The Memphis Grizzlies (7-10) entered Wednesday night’s matchup trying to get back on track after a five-game losing streak.
First Quarter:
The Memphis Grizzlies started the game with excellent pace and defensive intensity, something that has been lacking in this five game losing streak. Rookie guard Dillon Brooks opened up the game and shot 3-4 and had seven points in six minutes. The Grizzlies led 13-7, and Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle called the first timeout.
With 2:33 left in the first quarter, Deyonta Davis had six points in only three minutes of play. Never thought I’d be typing this, but Davis played a huge role off the bench for the Grizzlies in the first quarter.
The quarter ended with a swish from Marc Gasol drilled a 3 after the buzzer three that wouldn’t count — which described the Grizzlies’ first quarter perfectly.
The Grizzlies’ bench out cored the Mavericks bench 14 points to one.
Second Quarter:
The second quarter didn’t start as well as the first one did.
The Mavericks bench scored nine straight points to begin the quarter, but the Grizzlies weathered the storm and had a eight-point lead at the nine minute mark. The Grizzlies finished a five minute run gaining a 12 point lead over the Mavericks, 40-28. Mario Chalmers, although not making a shot in his five attempts, had five assists in 16 minutes. The Grizzlies finished the second quarter leading by a score of 56-39.
First Half Stat Lines:
Deyonta Davis: 14 points, 6-7 FG, in 12 minutes of play.
Tyreke Evans: 10 points, 4-6 FG, in 15 minutes of play.
Dillon Brooks: 7 points, 3-5 FG, in 13 minutes of play.
During their five-game streak, the Memphis Grizzlies have struggled to start the game fast, but they came out the gates hot and stopped every run. Memphis contained the Mavericks’ bench 16 points verses the Grizzlies’ 32 points. Everyone played a role in the first half.