📍 Memphis, Tenn. — April 19, 2025
Ja Morant overcame a sprained right ankle to deliver a heroic performance, scoring 22 points and adding nine assists as the Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Dallas Mavericks 120-106 on Friday night. The victory clinched the Western Conference’s eighth seed for Memphis and set up a first-round playoff matchup with the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder.
Morant Plays Through Injury to Power Memphis
Morant, injured during Tuesday’s play-in loss to Golden State, confirmed postgame that he underwent an MRI and received two pain-killing injections to be able to play. Despite the setback, he logged 33 minutes and contributed 9 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals, including a highlight-reel one-handed dunk that ignited the home crowd.
“I wanted to be on the floor,” Morant said. “I couldn’t feel [the ankle] … so I was out there.”
Grizzlies interim coach Tuomas Iisalo praised Morant’s determination:
“I’m not sure there’s any other human being on the planet who can do stuff like that.”
Mavericks Fall Short Despite Davis’ Efforts
Anthony Davis led the Mavericks with 40 points and 9 rebounds but left the game late in the fourth quarter with a calf injury. Although he briefly returned, he was unable to finish the game.
“We had our chances. Obviously, a tough loss,” Davis said while sitting courtside with an ice bag on his leg.
Klay Thompson contributed 18 points for Dallas but struggled to find a rhythm against Memphis’ aggressive perimeter defense.
Key Performances
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Ja Morant (Grizzlies): 22 PTS, 9 AST, 9 REB, 3 STL
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Anthony Davis (Mavericks): 40 PTS, 9 REB
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Jaren Jackson Jr. (Grizzlies): 24 PTS
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Klay Thompson (Mavericks): 18 PTS
The Grizzlies led wire-to-wire, outscoring the Mavericks in fast-break points and second-chance opportunities.
Next Up: Grizzlies Face Top-Seeded Thunder
Memphis now shifts focus to a daunting matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Grizzlies have lost nine consecutive games to OKC, with an average margin of defeat of nearly 17 points.
Still, Jaren Jackson Jr. expressed confidence:
“A series is a series. Whether you win a game or lose a game, it really doesn’t matter until it’s over.”
Game 1 between the Grizzlies and Thunder is scheduled for Sunday in Oklahoma City.
