The Memphis Grizzlies are heading to the playoffs — and they did it in style against the once-mighty Western Conference champions.
Behind a balanced team effort led by Jaren Jackson Jr., the Grizzlies rolled past the 10th-seeded Dallas Mavericks, 120-106, in their Western Conference Play-In showdown to clinch the eighth and final seed.
Jackson poured in 24 points and knocked down four of five triples, anchoring a Grizzlies offense that saw all five starters score in double digits. Desmond Bane added 22 points, while Ja Morant matched that total with his own 22, keeping Memphis firmly in control throughout.
Rookie big man Zach Edey contributed a strong 15-point outing, and Scottie Pippen Jr. chipped in 13 in another steady performance from Memphis’ rising core.
The win sets up a first-round date with the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder, with Game 1 tipping off April 21 at 1 a.m. (PH time). The Grizzlies’ poise down the stretch proved the difference. 25% of their fourth-quarter points came off Dallas turnovers, capitalizing on 16 total miscues from the Mavs.
Still, Dallas didn’t go down without a fight — Anthony Davis delivered a herculean performance with 40 points, setting a season-high 29 field goal attempts, eclipsing the previous high of 28 set by Kyrie Irving. But his solo act wasn’t enough.
Klay Thompson added 18 points, but the Mavericks lacked consistent help to match Memphis’ offensive depth and discipline.
With the loss, the Mavericks bow out of postseason contention, while the Grizzlies gear up for a battle against one of the league’s most dynamic young teams in the Thunder. For now, though, Memphis celebrates — playoff bound once again.
[Editor's note: This article was generated by a member of the One Sports Digital team using AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]
