NBA: Grizzlies Defeat Mavericks in Play-In Tournament, Set to Face Thunder

Fans of the Memphis Grizzlies are now partying around the corner as they advance to the NBA Playoffs. The fan made it after a 118-102 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in the 2025 NBA Play-In Tournament. With the win, Memphis clinched the final Western Conference playoff spot. Memphis is now preparing to face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the playoffs.

Before the face-off between the Grizzlies vs. Mavericks, the Miami Heat edged the Atlanta Hawks with a 123-114 lead in overtime. After the game had finished, the basketball fanatics’ attention was already glued on their showdown at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. This nightmare of Mavericks will take forward as the Grizzlies set the tone from the opening tip and never looked back.

Memphis came out firing, quickly building a 25-point lead in the first half. Even when the Dallas Mavericks went on a 17-2 run in the third quarter, the Grizzlies responded with a 21-10 burst that restored their lead to 18 heading into the final period. By the fourth quarter, the Grizzlies had already surpassed the 100-point mark. This impressive achievement for the team effectively sealed the win and eliminated any hope of a Mavericks comeback.

Key performances powered Memphis to victory. Ja Morant, battling through an ankle injury, brought energy and leadership. While his point total was lower than his season average, his impact was undeniable. He had previously averaged 31 points per game against Dallas this season.

Desmond Bane continued his hot streak, hitting key shots to stop multiple Mavs runs. Jaren Jackson Jr. added 22 points and 7 rebounds, knocking down clutch three-pointers in the third quarter. Rookie big man Zach Edey dominated the glass, finishing with 14 points and 17 rebounds. Scotty Pippen Jr. chipped in 15 points off the bench, including three shots from beyond the arc.

Anthony Davis led the way for Dallas with 29 points in just 24 minutes despite dealing with an adductor injury. He exploded for 22 first-half points but was limited after the break. Klay Thompson added 23 points, hitting five of seven three-point attempts. Brandon Williams contributed 17 points off the bench. Nevertheless, P.J. Washington struggled mightily, finishing with zero points on 0-of-5 shooting and committing four fouls that hurt the Mavs defensively.

The turning point came in the third quarter. Dallas couldn’t sustain their momentum after cutting the lead to just seven. Memphis answered with a game-shifting 21-10 run, turning a competitive stretch into a comfortable lead they would never relinquish. Notably, the Mavericks never held a lead at any point in the game.

Statistically, Memphis dominated early. By halftime, the Grizzlies were shooting 50% from the field and 43.8% from three-point range, while Dallas managed 42.2% and 28.6%, respectively. The Grizzlies also outrebounded the Mavs 26-19 and doubled them up in assists, 17 to 10. That efficient offense and tight rebounding margin made all the difference.

Injuries played a significant role in the outcome. While Anthony Davis pushed through, his effectiveness waned late. And P.J. Washington’s lack of production added to Dallas’ woes. On the other side, Ja Morant defied expectations by suiting and managing the game, despite being a game-time decision.

This Memphis vs Dallas matchup was the fifth meeting between the two teams this season. Though they split the regular season series 2-2, the Grizzlies closed strong, winning the last three, including a 132-97 blowout. The Mavs hoped to become the first 10-seed to reach the NBA Playoffs, but Memphis closed that door with authority.

Next up: the Memphis Grizzlies vs Oklahoma City Thunder. With momentum, the Grizzlies are set to take on one of the league’s top teams in what should be a high-octane first-round series. If Zach Edey continues his dominance, and Bane and Morant stay locked in, Memphis could be a dangerous underdog.

For the Dallas Mavericks, the season ends in disappointment. Injuries, inconsistency, and cold shooting doomed their playoff hopes. They’ll look to regroup and rebuild in the offseason.

But for now, Memphis moves on. And the Thunder better be ready.

Photo: Imagn Images