“Grizzlies beat Mavericks 120-106 in the thrilling matchup of Mavs vs Grizzlies to earn the 8th seed. Ja Morant shines despite injury. Memphis faces Thunder in Round 1. Miami Heat, after two historic road wins, enter playoffs confidently Herro scores 30 to lead 123-114 OT win over Hawks”
- Grizzlies win elimination game, move to playoffs
- Ja Morant scores 22 points despite ankle sprain
- Jaren Jackson Jr. adds 24 points, Desmond Bane scores 22
- Mavericks cut 25-point lead, but fall short
- Memphis claims 8th seed, will face Thunder in best-of-seven
- Thunder holds 4-0 season record over Grizzlies with double-digit wins
The Memphis Grizzlies eliminated the Dallas Mavericks in a do-or-die NBA Play-In game on Friday night, clinching a 120-106 victory and punching their ticket to the NBA Playoffs. With this win, the Grizzlies will face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round, beginning Sunday on the Thunder’s home court.
Ja Morant led Memphis with 22 points and 9 assists, despite suffering a right ankle twist during the game. Jaren Jackson Jr. delivered a strong performance with 24 points, and Desmond Bane added 22, helping to hold off multiple comeback attempts by Dallas.
Memphis built a commanding 25-point first-half lead, but Dallas stormed back with a 27-12 run before halftime, narrowing the gap to single digits in the third quarter. Despite the surge, the Grizzlies maintained control and pulled away in the final period.
Dallas’ Davis limped off with a right calf injury in the fourth quarter, briefly returned, but did not finish the game. The loss ends the Mavericks’ season.
Memphis now prepares for a tough series against Oklahoma City. The Thunder swept the Grizzlies in the regular season, winning all four games by double figures and averaging a 16.9-point margin.