The Dallas Mavericks got back on track after losing to Phoenix and celebrated a convincing win against Memphis. In the xx success, Luka Doncic was the best scorer, while Kristaps Porzingis cleaned up the defense.
Dallas Mavericks (27-20) – Memphis Grizzlies (32-17) 104:91 (BOXSCORE)
With the win, the Mavericks secured the tiebreaker against Memphis (3-1) and reduced the lead to the Grizzlies to 4 games. This was once again guaranteed by the defense, which kept the Grizzlies out of the field at just 37 percent. On the other hand, the three-pointer was again rather moderate (9/30), but the Texans scored efficiently from the two-pointer area.
This also applied to Luka Doncic, who with 37 points (13/25 FG, 9/12 FT, 11 rebounds, 9 assists) again (just under ) decided for themselves. The Slovenian was wearing neck bandages after his injury against the Suns, but that didn’t seem to affect the All-Star any further. The 22-year-old kept breaking down the Grizzlies’ defense and showing great touch on his floaters.
There was support from Jalen Brunson (13), Maxi Kleber (7, 3 rebounds, 3 blocks) and also from Kristaps Porzingis (15, 6/11, 8 rebounds), who also blocked 6 throws and made numerous shots difficult for the Grizzlies. 6 minutes before the end, the Latvian fouled out Steven Adams while fighting for rebounds. But Dallas also rocked it home so confidently.
The Grizzlies lacked important support on the other side with Dillon Brooks, Desmond Bane or Kyle Anderson. So it was all the more bitter that Jaren Jackson Jr. (10, 4/17) again had a difficult time against the Mavs defense. Otherwise, only backup guard De’Anthony Melton (12) scored in double digits.
Memphis even came close to being in the game because of their strength under the basket. The guests grabbed 21 offensive rebounds (Dallas: 9) and yet the Grizzlies didn’t lead a single second in this game. The Mavs consistently held a double-digit lead for the last three quarters and managed it to the end.
The Grizzlies, on the other hand, hit just 17 percent from downtown (4/24), none sinking more than one try. Dallas ended its home series with 4-1, now two tough games await at the Golden State Warriors and the Portland Trail Blazers. The Grlzzlies stay third in the West and won’t be back in action until Thursday night in San Antonio.
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