MEMPHIS — The Dallas Mavericks couldn’t overcome a sluggish start Friday, falling 118–104 to the Memphis Grizzlies in NBA Cup play.
Max Christie led Dallas with 18 points, while Naji Marshall added 16 and P.J. Washington scored 14. Rookie Cooper Flagg finished with 12 as the Mavs again played without Anthony Davis (calf).
Memphis broke out of its slump behind Ja Morant and rookie Cedric Coward, who each scored 21 points. Morant added 13 assists as the Grizzlies hit 10 threes in the first half to build a 74–51 lead at the break.
Dallas never recovered, trailing by as many as 35 before trimming it late. The Mavericks will look to snap their four-game skid Saturday against the Wizards.
