Despite significant injuries, the Memphis Grizzlies secured a convincing 120-103 victory against the Dallas Mavericks during Tuesday night’s NBA action, led by Desmond Bane’s impressive 32-point performance.
Bane’s scoring spree, including 13 points in the third quarter’s closing stretch, was pivotal in establishing a 20-point lead going into the fourth quarter. This win comes as the Grizzlies adapt to the absence of top scorer Ja Morant, who is out for the season due to a shoulder injury.
The Grizzlies showed resilience, winning their second game since Morant’s injury. Their resolve was further tested as Marcus Smart exited in the third quarter with a dislocated finger, although he scored 23 points before his injury. Memphis also missed Jaren Jackson Jr., sidelined with a knee contusion.
Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins commended the team’s spirit and unity, calling it one of the season’s most impressive wins.
“It was awesome. I’m so proud of the group, obviously, with everything that has transpired in the last 24 hours,” Jenkins said. “This is one of the most impressive team wins of the season. Our guys came out and played to our standard and with a lot of joy. It was awesome just how they rallied together.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Desmond Bane, Memphis Grizzlies, Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks Updates
The Mavericks faced their own injury woes, with star player Luka Doncic struggling with an ankle injury. He scored 31 points despite leaving the game multiple times for treatment. Dereck Lively II and Dante Exum highlighted key inactive. Kyrie Irving led the Mavericks with 33 points.
The game continued the season’s trend, with the road team winning each matchup between these teams. Dallas attempted a comeback, narrowing the lead to ten points, but Bane’s consecutive three-pointers re-extended the Grizzlies’ lead. Bane ended the game shooting 11-27, including 2-9 from beyond the arc, marking his 11th game this season, scoring 30 or more points.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Desmond Bane, Memphis Grizzlies, Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks Updates
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd acknowledged Bane’s impact without Morant or Jackson in the lineup, also noting Memphis’ dominance on the boards.
“He was great tonight. He came out to show that he could beat us by himself without Ja or Jackson,” Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd said. “Their offensive rebounds — 18 — that’s way too many. Their physicality was too much for us. They came out, and they were assertive right off the bat. That put us in a hole, and we played uphill from there.”
The Grizzlies next host the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday, while the Mavericks will play the New York Knicks on Thursday.
