Mavericks defeat Grizzlies 120-113 for third consecutive victory

Jaden Hardy contributed 19 points for the Dallas Mavericks off the bench, while Dante Exum added 16 points. Despite missing several players due to injuries, including Kyrie Irving, the Mavericks managed to secure their third consecutive win.

Luka Doncic emphasized the importance of trust among the team members, stating that everyone needed to be ready for the game. Hardy had an impressive performance, shooting 7 of 15 from the field and 5 of 7 from beyond the arc.

He attributed his success to his confidence in shooting when given the opportunity. On the other side, Jaren Jackson Jr. scored a season-high 41 points for Memphis, with Desmond Bane contributing 28 points. However, the rest of the Memphis team struggled offensively.

Despite Memphis' attempts to rally, Dallas maintained their lead throughout the game, with Doncic finishing with 9 of 21 from the field and hitting his 1,000th career 3-pointer in the fourth quarter.

Dallas was missing Irving, who sat out his first game due to a right heel contusion sustained in their previous victory against Portland. Additionally, Hardaway, the Mavericks' sixth man, was unable to play due to back spasms. Together, these two players typically contribute an average of 40 points per game.

During the first quarter, Derrick Jones Jr. of the Mavs also left the game with a left quad contusion.

On the other hand, Memphis is still without their leading scorer from last season, Ja Morant, who is serving the remaining games of his 25-game suspension for displaying a gun. As a result of Morant's absence and other key injuries, the Grizzlies are struggling offensively and currently rank near the bottom of the league with an average of 106 points per game.

Dallas was able to dominate the rebounding battle, thanks to Lively's impressive performance on the boards, which matched his season high. The Mavericks outrebounded their opponents 43-38, including 10 offensive rebounds that led to 21 second-chance points.

Mavs coach Jason Kidd expressed his satisfaction with Lively's rebounding efforts, as he had requested him to secure at least 15 rebounds, and Lively exceeded expectations by grabbing 16 rebounds.

Meanwhile, the Grizzlies continue to face challenges this season. With a home record of 1-10 and a position near the bottom of the Western Conference, they are striving to stay competitive until Morant's return on December 19 against New Orleans.

Bane mentioned that Jenkins extensively discussed the team's failure to execute the game plan and the Grizzlies' energy level during the game.

"After the game, there wasn't much to discuss," Bane stated. "We'll come in tomorrow, focus on our work, clear our minds, and strive to improve when we have another chance."

UP NEXT

Mavericks: The Los Angeles Lakers will be hosted on Tuesday.

Grizzlies: On Wednesday, they will be playing against Houston.