One star is better than none as Jaren Jackson scored 35 points to propel the slow starting Memphis Grizzlies by the shorthanded Dallas Mavericks 119-104 at the FedEx Forum on Monday, Jan. 6.
Both teams were short star power and playmaking as Grizzlies Guard Ja Morant and Mavericks All-Stars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving sat the game with injuries.
Following a sloppy start, the Grizzlies took control of the game in the second half. Jackson scored 13 points to give Memphis a 87-80 lead going into the final frame. He knocked down a pair of free throws to push the lead to 95-83 with 10:26 remaining in the fourth quarter.
A PJ Washington layup reduced the Dallas deficit to 99-94 with six minutes left in the game. However, jump shots by Jackson and Jaylen Wells on the Grizzlies’ next two possessions ended the Mavericks’ chances.
Jackson shot 13 of 23 from the field in 34 minutes. He also grabbed 13 rebounds and had five assists on the night. Defensively, the 6-11 power forward contributed three steals and a block.
“I feel like I just let it come to me. If you start to force it will not go. I just saw the space and went with it,” said Jackson.
Memphis erased a 36-26 first-quarter deficit by holding the Mavericks to 19 points in the second quarter. A Jay Huff layup gave the Grizzlies their first lead of the game, 52-50 with 2:20 remaining. Huff also hit a three point shot the Grizzlies previous possession to tie the game 48-48. By the end of the half, Memphis clinged to a slim 53-52 lead.
Memphis shot 39 percent and committed eight turnovers in the first half.
“Our turnovers definitely impact our defense. It is hard to come back from; it is deflating. We were stuck in neutral,” said Wells.
Wells added 17 points on 3-11 shooting. Most of his scoring came from the free throw line, where he hit 10-11. He also had 11 rebounds.The first-round pick from Washington State is averaging 11.8 points and 3.5 rebounds his rookie season.
“It is more than trying to score. Today I was trying to do more than just score. Shots weren’t falling, but you have to contribute somehow. My way of contributing today was rebounding,” said Wells.
Scottie Pippen Jr. hit six out of 13 shots for 18 points as a starter. Additionally, the third point guard on the depth chart added four assists and five steals filling in for Morant, who continues to nurse a knee injury.
Morant was one of six Grizzlies who missed the game due to injuries. Fellow starter Desmond Bane sat out with an ankle injury, along with key reserves Marcus Smart and Santi Aldama. Vince Williams and GG Jackson remain out with injuries.
Grizzlies’ deep threat Luke Kennard scored 13 points and Center Jay Huff chipped in 11 points off the bench. A roster pickup after a strong NBA Summer League performance, Huff has averaged 9.1 points and 2.6 rebounds in his first season with the Grizzlies.
Dallas was led by PJ Washington, who scored 17 points. The forward also had 11 rebounds and five assists on the night. Starters Naji Marshall scored 16 points, while Klay Thompson added 15 points. Second year big man Derick Lively Jr. scored 14 points and grabbed 11 rebounds.
The win improves the Grizzlies record to 24-13. Their 15th home win of the season marks the return from a recent 1-4 road trip. Dallas falls to 20-16, 10-10.
Memphis hosts the Houston Rockets at the FedEx Forum on Thursday, Jan. 9. Tipoff is at 7 p.m.
