DALLAS — The Mavericks couldn’t capitalize on a gritty defensive performance, dropping a 102–96 loss to the Grizzlies at home.
Dallas caught fire from deep again, hitting 12 threes on 26 attempts—its third straight game with double-digit makes. Defensively, the Mavs were sharp, holding Memphis to just 102 points after the Grizzlies scored 137 in their previous outing. Dallas also limited them to eight made threes and 25.8% from beyond the arc, both season lows for Memphis.
The rim protection was one of the night’s biggest bright spots. P.J. Washington, Daniel Gafford, Naji Marshall and Cisse all swatted two shots, marking the first time this season Dallas had four players with multiple blocks.
Klay Thompson led the offense with a season-best 22 points and six threes, his 105th career game with at least six makes from long range. Gafford added two more blocks, Marshall chipped in 13 points and seven rebounds, and rookie Cooper Flagg posted 12 points and seven boards—tying Tracy McGrady for the second-most 10-and-5 games by an 18-year-old.
Max Christie knocked down another three, tying a franchise mark with at least one triple in 17 of the first 18 games.
Memphis controlled the glass all night, collecting a season-high 61 rebounds. Zach Edey’s 12-point, 15-rebound double-double powered the effort and proved to be the difference as the Grizzlies edged out the Mavs on their home floor.
