Dallas Mavericks suffer crushing loss to Grizzlies as offense goes cold in the 4th

The Dallas Mavericks lost to the Memphis Grizzlies 112-108, despite Kyrie Irving going off for 28 points. The 30-year-old took Dillion Brooks to school in the first three quarters on Monday night in Memphis, but he could not buy a shot in the final period as the Grizzlies made a massive comeback.

Kyrie always lights up the Grizzlies, but it is never easy to win in Memphis. The eight-time All-Star averages 27.5 points per game against the Grizzlies, which is his highest scoring average versus any team. He had 28 in the first 36 minutes on March 20 as Dallas was up 16, but the Grizzlies stormed back to improve to 30-5 at the FedExForum this season.

Both teams were without their superstar on March 20. Luka Doncic missed his fifth straight game with a thigh injury, and Ja Morant is working his way back from a suspension for the Grizzlies. It was still a fantastic game as players from both sides stepped up. Here is a look at how the Mavericks performed before taking a glance at what is next for the Mavericks.

Dallas Mavericks suffer crushing loss to Grizzlies as offense goes cold in the 4th

Irving was locked in from the opening tip on Monday night in Memphis. He was listed as questionable as he continues to deal with foot soreness, but he put that all behind him for the second straight game. Kyrie got into his bag of tricks early and often against the Grizzlies, and fans can see one of his many fancy finishes below.

Irving finished with 28 points on ten of 24 shooting from the field. He also produced four rebounds, one steal, and two blocks in 33 minutes of action in Memphis.

The eight-time All-Star had 28 points in the first three quarters, but he was slowed in the fourth. Fans know Kyrie is the best fourth-quarter scorer in the league this season, but he could not find on March 20. The 30-year-old missed all eight of his field goals in the final period for the first time in his career. Irving had his foot stepped on Dillon Brooks early in the third quarter, and it was unclear if that played a factor in the 6’2 guard’s struggles late.

Kyrie got plenty of help on Monday night, even with Luka Doncic out. Rookie Jaden Hardy dazzled off the bench with 20 points, three rebounds, four assists, and one steal in 19 minutes of action. Fans know the 20-year-old can make tough shots, and he shined against the Grizzlies in Memphis on Monday night. Hardy earned a place in the closing lineup, but an ankle injury prevented him from playing down the stretch.

Christian Wood and Josh Green also produced at the FedExForum. C-Wood had 20 points, nine rebounds, and six dimes in his 29 minutes on Monday night. Josh Green scored 12 on five of eight from the field in his 34 minutes of action. Kyrie led the offense to plenty of points against one of the best defensive teams in the league, but the Mavs just could not get stops on March 20.

Dallas was up 16 points late in the third quarter, but the Grizzlies fought back quickly in the fourth quarter and took the lead. The Mavericks scored 36 in the third, but their offense struggled in the fourth to let Memphis back in the game. Dallas had just 12 points in the final 12 minutes, which opened the door for the Grizzlies to steal the victory.

The Dallas Mavericks played the Memphis Grizzlies three times in the last ten days, and both teams needed the victory on March 20. Coming into the contest, Dallas was clutching to sixth in the West, and the Grizzlies were tied for second. The loss slips the Mavericks back to .500 and down to seventh.

The massive contests do not stop for Dallas as they host the defending champion Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night at the American Airlines Center. The Dubs are just 0.5 games up on the Mavs in the standings with a win over the Rockets on Monday night. The winner of March 22 takes the season series just adding to the importance. Luka Doncic is hopeful to play, and fans won’t want to miss it, so be sure to tune in and enjoy the game.