In a dominant Emirates NBA Cup group play opener at FedExForum, the Memphis Grizzlies (4-6) snapped a four-game skid with a commanding 118-104 victory over the struggling Dallas Mavericks (2-7) on Friday night.
Ja Morant dazzled Friday night (11/7) posting 21 points and a season-high 13 assists—his first 20/10 game of the year—while rookie Cedric Coward matched him with 21 points on efficient shooting, plus 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Jaren Jackson Jr. added 17 points, and Santi Aldama chipped in 16 off the bench as seven Grizzlies scored in double figures.
Memphis torched Dallas from deep, hitting 10 first-half threes to build a 74-51 halftime lead—their first halftime advantage all season. The Mavs, plagued by 25.6% three-point shooting, never recovered despite Max Christie's team-high 18 points.
NBA CUP: The win moves Memphis to 1-1 in West Group B; Dallas falls to 0-1 and last in the West with four straight losses.
Next game on 92.9 FM ESPN: Memphis Grizzlies host the OKC Thunder Sunday (11/9) at FedExForum at 5:00 p.m.