Without Ja Morant now on the flank for the season, nor Jaren Jackson Jr. currently injured in the knee, the Grizzlies are quick to turn to their major duo, namely Desmond Bane and Marcus Smart.
If the first is a little clumsy at the start of the match, the two men launch the operations perfectly, including an interception from Smart which leads to a blind pass for a dunk from Biyombo. Memphis won a not very offensive first quarter (29-22) before completely pulling away at +22, while David Roddy took off for a big dunk in traffic.
On the Mavs side, the reaction is long overdue. Luka Doncic (17) and Kyrie Irving (15) combined for 32 of their team's 53 points at halftime, but Dallas was still (largely) behind (68-53). And this, against an second team of the Grizz…
Luka Doncic grimaces
Irving tried to restart the machine in the third quarter, notably scoring 16 points (5/8 on shots) over the period. But Texan affairs deteriorate again, when Doncic has to go out again to treat his ankle, like at the end of the first half.
The gap is around twenty and the Grizzlies will not be asked to fold the match (120-103). Despite 33 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals for Irving and 31 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals for Doncic, the Mavs lost at home after three straight victories on their land.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– Bane's demonstration. At an average of 29 points and almost 60% shooting success, including 45% behind the arc, it's an understatement to say that Desmond Bane enjoys playing against the Mavs! He proved it again last night by finishing the game with 32 points, plus 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Above all, as a true boss, he caught fire by scoring 13 of his team's last 18 points in the third quarter, while the Grizzlies put the Mavs at bay for good.
– Marcus Smart injured finger. The Grizzlies are in trouble this season. And their infirmary is always full, with Smart returning there last night after dislocating a finger on his right hand in the middle of the third quarter. An injury which should not keep him away from the courts for too long… but still a big pitfall in an already not easy season!
– Luka Doncic on the alternative. Already “doubtful” at the start of the match due to a swollen ankle, Doncic tried to help his team as best as possible, and with 31 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals, he still had his match. . But, very limited physically, and having to go out for treatment in the second and third quarters, the Slovenian “Wonderboy” did not weigh as usual, like his average 9/21 on shots including 2/ 8 at 3-points.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
