The Memphis Grizzlies closed their regular season with a statement, routing the Dallas Mavericks 132-97 behind Lamar Stevens’ career-high 31 points on Sunday. With both teams resting starters before the play-in tournament, Memphis’ bench outclassed Dallas in a game that was never close after halftime.
Stevens, playing extended minutes with Memphis’ stars sitting, shot 14-of-25 from the field while adding six rebounds. His previous career best was 24 points.
Marvin Bagley III dominated inside with 25 points and 12 rebounds, while Cam Spencer added 23 points for Memphis (48-34). The Grizzlies led by as many as 37 points in the second half, outscoring Dallas 65-43 after intermission.
Daniel Gafford’s 20 points led the Mavericks (39-43), who enter the play-in tournament having lost four of their last five. Dallas shot just 17.9% from three-point range (5-of-28) in the blowout loss.
Memphis’ Japanese guard Yuki Kawamura provided highlights with 12 points and five assists, including a between-the-legs dime to Spencer for a transition three. Jay Huff added 22 points and six blocks off the bench for the Grizzlies.
The No. 8 seed Grizzlies will face Golden State on the road Tuesday in the play-in tournament, while No. 10 Dallas travels to Sacramento for Wednesday’s elimination game. Both teams hope to have their stars back after resting them Sunday.
