Dallas Mavericks vs. Memphis Grizzlies

Game 42 | FedEx Forum | 14 January 2022

The Dallas Mavericks are grabbing the attention of spectators around the league with the start of their 2022 NBA Season.

If you’re truly an #MFFL (Mavs Fan For Life), then you know exactly what the “hype” about, here in Dallas. The Mavericks have taken each conference by storm beating the No. 1 Seed in the West (Golden State Warriors) and the No. Seed in the East (Chicago Bulls). Against all odds, the Mavericks have scrummaged up a team, signing four players to multiple 10-day contracts just to complete their starting five. The Mavericks suffered the biggest team depletion in the NBA due to COVID-19; in fact, Head Coach, Jason Kidd became the 12th coach to contract the virus in a 30 team league. And if the players happened to be “healthy”, their stars continued to suffer from injuries. With the inconsistancy of star PG Luka Doncic and star C Kristaps Porziņģis, Kidd had to think fast. Jalen Brunson became the unsung hero in December, which has allowed Brunson to remain in the starting five even with the addition of Doncic and Porzingis in lineups again.

This game was special. The Memphis Grizzlies have been the hottest team in the NBA as of late and came in to tonight’s game on a 11-game win streak. However, “Lions, Tigers, Grizzlies, oh my!” wasn’t the ending to this fairytale. The Mavericks dominated the Grizzlies, 112-85; turning the attention from No. 3 in the West (Grizzlies), to No. 5 (Mavericks). “A game of the Point Guards”, they called it. Ja Morant and Luka Doncic earned this game the Prime Time slot on ESPN.

Doncic recorded his 40th career triple-double, making NBA History as the youngest player to do so.

Doncic: 27PTS, 10AST, 12REB

Morant put up a few numbers, but it was only subpar in comparison to what the young star is known for.

Morant: 19PTS, 8AST, 5REB

The game was a back and fourth effort until mid-third quarter. The Grizzlies led the first two quarters and even held the Mavericks to a nine point lead; however, once the Mavericks found their rhythm, it was quickly over. The Mavericks held a run of 17-0 in the 3rd that completely changed the dynamic of the game. This allowed the Mavericks lead with confidence as they had a 31 point gap. It was a team effort as seven of the Mavericks contributed to the win with double digit points on the board. Asides from Doncic, Maxi Kleber was a forced to be reckoned with in the paint grabbing seven rebounds.

And the Mavericks did this all, under the leadership of acting Head Coach, Sean Sweeney.

Folks, it’s a good day to be an #MFFL.