In matchup of undermanned teams, Grizzlies handle Mavs

Field Level Media|published: Mon 6th January, 23:02 2025

Jan 6, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson (31) passes the ball as Memphis Grizzlies guard Luke Kennard (10) defends during the second quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

With both teams missing key players, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jaylen Wells had double-doubles and the Memphis Grizzlies snapped a two-game skid with a 119-104 victory Monday night over the visiting Dallas Mavericks.

Memphis played without injured starters Desmond Bane and Ja Morant, along with key reserves Santi Aldama and Marcus Smart. Stars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving did not play for the Mavericks, who have lost five in a row.

Jackson finished with 35 points and 13 rebounds, while Wells added 17 points and 10 boards. Jackson was 13-of-23 shooting and had five assists, three steals and a block. Scotty Pippen Jr. contributed 18 points, five rebounds, five steals and four assists and John Konchar grabbed 13 rebounds.

Dallas was led by P.J. Washington, who had 17 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Naji Marshall scored 16, Klay Thompson had 15 and Dereck Lively II added 14 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks. Jaden Hardy scored 15 points, all in the second half.

Memphis broke open a close game in the second half and led by double digits for most of the fourth quarter.

The Grizzlies, returning home following a five-game road trip, fell behind by 12 early in the second quarter. Shooting 38.1 percent in the first quarter had Memphis playing catch-up from the outset.

But Jackson Jr. directed a second-quarter rally along with reserve Jay Huff, to help the Grizzlies go up by 56-55 at the half. Jackson Jr. had eight points in the quarter and 16 in the half. Huff scored five of his eight first-half points during a 12-0 Memphis run that gave the Grizzlies their first lead at 50-48. Huff's corner three with 29.2 seconds to go provided the halftime cushion.

Marshall led Dallas in the first half with 13 points and Lively contributed 10 points and seven rebounds.

Memphis had a slim halftime lead despite shooting 39.1 percent in the half. A 32-26 rebounding edge, including 20-12 in the second quarter, allowed the Grizzlies to stay in the game.

The Grizzlies extended their lead to 12 in the third quarter behind Jackson Jr., who had 13 points in the period. The Grizzlies led 87-80 after three quarters.

Dallas reserve Daniel Gafford sprained his left ankle early in the second quarter and did not return.

--Field Level Media