis Grizzlies faced off against the Dallas Mavericks for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. After a rollercoaster of a season, both teams were eager to secure their place among the elite, and the stakes could not have been higher.
The Grizzlies came into this matchup with a recent history of ups and downs. Just days prior, they had faced the Golden State Warriors in a nail-biting play-in game where they rallied from a staggering 20-point deficit. However, their hopes were dashed when star guard Ja Morant suffered a right foot injury during the fourth quarter, leading to a narrow 5-point defeat. The Grizzlies were determined to bounce back and prove their resilience against the Mavericks.
In stark contrast, the Mavericks had their own momentum, having recently defeated the Sacramento Kings by 14 points. Klay Thompson and Anthony Davis showcased their veteran prowess, helping the team recover from earlier struggles after trading away Luka Dončić and losing Kyrie Irving to injury. This matchup was set to be a true test of both teams' mettle.
The game kicked off with electric energy as the Grizzlies quickly established dominance. Within the first five minutes, they had already racked up 20 points, showcasing their offensive firepower. Morant, despite his injury concerns, was on the floor, and he made an immediate impact, scoring 12 points along with 3 rebounds and 3 assists in just one quarter. His explosive play included a jaw-dropping dunk that had the crowd roaring, leading the Grizzlies to a commanding 39-24 lead by the end of the first quarter.
As the second quarter unfolded, Memphis continued to press their advantage. Desmond Bane's sharpshooting from beyond the arc was particularly effective, helping the Grizzlies stretch their lead to as much as 25 points. Despite the Mavericks’ attempts to slow the game down with a zone defense, they struggled to find their rhythm. Anthony Davis, although he managed to score 22 points in the first half, could not lift his team from a 49-66 deficit at halftime.
The halftime break did little to quell the Grizzlies' momentum. As the teams returned to the court, the Mavericks sought to mount a comeback. Led by Davis, Dallas opened the third quarter with a 9-2 run, narrowing the Grizzlies' lead to just 7 points. Fans held their breath as the game tightened, but Memphis responded with poise. Morant's playmaking skills, combined with Jaren Jackson Jr.'s standout performance—he netted 12 points in the third quarter—kept the Grizzlies ahead, finishing the third quarter with a comfortable 96-78 lead.
Throughout the game, the intensity was palpable. The Grizzlies' defense was relentless, forcing the Mavericks into tough shots and limiting their options. Morant's leadership on the court was evident, as he orchestrated plays and kept his teammates engaged. On the other side, Davis's frustration was apparent as he struggled to find support, with the Mavericks’ offense stagnating at crucial moments.
As the fourth quarter approached, the Grizzlies remained focused on maintaining their lead. The Mavericks, however, were not ready to concede just yet. They fought hard to claw back into contention, but Memphis's defense held strong, thwarting their efforts time and again. The game continued to swing back and forth, with both teams exchanging baskets and defensive stands.
Ultimately, the Grizzlies' early lead proved insurmountable for the Mavericks. As the final buzzer sounded, Memphis emerged victorious with a final score of 96-78, securing their place in the playoffs. This victory not only marked a significant turnaround for the Grizzlies after their previous loss but also showcased their potential as a formidable playoff contender.
In the post-game interviews, Morant expressed relief and pride in his team's performance. "We knew we had to come out strong and set the tone early. Everyone stepped up, and we played together as a unit," he said. His commitment to the game despite his injury was commendable and highlighted the Grizzlies' fighting spirit.
Meanwhile, Mavericks coach faced tough questions regarding his team's performance. The absence of consistent support for Davis was a recurring theme, and he acknowledged the need for improvement moving forward. "We have to find a way to get everyone involved and create better opportunities. Today just wasn’t our day," he stated candidly.
As the Grizzlies prepare for their first-round playoff matchup against the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder, they will look to build on this momentum. With Morant leading the charge and a solid supporting cast, Memphis is poised to make a significant impact in the postseason.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks will have to regroup and reassess their strategy for the upcoming season, focusing on building a more cohesive unit that can better support their star players. Both teams have shown flashes of brilliance this season, and as they move forward, fans can expect more thrilling basketball in the future.
