Dallas Mavericks: Keys to Victory in Matchup With Memphis

By most accounts the first half of the season has gone splendidly for the Dallas Mavericks. They’re 28-13 with one of the best offensive attacks in the game, and pulled off a trade to acquire one of the top point guards around.

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But if one thing has plagued the Mavericks (other than rebounding) it’s been their performance against the western conference elite. Now, it’s worth mentioning that Dallas had the same problem against western conference playoff teams the year they won the championship.

Even so, a 1-8 record against current western conference playoff teams, with two losses to eighth-seed Phoenix, is reason for concern.

Luckily for Dallas, Monday’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies provides the Mavericks with a good opportunity to begin to reverse the trend.

The Grizzlies currently sit at 28-11, first in the Southwest division and third overall in the western conference. A win at the FedExForum would be big, but it won’t be easy.

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Memphis is 15-4 at home this season, and just upgraded their roster with the addition of forward Jeff Green. He had 21 points in just his second game in a Grizzlies uniform against the Orlando Magic.

Marc Gasol is having his best season as a pro, ditto for Mike Conley Jr.

Zach Randolph has missed time, but is turning in another fine season averaging 16.5 points and 11.7 rebounds.

Basically, Memphis is a juggernaut. No longer do they struggle to score, averaging just under 102 points per game, and they still have a top-10 defense, giving up the ninth fewest per contest.

For the Mavericks to win they’ll have to:

1.) Rebound, rebound, rebound

The Grizzlies have given up the eighth fewest rebounds to their opponents. Other than Tyson Chandler, the Mavericks aren’t a very good rebounding squad. The battle of the boards will be a deciding factor in this one.

Jan 16, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) grabs a rebound against the Orlando Magic during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

2.) Lock Down the Paint

The Grizzlies score the most points in the paint of any team in the league, with 47.5 per game. Despite Tyson Chandler being their only real rim protector, the Mavericks are giving up just 40.7 points in the paint a game, 11th-best in the league.

The Mavericks will have their hands full with the Memphis front court, but if they can force shots from outside, where the Grizzlies are below the league average percentage-wise, they’ll have a shot.

3.) Get Out in Transition

The Mavericks are tied with the Denver Nuggets for the fifth-most fast break points per game. Memphis’ transition defense isn’t terrible, 15th in the league, but it’s a good area to try and exploit for Dallas.

Any points scored before Memphis can set up their half court defense would serve them well.

The matinee game tips off at 5pm eastern time.

Next: Game Grades for Win Over Nuggets