The Memphis Grizzlies (5-13) secured consecutive victories for the first time this season, defeating the Dallas Mavericks (11-7) 108-94.
The game saw Desmond Bane stepping up with an impressive 30-point performance, while Mavericks’ star Luka Doncic was notably absent for personal reasons, celebrating the birth of his daughter.
Facing the challenge of playing without Doncic, the Mavericks struggled as Kyrie Irving had a tough start, missing all seven shots in the first half and contributing only one point, allowing the Grizzlies to take a commanding 15-point lead.
Irving’s struggles persisted, finishing with a season-low 10 points on 3-of-15 shooting, and the Mavericks recorded their worst shooting performance of the season at 37.0%.
In addition to Doncic, Tim Hardaway Jr., the team’s third-leading scorer, was also sidelined due to back spasms.
Despite the challenges, the Grizzlies showcased resilience, notably with Jaylen Nowell, who, after signing a 10-day contract, contributed 19 points to the team’s victory.
Santi Aldama recorded a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds, and Vince Williams Jr. added 15 points and 11 boards, highlighting the depth of the Grizzlies’ roster, which has been without star guard Ja Morant and Marcus Smart.
Derrick Jones Jr. and Grant Williams led the scoring for the Mavericks with 16 points each, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Grizzlies’ determined performance.
