Pistons Win Comfortably Over Raptors
The Detroit Pistons defeated the Toronto Raptors, 103-87, at Little Caesars Arena on Friday night.
The Pistons (10-31) finally reached double-digit wins on the season and used a strong start to get past the Raptors (20-19), though the game didn't happen as many would have predicted given both teams' records. Detroit quickly established control of the situation and jumped out to a 31-27 score in the first quarter, and they would extend that advantage to a 13-point lead following a 25-16 score in the final 12 minutes of the first half. Detroit didn't step the foot off the gas in the third quarter and made it a 17-point contest after outscoring Toronto by a 27-23 score. Both teams emptied their benches in the fourth quarter and while Toronto won that final quarter by a slim one-point margin (21-20), the game was already decided and the Pistons didn't have problems closing things out. With the win, Detroit improved to 7-13 at home while the Raptors fell to 8-8 on the road.
Trey Lyles had an impressive performance to lead the Pistons off the bench, as he ended with 21 points, seven rebounds, two steals and two blocks, while Cade Cunningham and Hamidou Diallo produced matching 18-point tallies. While the rookie point guard also added seven rebounds and five assists, Diallo also produced six boards, two steals and a block. Saddiq Bey had 15 points and four rebounds, and Josh Jackson ended with 13 points off the bench.
Fred VanVleet led the Raptors with a double-double of 24 points and 10 assists, while Pascal Siakam also had a double-double since he put up 23 points and 11 rebounds while also dishing out four dimes. OG Anunoby finished with 16 points, three boards and two assists. Chris Boucher looked good off the bench and ended with 10 points.
The Pistons (10-31) finally reached double-digit wins on the season and used a strong start to get past the Raptors (20-19), though the game didn't happen as many would have predicted given both teams' records. Detroit quickly established control of the situation and jumped out to a 31-27 score in the first quarter, and they would extend that advantage to a 13-point lead following a 25-16 score in the final 12 minutes of the first half. Detroit didn't step the foot off the gas in the third quarter and made it a 17-point contest after outscoring Toronto by a 27-23 score. Both teams emptied their benches in the fourth quarter and while Toronto won that final quarter by a slim one-point margin (21-20), the game was already decided and the Pistons didn't have problems closing things out. With the win, Detroit improved to 7-13 at home while the Raptors fell to 8-8 on the road.
Trey Lyles had an impressive performance to lead the Pistons off the bench, as he ended with 21 points, seven rebounds, two steals and two blocks, while Cade Cunningham and Hamidou Diallo produced matching 18-point tallies. While the rookie point guard also added seven rebounds and five assists, Diallo also produced six boards, two steals and a block. Saddiq Bey had 15 points and four rebounds, and Josh Jackson ended with 13 points off the bench.
Fred VanVleet led the Raptors with a double-double of 24 points and 10 assists, while Pascal Siakam also had a double-double since he put up 23 points and 11 rebounds while also dishing out four dimes. OG Anunoby finished with 16 points, three boards and two assists. Chris Boucher looked good off the bench and ended with 10 points.
Suns Use Strong Finish To Hold Off Pacers
The Phoenix Suns defeated the Indiana Pacers, 112-94, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Friday night.
The Suns (32-9) delivered a strong start and an even stronger finish to get past the Pacers (15-28) despite playing on the road, as they got off to a 23-19 lead in both the first and second quarters, securing an eight-point advantage at halftime. The Pacers showed some fighting spirit in the third quarter and reduced the Suns' lead to just four points after outscoring their rivals by a 38-34 score in the third quarter, but Phoenix played the final quarter with a different quarter and that was noticeable. The Suns outscored the Pacers 32-18 in the final 12 minutes of action, and that was enough to race out to a comfortable win despite the fact that the game looked tight at times. With the win, the Suns improved to 15-4 on the road while the Pacers have gone a meager 12-12 at home.
