It doesn't make sense really, does it? The Memphis Grizzlies, without stars Ja Morant (out for the season now due to season-ending surgery), Jaren Jackson (right knee contusion), Santi Aldama (left knee contusion) and the usuals (Adams and Clarke), just rolled in to Dallas and beat Luka and the Mavericks 120-103. It was the third win in-a-row over a quality opponent for Memphis.
Oh, did we mention Marcus Smart left the game in the 2nd half due to what appeared to be a dislocated finger after hitting a big three-pointer?
But this was a complete team effort, including Smart's 23 points on the night. Desmond Bane came up big with 32 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists. With Jaren Jackson out of the lineup for additional scoring the Grizzlies relied on 14 points a piece from Xavier Tillman and Ziaire Williams. Both Tillman and Williams had over 27 minutes logged and both shot 6-of-9 from the field on the evening. Luke Kennard started for the Grizzlies and also had 14 points.
But it was the rebounding that really stood out for Memphis. The Grizzlies out-rebounded Dallas 54-33 on the night.
Dallas was led in scoring by their two stars. Kyrie Irving had 33 points while Luca Doncic dropped in 31 on the night for the Mavericks.
Next up: Memphis heads back home to host the Clippers Friday night at 7:00 p.m. at FedExForum. Pregame at 6:30 p.m. Friday (1/12) on 92.9 FM ESPN
