The Dallas Mavericks started a 3-game road trip taking on a fiery team in the Memphis Grizzlies. Memphis has won 8 of their last 10 games; including a current 7-game winning streak since trading star forward Rudy Gay to the Toronto Raptors. The Mavs look to bounce back from a loss to the Milwaukee Bucks and cease the Grizzlies’ hot streak.
Like the last game against the Bucks, the Mavs started on a 16-2 run to begin the first quarter. The Mavs, through the whole quarter shot 15-for-20 from the field (75%). The Grizzlies did the opposite shooting 7-of-25 from the field (28%).
The Mavs lost a little momentum on offense throughout the second giving up the ball 8 times in turnovers. Big production came from Memphis’ center Marc Gasol scoring 11 points and 5 rebounds. The Grizzlies’ ended the quarter on a 16-4 run, but still trailing at the half.
At halftime, the Mavs managed to have held double-digit lead despite committing 10 turnovers through two quarters. On a positive note, the Mavs shot 59% from the field, with Shawn Marion leading the team with 14 points in scoring. The Mavs also outscored their opponent 28 to 10 in points in the paint.
The Grizzlies opened the third quarter on a 20-0 run including 10 points from their all-star forward Zach Randolph. Memphis eventually took a 1-point lead, forcing the Mavs to blow a 25-point lead from the first half. Dallas never gained any momentum only shooting 2-for-16 from the field. Memphis made adjustments to be really aggressive on defense holding Dallas to score only 5 points the whole quarter. There was a lot of frustration looming around the Mavs’ players; Dirk Nowtizki in particular who was scoreless and rarely getting any touches on offensive possessions.
Cold shooting carries into the fourth quarter as the Mavs shot 8-for-20 from the floor. Dirk was held to only 2 points off free throws the entire second half. The Grizzlies managed to take the lead due to 8 points off 4 Mavs’ turnovers. Memphis’ Quincy Poindexter led both teams in the final quarter with just 7 points.
The Grizzlies overcame a 25-point lead to get the win against the Mavs. Dallas leading scorer was Shawn Marion with 16 points along with 8 rebounds. The Mavs recorded a total of 21 turnovers, giving the Grizzlies 23 points from points off turnovers. Dirk had a frustrating night scoring 10 points (4-11 FG), coming off back-to-back great performances against the Lakers and Bucks. Memphis’ two big men both recorded double-doubles. Marc Gasol put up 21 points and 12 rebounds. Zach Randolph scored 22 points and 10 rebound. This is Randolph’s fifth straight double-double since All-Star Weekend.
The Mavs look ahead to taking on the Brooklyn Nets on Friday and also two back-to-back games against the Houston Rockets next week. Dallas has to put this current 3-game losing streak behind them and focus on the next game in order to reach .500. The Mavs have to start playing desperately for wins with 25 games remaining in the regular season.
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