The Dallas Mavericks opened NBA Cup play against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night. The Mavericks lost to the Grizzlies, 118-104, at FedExForum in Downtown Memphis. Dallas fell to 2-7, while Memphis improved to 4-6.
Dallas Mavericks-Memphis Grizzlies Starters
Friday night’s game could be described as the battle of the bottom-feeders. Dallas entered the game with a lowly 2-6 record, while Memphis fared slightly better at 3-6.
Dallas’ starting lineup featured D’Angelo Russell, Max Christie, Cooper Flagg, PJ Washington, and Daniel Gafford. Dallas ruled out Kyrie Irving (knee), Dante Exum (knee), Dereck Lively II (knee), and Anthony Davis (calf).
Memphis’ starting lineup featured Ja Morant, Jaylen Wells, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Jock Landale. Memphis ruled out Brandon Clarke (knee), Scottie Pippen Jr. (toe), Ty Jerome (calf), and Zach Edey (ankle).
Mavericks-Grizzlies Recap
Friday night’s game was action-packed. Dallas had a true road test to conquer without Luka Doncic. Doncic, now 26, dominated in games vs. Memphis, going 11-4 with a 7-1 record between 2021 and 2024. Memphis looked to take advantage of Dallas’ soft defense.
Despite several issues, the two teams’ rookies, Flagg and Cedric Coward, made for an excellent matchup. Coward, 22, was drafted with the 11th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Coward’s a guard known for his versatility, physicality, scoring efficiency, and defensive skills, just like Flagg.
The first quarter was a high-scoring affair. Flagg threw a pass to Christie, who hit a three-pointer. Jackson Jr. responded with a three-pointer of his own. Morant helped the offense with five assists early. Memphis took a 34-24 lead at the end of the first.
The second quarter maintained the momentum. Both teams traded baskets. Washington shone with 11 points in nine minutes, a bright spot amid Dallas’ turnover problems. Morant found Landale, who performed a post hook shot. Dallas allowed the most points to an opponent at the time of writing. Memphis took a 74-51 lead into halftime.
The third quarter saw a slow start. The Mavericks struggled from the three-point line. Memphis’ transition defense made waves. Morant weaved through traffic for the layup and the foul. Memphis achieved its biggest lead of the game at 35 points. Dallas held Memphis scoreless in the final two minutes. Memphis took a 102-80 lead into the final quarter.
The fourth quarter saw a sluggish start. Dallas had a goal to become a top three defense, but gave up 102 points through three quarters to Memphis, the 26th-ranked offense in the NBA. Gafford suffered right ankle soreness and left the game. Memphis won 118-104 in regulation.
Final Thoughts
Dallas will travel to the “Nation’s Capital” and take on the Washington Wizards on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. Eastern. The game will be broadcast on KFAA and MNMT.
Memphis will remain home and host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday at 5:00 p.m. Central. The game will be broadcast on FDSSE.
