Recap: Mavs Win Streak Ends at Three, Thumped by Grizzlies

 

 

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Rick Carlisle’s thoughts summed it up best. “ Very poor performance. I’m afraid its going to look worse on film.”

 

Nothing quite went well. The Mavs, looking to extend their win streak to 4 games, simply couldn’t get anything going in the 112-101 home loss to division foe Memphis.

 

It was an all-around ugly game for the Mavs, and don’t let the 101 points scored fool you. The Grizzlies well-known defensive prowess showed its dominance tonight, holding the Mavs under 45% shooting from the field. The Mavs 3 leading scorers (Dirk, Monta, and Parsons) were held to a combined 11-34 shooting. While the Mavs won the rebounding battle 41-38, and shot 36 free throws, 17 turnovers and a lack of shot making decided the ball game.

 

With a halftime deficit at only 7, Memphis opened the 2^nd half going 9-10 from the field and pushing their lead to 22. Amar’e Stoudemire, passionately disagreeing with an offensive foul call, was given double technical fouls and was ejected. Rick Carlisle was also assessed a technical for arguing the call. Going back and forth, Devin Harris was able to give the Mavs a bit of hope. The reserve guard scored 9 of his team high 16 points in the 3^rd quarter to keep Dallas within striking distance.

 

The Mavs would make a push in the fourth quarter, bringing the game to within 9. The game was not kept close for long, and Memphis would extend the lead for good.

 

The Good: Though there were few, Devin Harris was a bright spot for the Mavs. He scored 16 points on 5/6 shooting, coupled with 4 boards and 3 assists off the bench. The Mavs were also able to win the rebounding battle, and shot 36 free throws (however only make 25).

 

The Bad: You won’t win many games when Run DMC shoots 32% from the field. Tony Allen has consistently gotten the best of Monta Ellis during the season.

 

The Ugly: Amar’e Stoudemire’s ejection. While he had the right to be upset, because it was a very obvious flop on Tony Allen, he needed to keep his cool and refrain. There was hope that it might spark the Mavs to play with more energy, but that didn’t happen. It also handed Mike Conley 3 free throws.

 

Up Next: The Mavs will hit the road and head to Phoenix to face the Suns Sunday night. They look to get back on track and keep up in the wild Western Conference playoff race.