Grizzlies Clinch Playoff Berth, To Face Top-Seeded Thunder
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Ja Morant powered through a right ankle sprain to score 22 points and dish out nine assists, leading the Memphis Grizzlies to a 120-106 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Friday and securing a spot in the NBA playoffs.
Memphis has claimed the eighth seed in the Western Conference and will face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in a best-of-seven series, beginning Sunday in Oklahoma City.
Morant Plays Through Injury
Morant, who was questionable for Friday’s game after injuring his ankle on Tuesday night against Golden State, said, “I wanted to be out there. I wanted to play this game and get the win.”
Key Performances
Jaren Jackson Jr. led Memphis with 24 points, while Desmond Bane added 22.For the Mavericks, Anthony davis scored a game-high 40 points and grabbed nine rebounds.
Davis Suffers Leg Injury
Davis, however, left the game limping in the fourth quarter with an apparent right calf injury and did not return. He was seen post-game with a wrap and ice on his leg.
“We had our opportunities. Obviously, it was a tough loss,” Davis said.
Grizzlies Hold Off Mavericks’ Rally
Memphis saw a 25-point first-half lead shrink during the third quarter as the Mavericks mounted a 27-12 run. However, the Grizzlies extended their lead to 96-80 entering the fourth quarter, and Dallas never seriously threatened again.
Edey and Pippen Jr.Contribute
Zach Edey posted a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds for the Grizzlies,and Scotty Pippen Jr. added 13 points.
Looking Ahead
Memphis lost all four regular-season games against Oklahoma City by double digits.jackson acknowledged the team faces a challenge against the Thunder. “A series is a series,” Jackson said. “You’ve got to keep your head. Whether you win a game or lose a game, it really doesn’t matter until it’s over.”
Mavericks’ Struggles
The Mavericks limped to the finish line of the season, going 7-15 since March 1. The team traded for Davis, sending Luka Doncic to the Lakers and also lost Kyrie Irving to left knee surgery.
“It was an amazing season, but with the trade and the injuries some would say we shouldn’t even be here,” mavericks coach Jason kidd said. “So give a lot of credit to those guys in that locker room.”
What is the biggest challenge the Grizzlies face heading into their playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, based on their regular season matchups?
Grizzlies Clinch Playoff Berth, To Face Top-Seeded Thunder
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Ja morant powered through a right ankle sprain to score 22 points and dish out nine assists, leading the Memphis Grizzlies to a 120-106 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Friday and securing a spot in the NBA playoffs.
Memphis has claimed the eighth seed in the Western Conference and will face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in a best-of-seven series, beginning Sunday in Oklahoma City.
Morant Plays Through Injury
Morant, who was questionable for Friday’s game after injuring his ankle on Tuesday night against Golden State, said, “I wanted to be out there. I wanted to play this game and get the win.”
Key Performances
Jaren jackson Jr. led Memphis with 24 points, while Desmond Bane added 22.For the Mavericks, Anthony davis scored a game-high 40 points and grabbed nine rebounds.
Davis Suffers Leg Injury
Davis, though, left the game limping in the fourth quarter with an apparent right calf injury and did not return.He was seen post-game with a wrap and ice on his leg.
“We had our opportunities. Obviously, it was a tough loss,” Davis said.
Grizzlies Hold Off Mavericks’ Rally
Memphis saw a 25-point first-half lead shrink during the third quarter as the Mavericks mounted a 27-12 run. However, the Grizzlies extended their lead to 96-80 entering the fourth quarter, and dallas never seriously threatened again.
Edey and Pippen Jr.Contribute
Zach Edey posted a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds for the Grizzlies,and Scotty Pippen Jr. added 13 points.
Looking Ahead
memphis lost all four regular-season games against Oklahoma City by double digits.jackson acknowledged the team faces a challenge against the Thunder. “A series is a series,” Jackson said. “You’ve got to keep your head. Whether you win a game or lose a game, it really doesn’t matter until it’s over.”
Mavericks’ Struggles
The Mavericks limped to the finish line of the season,going 7-15 as March 1. the team traded for Davis, sending Luka Doncic to the Lakers and also lost Kyrie Irving to left knee surgery.
“It was an amazing season, but with the trade and the injuries some would say we shouldn’t even be here,” mavericks coach Jason kidd said. “So give a lot of credit to those guys in that locker room.”
Q&A: Grizzlies vs. Thunder Playoff Preview
Q: How did the Grizzlies secure their playoff spot?
A: The Memphis Grizzlies clinched their playoff berth by defeating the Dallas Mavericks 120-106, with Ja Morant playing through an ankle injury.
Q: Who are the Grizzlies facing in the playoffs?
A: The Grizzlies will face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round.
Q: How has Ja morant been performing after the injury?
A: Despite a right ankle sprain, Morant scored 22 points and had nine assists in the game against the Mavericks.
Q: What’s the outlook for the Mavericks after this loss?
A: The Mavericks struggled, with injuries and a recent trade impacting their performance. Anthony Davis’s injury further complicates their situation.
Q: What are the keys to the Grizzlies’ success against the Thunder?
A: The Grizzlies will need to improve on their regular season results, where they lost all four games against the Thunder by double digits. They need to focus on executing their game plan and staying resilient.
Q: Who are some other key players to watch in this series?
A: For Memphis, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane are key offensive players. For Dallas, Anthony Davis’s health is crucial (though he was injured in this game), and how the Mavericks will adapt in case of his absence. Zach edey and Scotty pippen Jr. also are key for the Grizzlies
Q: When does the playoff series begin?
A: The series begins on Sunday in Oklahoma City.
Stay tuned to see if the Grizzlies can overcome the odds!
