MAVERICKS GUARD SHATTERS CAREER-HIGH IN ELECTRIFYING SHOWCASE—BUT GRIZZLIES SPOIL THE NIGHT WITH CLUTCH FINISH!
In a thrilling matchup on March 7, 2025, the Memphis Grizzlies ended their four-game losing streak by defeating the Dallas Mavericks 122-111. Grizzlies’ star Ja Morant led the charge, scoring seven of his game-high 31 points in the final 1:35 of the game. Desmond Bane also made significant contributions with 27 points and a career-high 16 rebounds, while Brandon Clarke added 17 points and eight rebounds.
The Mavericks, playing without injured All-Star guard Kyrie Irving, saw standout performances from Brandon Williams and Naji Marshall. Williams came off the bench to deliver a career-high 31 points, showcasing his scoring ability and resilience. Marshall also impressed with 29 points and a career-best 17 rebounds. Despite leading 107-104 with 6:23 remaining, the Mavericks struggled down the stretch, being outscored 14-4 in the final minutes.
The Mavericks have been dealing with significant injuries, including the loss of Kyrie Irving to a season-ending knee injury earlier in the week. Additionally, Anthony Davis, who suffered an adductor strain in his debut game with Dallas following a trade, is making progress in his recovery. The team announced that Davis has been cleared for more dynamic on-court movements, indicating a positive step toward his return.
Memphis was also dealing with injuries, notably the absence of All-Star forward Jaren Jackson Jr., who has been sidelined since sustaining a left ankle injury earlier in the week. Despite this, the Grizzlies managed to rally from a five-point deficit early in the third quarter, using a 9-0 run to seize momentum. Santi Aldama’s fastbreak layup during this stretch gave Memphis a 59-55 lead.
Dallas fought back, with Marshall scoring 16 points in the third quarter alone. Dante Exum’s buzzer-beating three-pointer at the end of the third quarter gave the Mavericks a 94-89 … heading into the final period. However, the Grizzlies’ late-game surge, highlighted by Morant and Bane combining for 16 of the team’s final 18 points, sealed the victory for Memphis.
This game underscores the challenges both teams face with key players injured and the resilience of their supporting casts. The Mavericks will look to regroup and find ways to close out games more effectively, while the Grizzlies aim to build on this victory as they navigate their own injury concerns.
