Mar 5, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins talks with guard Ja Morant (12) throughout the fourth quarter in opposition to the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder at FedExForum. Necessary Credit score: Petre Thomas-Imagn Photographs The Dallas Mavericks play host to the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday evening in a sport that might be a mirrored image of how shortly issues can flip.
The Grizzlies spent many of the previous two months second within the Western Convention behind runaway chief Oklahoma Metropolis. However they’ll enter the sport in opposition to the Mavericks in a freefall.
The Grizzlies have dropped 4 straight and misplaced seven of their previous 9, together with Wednesday’s lopsided 120-103 dwelling loss to the Thunder. Memphis scored solely 48 factors within the second half and struggled from past the arc all through, ending 9-for-34.
Memphis performed with out all-star ahead Jaren Jackson Jr., who’s sidelined with a left ankle sprain. Two-time All-Star guard Ja Morant began in opposition to the Thunder and had 24 factors and 6 assists, however mentioned afterward he ought to have rested due to a proper shoulder harm.
“I ought to have been out, however I used to be on the market,” Morant mentioned. “Regardless, out or in, there’s going to be one thing mentioned. I feel I simply mentioned I in all probability (should not) have performed, however I did.”
Whereas frustration has set in for the Grizzlies — thought of NBA title contenders with a nucleus of Jackson, Morant and Desmond Bane — despair has discovered a house in Dallas.
The Mavericks have misplaced 5 of their final six and stay barely above .500 (32-31). Their struggles started shortly after famous person Luke Doncic was traded in early February to the Los Angeles Lakers in a deal that introduced huge man Anthony Davis to Dallas.
Davis suffered an adductor pressure in his first sport with the Mavericks on Feb. 8 and hasn’t performed since then. On Monday, nine-time All-Star guard Kyrie Irving tore the ACL in his left knee in a loss to the Sacramento Kings, ending his season.
“I imply, that is new territory for everybody,” Dallas coach Jason Kidd mentioned. “Lots of people have not seen this. However once more, it’s subsequent man up and we’re operating out of subsequent (males).”
Irving had been the one participant within the league averaging no less than 20 factors (24.7), whereas capturing 40 p.c or higher from 3-point vary (40.1) and 90 p.c or higher from the free-throw line (91.6).
With Irving out, teammate Klay Thompson tried to take up the slack in opposition to the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday. He took 27 pictures and mentioned he was being aggressive in a tough surroundings. He made 11 and led the crew with 28 factors in a 137-107 defeat.
The Mavericks are also with out Daniel Gafford (MCL), Dereck Full of life II (proper ankle) and Caleb Martin (hip). That they had solely eight gamers obtainable on Wednesday.
“We’re human,” Thompson mentioned. “It is extremely onerous and it’s a must to discover pleasure enjoying the sport and enjoying for each other. Your character is revealed throughout the hardest instances. It is simple to be excessive and mighty when you’re successful video games and you feel nice.
“However the true check of your character is when issues do not go your method and you continue to present up and you continue to play onerous, you continue to search for your teammates.”
Thompson known as Irving’s harm a “intestine punch” for not solely Mavericks followers, however NBA followers worldwide.
“Kyrie has been our rock this 12 months,” Thompson mentioned. “It is like an unfillable void. Now we have to rally round him and play onerous for him. That one harm, although. I do know he’s going to come back again stronger however within the second it (stinks).”
–Discipline Stage Media
