Santi Aldama scored 20 points, including a left-handed driving basket that sparked a tiebreaking 6-0 run in the final minute, to lead the Memphis Grizzlies to a 102-96 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday at the American Airlines Center.
Cam Spencer added 15 of his 17 points off the bench in the second half, helping Memphis secure consecutive wins for the first time this season.
Zach Edey recorded a season-high 15 rebounds along with 12 points, marking his first double-double in four games since returning from offseason ankle surgery. Aldama’s performance was complemented by the Grizzlies’ balanced attack and timely defense in the fourth quarter.
Dallas received a season-high 22 points from Klay Thompson off the bench, including six 3-pointers, while rookie Cooper Flagg added 12 points and seven rebounds in 33 minutes after a 29-point outing the previous night. Despite strong individual efforts, the Mavericks were unable to overcome Memphis’ clutch finish.
The Grizzlies overcame a low-scoring first half, trailing 46-43 at halftime, before pulling ahead in the third quarter. Memphis shot 40% overall and 26% from three but capitalized on key opportunities and rebounds, finishing with 61 total rebounds.
Both teams were hampered by injuries, with Memphis’ Jock Landale leaving early with a neck injury and Jaren Jackson Jr. sidelined for the second straight game due to a sprained right ankle. Dallas’ P.J. Washington exited late in the fourth quarter with a back injury.
Memphis will host the Denver Nuggets on Monday, while Dallas begins a four-game road stretch at the Miami Heat on the same night.
