DALLAS — The Memphis Grizzlies, playing their first game after the season-ending shoulder injury to star Ja Morant, showcased resilience with a 120-103 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night. Desmond Bane led the Grizzlies with a stellar 32-point performance, scoring 13 points in a crucial third-quarter run to establish a commanding 20-point lead.
Despite injury concerns, with Marcus Smart leaving the game in the third quarter due to a dislocated finger, the Grizzlies (14-23) secured their second consecutive win since Morant’s absence. Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins lauded the team’s impressive collective effort, highlighting the joy and standard of play they exhibited on the court.
Smart, before his injury, contributed significantly with 23 points, including four 3-pointers, one of which extended the Grizzlies’ lead to 18 points. Jaren Jackson Jr. was also unavailable for Memphis due to a right knee contusion.
The Mavericks (22-16) faced their own injury woes, with Luka Doncic struggling with an ankle issue. Doncic briefly left the game in the first half and again in the third quarter but managed to score 31 points. Kyrie Irving led Dallas with 33 points.
The matchup marked the fourth encounter between these teams this season, with the road team emerging victorious each time.
Dallas attempted a comeback in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to 10 points on Jaden Hardy’s fastbreak dunk. However, Bane responded with back-to-back 3-pointers, ensuring the Grizzlies maintained a significant lead. After a slow start, Bane heated up in the second half, ending the game with 11 of 27 shooting, including 2 of 9 from beyond the arc. This game marked his 11th this season with 30 or more points.
Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd acknowledged Bane’s impact, admitting his team struggled against the Grizzlies’ physicality and assertiveness. Memphis dominated the boards, outrebounding Dallas 54-33 and claiming an 18-8 advantage in offensive rebounds.
The Grizzlies next host the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday, while the Mavericks will face the New York Knicks on Thursday as both teams continue their regular-season campaigns.
