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Memphis Grizzlies Clinch Playoff Berth After Beating Mavericks
The Memphis Grizzlies are headed to the playoffs. In the final NBA Play-In Tournament matchup, the Grizzlies defeated the Dallas Mavericks 120–106, locking in the 8th seed in the Western Conference and setting up a first-round faceoff against the top-ranked Oklahoma City Thunder.
Despite playing through a painful ankle sprain, Ja Morant led Memphis with 22 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds. He was backed by Jaren Jackson Jr., who scored 24 points, and Desmond Bane, who added 22 points along with nine assists.
Grizzlies Take Control Early
Memphis dominated the first half and built a lead of up to 25 points. Although Dallas tried to mount a comeback and cut the lead down to seven during the third quarter, the Grizzlies held firm. Their edge in rebounding (50–36) and three-point shooting (41.9%) proved too much for the Mavericks, who shot only 31.6% from beyond the arc.
Mavericks’ Season Ends in Disappointment
The loss ends a rocky season for the Mavericks. Anthony Davis, battling groin and back issues, scored an impressive 40 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Klay Thompson chipped in 18 points, but the rest of the team struggled.
This season also marked a turning point for Dallas after they traded Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers earlier in the year. Just a season removed from reaching the NBA Finals, the Mavericks now become the first team since the 2019–20 Golden State Warriors to miss the playoffs after making the Finals.
A Comeback Story for Memphis
For the Grizzlies, this win is more than just a ticket to the postseason—it's a story of resilience. At one point in the season, Memphis held the second-best record in the West, only to slide down the standings and land in the Play-In after a rough stretch.
The slump led to the firing of head coach Taylor Jenkins, but the team has since found its rhythm again. With Ja Morant pushing through injury and the roster clicking again, the Grizzlies are now four wins away from another deep playoff run.
