If you thought Memphis Grizzlies players were devastated when they learned star point guard Ja Morant would miss the rest of the season with a torn labrum in his shoulder, you’re right.
But if you thought that they wouldn’t fight — and couldn’t win — with Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. sidelined with injuries, well . . . you haven’t been paying attention.
The Grizzlies wrapped up a three-game sweep of their road trip with a dominant performance over the Dallas Mavericks, 120-103. The win was all the more impressive with Jackson being a late scratch for the game, nursing a right knee contusion.
“It was one of the most impressive team wins of the season,” Coach Taylor Jenkins said after the game. “I’m so proud of the group. They played to our standard and played with a lot of joy. It was awesome, just how they rallied together.”
Dallas led by as many as seven points early in the first quarter. But Memphis took control of the game with about five minutes remaining in the first quarter and never looked back, eventually leading by as many as 22 points.
Desmond Bane led the Grizzlies with 32 points, playing a pivotal role in the victory. Xavier Tillman contributed significantly on the boards, grabbing 11 rebounds, while Vince Williams Jr. facilitated the offense with 6 assists.
For the Mavericks, Kyrie Irving scored 33 points and added eight rebounds. Luka Doncic also made a significant impact with 31 points, six rebounds, and six assists.
Despite their efforts, the Mavericks struggled to match the Grizzlies’ intensity.
The Grizzlies outshone the Mavericks in shooting, achieving a 48.4% field goal percentage compared to the Mavericks’ 43.9%. They were also more effective from the three-point line, with a 37.8% success rate against the Mavericks’ 33.3%. A key advantage for the Grizzlies was their rebounding, pulling down 54 rebounds to the Mavericks’ 33.
Memphis capitalized on their inside game, scoring 56 points in the paint and gaining 21 second-chance points. The Grizzlies also had a 12-point run and at one point led by as much as 22, underlining their control throughout the game.
Next: The Grizzlies return home to face the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday, Jan 12 at FedExForum. Tipoff is at 7 p.m.
