The Memphis Grizzlies took the long way, but have made it to the playoffs all the same.
With a 120-106 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night, the Grizzlies advanced out of the Play-In and into a first-round matchup against the NBA-best Oklahoma City Thunder as the West’s No. 8 seed.
Ja Morant led the Grizzlies to victory despite entering the night as a game-time decision due to a lingering ankle injury. The star guard finished with 22 points, seven rebounds, nine assists and three steals. His backcourt partner Desmond Bane added 22 points and nine assists while Jaren Jackson Jr. chipped in with a team-high 24 points on 10-of-18 shooting. All five Memphis starters, including Santi Aldama off the bench, finished with 10-plus points.
Anthony Davis was the Mavericks’ go-to player on the night as he tallied a game-high 40 points, nine rebounds, a block and a steal. The 10-time all-star accounted for 16 of Dallas’ 41 made field goals in the loss. Despite his impressive effort, Davis appeared to be hindered for most of the second half, dealing with multiple lower-body injuries as he kept receiving treatment on the sideline. He subbed out at the 5:22 mark of the fourth quarter and did not return.
Klay Thompson and Max Christie were the Mavs’ other double-digit scorers with 18 and 11 points, respectively.
Memphis entered the Play-In tournament as the seventh seed but needed two chances to get into the playoffs after losing the seven-eight game to the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday and falling down a spot. Now, instead of taking on the Houston Rockets as the No. 7 seed, the Grizzlies will battle against the 68-win Thunder in a one-eight series.
Round 1 of the NBA playoffs gets underway on Saturday, while Game 1 between the Grizzlies and Thunder tips off on Sunday.
