Mavericks overpower Grizzlies in Dallas, Grizzlies need to return the favor in Memphis
Dorothy Parker Bear would like a word.
Last night in Dallas, the Memphis Grizzlies got served some humble pie at the hands of Mavericks standout rookie Dennis Smith Jr., noted Grizz killer Wesley Matthews, and former Golden State Warrior and NBA Champion Harrison Barnes.
After starting the season on a three game winning streak, against two of the best teams in the Western Conference no less, the Grizzlies were handed their first loss of the season by a Mavericks team that was desperately trying to get their first win.
It was apparent to even the most casual onlooker which team wanted that game more, and friends, let me tell you, it was not your Memphis Grizzlies.
The game got off to a brutal start, with the Grizzlies down by 12 at the end of the first quarter. They managed to cut that deficit to 8 by halftime and for a moment in the second half it looked like there was a chance for Memphis to pull off a win, but poor shooting and sloppy ball handling ended that pretty quickly.
In addition to their struggles shooting, the Grizzlies weren’t able to defend without fouling, or keep from turning the ball over. The Mavericks took full advantage of both, scoring 22 points off the Grizzlies 18 turnovers, and 20-29 from the free throw line.
Final score: Grizzlies – 94, Mavericks – 103
The Grizzlies have a chance to enact their revenge against the Mavericks tonight on their home court.
But in order for that to happen, we’re going to need to see a lot more effort and a lot less carelessly turning the ball over from this Grizzlies team than we saw last night in Dallas.
After the game, Grizzlies Head Coach David Fizdale had this to say in response to a question about the team’s slow start on both ends of the floor:
“I just felt like we didn’t come out with the right mentality. I think there was a part of us that were feeling ourselves and I think reading our own headlines.
But we played this team very casually like we were going to have it under control no matter what, and you can’t get down to a good, well-coached team like that.
They were desperate. They’ve been going through a lot of stuff emotionally, and I just don’t feel like we gave the game the proper respect that it deserved.”
You can be sure that David Fizdale has since addressed this with the team, and hopefully that will translate to an improvement on the court tonight.
A few things for tonight’s rematch against the Mavericks:
- The Grizzlies need to set the pace from the start
- Stop turning the ball over so much
- Defend without fouling
- YGTMYFT (You’ve GOT to make your free throws)
What: Memphis Grizzlies vs Dallas Mavericks
Where: FedEx Forum, Beale Street, Memphis
When: Thursday October 26 @ 7PM
TV/Radio: Fox Sports Southeast, 92.9 WMFS
Doesn't bluff, stays grinding.
Bluff City Born and Memphis Made
- Memphis Grizzlies Assistant Coach Niele Ivey Named New Head Coach for Notre Dame Women’s Basketball Team - April 22, 2020
- Notes From Grizzlies Media Day 2019 - October 2, 2019
- Memphis Grizzlies 2019 Training Camp Roster - September 30, 2019
