Mavericks Grind Out First Win Against Grizzlies

An 0-4 start to the season proved to be the fuel the Dallas Mavericks needed to get one in the win column after beating the Memphis Grizzlies 103-94.

Based on their previous four games, it did not look like the Mavericks were capable of slowing the Grizzlies down who were coming into Dallas with a perfect 3-0 start to the season. However, it was Dallas that wore the grit and grind label on its way to a much-needed win at home.

Dennis Smith Jr. once again proved why the Mavericks got a steal at the No. 9 spot in last year’s draft, dropping 19 points and 5 assists to lead all Dallas scorers.

Although Dallas got the win, it was definitely not easy. Grizzlies’ Marc Gasol lit the Mavericks up from deep, going 5-7 from beyond the arc, ending the game with 26 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists. Despite Gasol’s big night, Dallas made life difficult for the rest of the Memphis team forcing 18 turnovers in the game.

From the start, Dallas looked like a completely different team on both ends of the floor, putting together arguably its best four quarters of basketball this season. There were no late-game meltdowns this time, as six Dallas players scored in double figures.

DALLAS, TX – OCTOBER 25: Wesley Matthews #23 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts to a call in the first half while taking on the Memphis Grizzlies at American Airlines Center on October 25, 2017 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

Dropping 32 points in the first quarter, in large part due to Wes Matthews’ much improved play, the Mavericks shot 51 percent from the field in the first half to take a 57-49 lead going into the break.

That consistency continued, as the Mavericks maintained the lead for the entirety of the second half. Matthews put together another solid performance for the second-straight game, finishing with 16 points on an effective 5-9 from the field. Nerlens Noel got his second start of the season, and while his presence was felt early in the game he was relegated to the bench due to foul trouble early in the third quarter.

Next: Winless Macericks Seek First Win Against Grizzlies

As big of a win as this was, the Mavericks will need to recover quickly for their first home/road back-to-back of the season in a road game against… the Grizzlies.

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