The Commercial Appeal

Grizzlies come back from down 16

- Damichael Cole

The Memphis Grizzlies were down 16 late in the third quarter against the Dallas Mavericks before responding with an 11-0 run. A packed-out Fedexforum was loud as the Grizzlies worked themselves back into the game for an exciting closing stretch.

Jaren Jackson Jr. sat for more than 12 minutes of game action between the third and fourth quarter due to foul trouble, but he made his return to the floor count. The Grizzlies were up three in the final minute of the fourth quarter when Jackson finished over the Dallas frontcourt to give the Grizzlies a five-point lead with 17.3 seconds left.

That margin was enough for the Grizzlies to hold off the Mavs on Monday night at Fedexforum.

The Grizzlies (44-27) defeated the Mavs three times in April. Jackson led the Grizzlies with 28 points on 10-for-16 shooting.

Dallas (36-36) was led by Kyrie Irving’s 28 points.

Dillon Brooks gets his wish

When the Grizzlies were preparing to play the Mavs on March 11, Dillon Brooks pointed out that he didn’t guard Irving much when the current Mavs star played with the Brooklyn Nets. Brooks’ primary assignment was Kevin Durant in those games, so, with Luka Doncic sidelined, this was his chance to guard Irving. Brooks played physical, but that didn’t bother Irving for most of the night. Brooks was able to contain Irving late in the game when it mattered most.

Jaren Jackson Jr. dominates in limited time

Jackson’s teammates want to see him become “more of a dog,” and he’s showing it over the past four games. He was dominant against the Mavs on Monday. The only thing that could stop Jackson was foul trouble. When he picked up his fourth foul in the third quarter, Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins left him in the game. Jackson picked up his fifth foul a few seconds later while battling for positionin­g during an inbound pass. Despite playing just 18 minutes to that point, Jackson had 22 points on 8-for-13 shooting.

In Jackson’s first possession back in the game with five minutes left, Brooks lobbed a pass to Jackson that resulted in an easy finish.

What’s next

The Grizzlies are back at home on Wednesday against the Houston Rockets (7 p.m., Bally Sports Southeast). Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said before Monday’s game that the Grizzlies are “hopeful” that Ja Morant can return on Wednesday.

 ?? CHRIS DAY/THE COMMERCIAL APPEAL ?? Grizzlies' Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) dunks the ball during the game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Dallas Mavericks at Fedexforum in Memphis, Tenn., on March 20, 2023.
CHRIS DAY/THE COMMERCIAL APPEAL Grizzlies' Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) dunks the ball during the game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Dallas Mavericks at Fedexforum in Memphis, Tenn., on March 20, 2023.

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