Luka Doncic scored 37 points and grabbed 12 rebounds as the Dallas Mavericks overcame a 15-point deficit to defeat the Memphis Grizzlies 121-116 on Tuesday night. The win secured Dallas a spot in the NBA Cup quarterfinals, where they will face the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Mavericks trailed 111-103 with just over three minutes remaining, but a 16-3 run in the final minutes propelled them to victory. Spencer Dinwiddie and P.J. Washington Jr. each knocked down crucial three-pointers in the closing stages, with Dinwiddie’s back-to-back threes putting Dallas ahead for good at 113-111.
Washington added 18 points, while Dereck Lively II contributed 17 points and 11 rebounds in a solid performance. Dinwiddie finished with 16 points, helping Dallas secure their fifth consecutive win, extending their dominant form to nine victories in their last 10 games.
Memphis, who had been riding a six-game win streak, saw that momentum end despite Ja Morant’s season-high 31 points. Morant scored 15 of those points in the fourth quarter, but it wasn’t enough to hold off the Mavericks. Desmond Bane chipped in 19 points, and Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 16, with 14 of those coming in the first half.
Despite committing a season-high 25 turnovers, Dallas made up for it by capitalizing on free-throw opportunities. The Mavericks shot a season-high 44 free throws, converting 30, compared to Memphis’s 14 attempts, of which they made 13.
The disparity in free throws, particularly in the fourth quarter, played a crucial role in the game’s outcome, as the Mavericks made 18 of 26 in the final period alone.
The Grizzlies struggled with turnovers, committing 19 in the first half alone, which allowed the Mavericks to capitalize and mount their comeback. Memphis’s offense was also hindered by a slow start from Morant, who didn’t take a shot until the second quarter, finishing the half with just five points.
With the win, Dallas improves to 14-8 on the season and advances to the next stage of the NBA Cup. Memphis, on the other hand, drops to 14-8, with their six-game winning streak snapped and their Cup hopes dashed. The Mavericks will now look to continue their strong form as they prepare for a tough matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
