Mavericks-Grizzlies Preview
Share This Story
The Memphis Grizzlies may have traded away their top scorer last month, but that hasn't slowed them down.
A visit by the Dallas Mavericks may keep them rolling.
In much different fashion, the Grizzlies go for their second eight-game winning streak of the season Wednesday night when they attempt to beat the Mavericks again at home.
Memphis (37-18) dealt Rudy Gay to Toronto on Jan. 30 in a three-team deal that delivered Tayshaun Prince, Austin Daye and Ed Davis.
The Grizzlies dropped three of their first four following the move, but have since put that behind them by reeling off seven wins in a row.
Memphis won a season-high eight straight games from Nov. 2-17, averaging 102.3 points. The current run has been engineered with tremendous defensive play, limiting opponents to an average of 87.0 points - 78.7 over the past three games.
That success was evident Sunday, when the Grizzlies held Brooklyn to 37.7 percent shooting in a 76-72 road win.
"The key was our defense," coach Lionel Hollins said. "I said to people before the game that the way Brooklyn plays and we play, it could be 76-70 and it was pretty close."
The Grizzlies have stifled the Mavericks (25-31) while winning four consecutive home matchups, allowing 81.5 points per game and 41.1 percent from the floor - 26.0 from beyond the arc.
They kept that streak going with a 92-82 victory Dec. 21, but fell 104-83 at Dallas on Jan. 12.
Zach Randolph managed just six points and four boards in 19 minutes of last month's loss after getting 17 and 13, respectively, at home in December.
The forward is averaging 15.6 points and 12.1 rebounds during the winning streak.
While the Grizzlies are fourth in the Western Conference, the Mavs are 11th and five games behind Houston for the eighth and final playoff position, putting their string of 12 straight years in the postseason in jeopardy.
Their latest performance didn't help, falling 95-90 to Milwaukee while Dirk Nowitzki put up 21 points and pulled down 20 rebounds. It was the star forward's first 20-20 performance since April 3, 2003.
Dallas has split its last six games, and each of the three defeats have come by five or fewer points.
"It's not looking good for sure," Nowitzki said. "This league is crazy and I've seen a lot happen. But it's definitely getting tight. If we want to make a push, we have to find a way to win those close games."
Nowitzki is doing his part, averaging 25.3 points and 13.3 rebounds while making 55.8 percent from the field over the past three games.
He had 17 points against Memphis last month after sitting out in December while recovering from right knee surgery. However, he has only 8.3 points and 5.7 boards per game over his three previous visits to Memphis.
O.J. Mayo went 3 for 11 from the floor while finishing with 10 points at Memphis in December, when he made his return after leaving the Grizzlies via free agency.
The guard, the third overall pick in the 2008 draft by Minnesota, has seen his production and playing time drop significantly over four seasons.
He's averaging 17.5 points with Dallas, his highest output since finishing with the same amount in 2009-10.
Related Stories
Trending Now
-
Phenoms' God complex is our fault
It's scary how we openly worship kids like Wiggins and set them up for failure. -
Guns, cash stolen from Ray Rice
Police say the Maryland home of Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice was burglarize... -
Victims: Pic of Lillard led to attack
Two brothers allege that people standing near Portland Trail Blazers point guard Dami... -
Megatron broke record with injuries
Calvin Johnson is downplaying whatever was wrong with his fingers last year. -
Tiger: No plans for truce with Sergio
Tiger Woods spoke for some 20 minutes about the state of his game, belly putters, the...
NBA Videos
Spurs 'D' key against Memphis bigs
Posted: May 19, 2013
Gregg Popovich on the Spurs defense against the Grizzlies.
Gregg Popovich on the Spurs defense against the Grizzlies.
Dwight Howard intrigued by Houston?
Posted: May 20, 2013
Is Dwight Howard intrigued by Houston? Only Dwight knows. Here's the latest on...
Is Dwight Howard intrigued by Houston? Only Dwight knows. Here's the latest on...
Parker performs in Game 1
Posted: May 19, 2013
Tony Parker talks about the Spurs Game 1 win over the Grizzlies
Tony Parker talks about the Spurs Game 1 win over the Grizzlies
NBA Headlines
More Than Sports on MSN
Fox Sports Store
| itemName | itemURL | imageSrc | price | itemDescription |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| adidas Blake Griffin Los Angeles Clippers Revolution 30 Performance Jersey - Red | http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_Los_Angeles_Clippers/browse/featuredproduct/491845/source/foxsports_prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_491000/ff_491845_xl.jpg&w=100 | 59.95 | adidas Blake Griffin Los Angeles Clippers Revolution 30 Performance Jersey - Red |
| adidas LeBron James Miami Heat Revolution 30 Swingman Performance Jersey-Black | http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_Miami_Heat/browse/featuredproduct/498609/source/foxsports_prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_498000/ff_498609_xl.jpg&w=100 | 89.95 | adidas LeBron James Miami Heat Revolution 30 Swingman Performance Jersey-Black |
| adidas Carmelo Anthony New York Knicks Revolution 30 Swingman Performance Jersey - Royal Blue | http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_New_York_Knicks/browse/featuredproduct/620470/source/foxsports_prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_620000/ff_620470_xl.jpg&w=100 | 49.99 | adidas Carmelo Anthony New York Knicks Revolution 30 Swingman Performance Jersey.. |
| Mitchell & Ness San Antonio Spurs Black Solid Script Snapback Adjustable Hat | http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_San_Antonio_Spurs/browse/featuredproduct/692239/source/foxsports_prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_692000/ff_692239_xl.jpg&w=100 | 25.95 | Mitchell & Ness San Antonio Spurs Black Solid Script Snapback Adjustable Hat |
| Majestic Kobe Bryant Los Angeles Lakers Logo Man T-Shirt - Black | http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_Los_Angeles_Lakers/browse/featuredproduct/851828/source/foxsports_prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_851000/ff_851828_xl.jpg&w=100 | 23.95 | Majestic Kobe Bryant Los Angeles Lakers Logo Man T-Shirt - Black |
| Majestic Kevin Durant Oklahoma City Thunder Logo Man T-Shirt - White | http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_Oklahoma_City_Thunder/browse/featuredproduct/851842/source/foxsports_prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_851000/ff_851842_xl.jpg&w=100 | 23.95 | Majestic Kevin Durant Oklahoma City Thunder Logo Man T-Shirt - White |
| adidas Miami Heat 2012 NBA Eastern Conference Champions Locker Room T-Shirt - White | http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_Miami_Heat/browse/featuredproduct/890174/source/foxsports_prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_890000/ff_890174_xl.jpg&w=100 | 21.95 | adidas Miami Heat 2012 NBA Eastern Conference Champions Locker Room T-Shirt - Wh.. |
| adidas Oklahoma City Thunder 2012 NBA Western Conference Champions Locker Room Flex Hat - Black | http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_Oklahoma_City_Thunder/browse/featuredproduct/890384/source/foxsports_prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_890000/ff_890384_xl.jpg&w=100 | 19.99 | adidas Oklahoma City Thunder 2012 NBA Western Conference Champions Locker Room F.. |
Member Comments
Please note by clicking on "Post comment" you acknowledge that you have read the Terms of Use and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Be Polite. Inappropriate posts may be removed by the moderator.