Mavericks falter as Klay Thompson’s daring logo shot seals stunning loss to Grizzlies
The Dallas Mavericks faced off against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night, marking the second leg of a back-to-back. This matchup was their 18th game of the season, but remarkably the 13th already on their home court. Both teams were missing their star playmakers, as Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis sat out for Dallas, while the Grizzlies were without Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. The absence of these marquee names made for a game that was as much about grit as it was about skill.
Struggles on Offense
The game quickly devolved into a tough watch, with both offenses stumbling through the first half. At halftime, the Mavericks held a narrow 47-43 lead, but it was a struggle for both sides to find their rhythm. With Brandon Williams and Jaden Hardy as the only available point guards for Dallas, the Mavericks were left scrambling for offensive cohesion. Likewise, the Grizzlies were operating with limited options in the paint; Dereck Lively II was sidelined for injury management, while Memphis’ Jock Landale battled neck soreness and ultimately exited the game early.
Throughout the first half, P.J. Washington and Brandon Williams bore the brunt of the scoring duties for Dallas, but it was Klay Thompson, coming off the bench, who injected a much-needed spark into the lineup. Thompson has embraced his role in the second unit, providing a steady offensive presence. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies exploited their size advantage, particularly through Zach Edey, who dominated the boards and converted second-chance points, helping Memphis build a lead late in the third quarter.
Tension Rises in the Second Half
As the game progressed, the tension escalated. Santi Aldama drew a flagrant foul after tripping Cooper Flagg, which ignited reactions from both players and coaches, including Mavericks’ head coach Jason Kidd. Moments later, Thompson found himself in a heated exchange with Vince Williams Jr., resulting in double technical fouls and a surge of energy for Dallas.
With just five minutes left in the game, the Mavericks found themselves with renewed hope, thanks to free throws from Williams and a game-tying three-pointer from Flagg. The final minutes were a showcase of determination and grit. Cooper Flagg executed a powerful putback dunk to level the score, while Cam Spencer and Daniel Gafford exchanged critical baskets. Aldama then managed a remarkable layup while falling to give the Grizzlies a late lead.
A Last-Minute Decision
As the game neared its conclusion, Gafford’s shot at the rim was denied by Edey, but Cedric Coward managed to split a pair of free throws, keeping Dallas alive. In a moment that felt both ill-timed and audacious, Klay Thompson launched a three-pointer from the logo with ample time still on the clock. The decision raised eyebrows, particularly given the Mavericks’ precarious position.
Coward again went 1-for-2 at the line, but Edey snagged the offensive rebound, allowing the Grizzlies to maintain control. They ultimately sealed the game with a 102-96 victory over Dallas, leaving the Mavericks to grapple with what went wrong in a game that slipped through their fingers.
Three Overreactions from Saturday’s Loss
1. Klay Thompson is Better Off the Bench
2. The Mavs’ Offense Needs a Serious Overhaul
3. Memphis is a Dark Horse in the Western Conference
As the Mavericks reflect on this disappointing outcome, the emphasis will undoubtedly be on evaluating their approach moving forward, particularly in the absence of key players. The challenges of depth and performance in critical moments will need to be addressed as the season progresses.
