The Dallas Mavericks faced off against the Memphis Grizzlies on April 18, 2025, in a thrilling Play-In game that would determine the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. The stakes were high as both teams aimed to secure their place in the postseason, with the winner set to take on the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder.
From the outset, the Grizzlies showcased a dominant performance, capitalizing on their home-court advantage at the FedEx Forum. Memphis, led by star point guard Ja Morant, who had been nursing an ankle injury, came out firing. Morant, despite doubts about his physical condition, quickly proved his worth, scoring 22 points and contributing significantly to the team's overall play.
In the first quarter, the Grizzlies established a commanding lead, forcing the Mavericks into early turnovers. The Grizzlies' defense was relentless, creating seven turnovers in the opening quarter alone. By the end of the first, Memphis had surged ahead, leading by 20 points. Jaren Jackson Jr. set the tone with a three-pointer to start the game, while Desmond Bane added to the scoring, finishing the night with 30 points, six rebounds, and four assists.
As the game progressed, the Mavericks, who had entered the matchup after a convincing 123-106 victory over the Sacramento Kings, struggled to find their rhythm. Anthony Davis, who had been a key player for Dallas since his midseason trade, scored 27 points and grabbed nine rebounds, but his efforts were not enough to turn the tide. Davis had been dealing with an abductor injury, and there were moments when he appeared to be in discomfort, particularly as the game wore on.
With the Mavericks trailing, Klay Thompson attempted to rally his team, contributing 23 points, including several crucial three-pointers. However, the Grizzlies continued to maintain their lead, with Memphis' rookie center Zach Edey stepping up impressively, scoring 14 points and pulling down 17 rebounds. Edey’s performance was vital, especially as he provided a strong inside presence against Dallas' frontcourt.
As the second half began, the Mavericks showed signs of life, cutting the lead to just 10 points at one point. However, every time Dallas seemed poised to make a comeback, Memphis had an answer. Bane hit a three-pointer to extend the lead back to 20, and Morant's ability to score at will kept the Grizzlies ahead.
With just under two minutes left in the fourth quarter, the Mavericks were still fighting to stay in the game. Williams hit a three-pointer at the buzzer, marking the last bucket of the Mavericks' season. GG Jackson and Marshall each made free throws, but it was clear that the Grizzlies were in control. Memphis called a timeout with 1:49 remaining, looking to close out the game solidly.
The final score was 120-106 in favor of the Grizzlies, marking a significant victory for Memphis as they secured their spot in the playoffs. This win not only showcased the Grizzlies' resilience but also highlighted the challenges the Mavericks faced after trading away their franchise player, Luka Doncic, earlier in the season. The Mavericks had hoped to make a deep playoff run, but their journey ended abruptly in this Play-In game.
The Grizzlies will now prepare to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the playoffs, while the Mavericks will head into the offseason with many questions and a need for reflection on their tumultuous season.