Deandre Ayton was the best player for the Suns and led the team with a 27-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included two steals. Devin Booker finished with a team-high 35 points, and he also produced four rebounds and three assists. Chris Paul had 12 points and nine assists while also adding three boards and two steals. No other Suns player scored in double digits except Cameron Payne, who ended with 11 points and five assists off the bench.
Justin Holiday was the best player for the Pacers since he ended with 25 points and four assists, while Caris LeVert ended with 20 points and nine assists while also grabbing five boards. Domantas Sabonis contributed 14 points and 14 rebounds, but he also added six assists and a steal. No other Indiana player reached 10 points.
The Suns (32-9) delivered a strong start and an even stronger finish to get past the Pacers (15-28) despite playing on the road, as they got off to a 23-19 lead in both the first and second quarters, securing an eight-point advantage at halftime. The Pacers showed some fighting spirit in the third quarter and reduced the Suns' lead to just four points after outscoring their rivals by a 38-34 score in the third quarter, but Phoenix played the final quarter with a different quarter and that was noticeable. The Suns outscored the Pacers 32-18 in the final 12 minutes of action, and that was enough to race out to a comfortable win despite the fact that the game looked tight at times. With the win, the Suns improved to 15-4 on the road while the Pacers have gone a meager 12-12 at home.
Deandre Ayton was the best player for the Suns and led the team with a 27-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included two steals. Devin Booker finished with a team-high 35 points, and he also produced four rebounds and three assists. Chris Paul had 12 points and nine assists while also adding three boards and two steals. No other Suns player scored in double digits except Cameron Payne, who ended with 11 points and five assists off the bench.
Justin Holiday was the best player for the Pacers since he ended with 25 points and four assists, while Caris LeVert ended with 20 points and nine assists while also grabbing five boards. Domantas Sabonis contributed 14 points and 14 rebounds, but he also added six assists and a steal. No other Indiana player reached 10 points.
76ers Hold Off Rally To Get Past Celtics
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Boston Celtics, 111-99, at Wells Fargo Center on Friday night.
The 76ers (24-17) continued their strong stretch of play, as they've now won eight of their last nine games following an impressive performance against the Celtics (21-22), a team that saw their three-game winning run come to an end here. Philadelphia enjoyed a strong start in this one, racing out to a 32-14 lead in the first quarter and that was enough to not look back the rest of the way. The Sixers were not happy with such a commanding lead after the first quarter, however, and they also won the second quarter by a 23-21 score. Boston won the third quarter by a 31-28 score and outscored their rivals 33-28 in the fourth, but that was not enough to mount a potential fourth-quarter back. The Sixers closed things out with ease and won the game rather easily. With the win, Philadelphia improved to 9-9 at home while the Celtics fell to 8-14 when playing on the road.
Joel Embiid was the best player for the 76ers in this win, as the star big man ended with 25 points, 13 rebounds, six assists, a steal and a block. Tyrese Maxey also had a strong performance and chipped in with 23 points and five assists, while Tobias Harris contributed 17 points, nine rebounds and two assists. Seth Curry also had 17 points, but he also had seven assists and two rebounds. Philadelphia shot 44.7 percent from the field.
Jayson Tatum and Robert Williams III both had double-doubles for the Celtics in this game. While Tatum had 20 points and 11 rebounds, Williams III notched 12 points and 14 boards. Jaylen Brown mustered 21 points. Payton Pritchard delivered 17 points and four assists off the bench. Boston shot 47.4 percent from the field.
The 76ers (24-17) continued their strong stretch of play, as they've now won eight of their last nine games following an impressive performance against the Celtics (21-22), a team that saw their three-game winning run come to an end here. Philadelphia enjoyed a strong start in this one, racing out to a 32-14 lead in the first quarter and that was enough to not look back the rest of the way. The Sixers were not happy with such a commanding lead after the first quarter, however, and they also won the second quarter by a 23-21 score. Boston won the third quarter by a 31-28 score and outscored their rivals 33-28 in the fourth, but that was not enough to mount a potential fourth-quarter back. The Sixers closed things out with ease and won the game rather easily. With the win, Philadelphia improved to 9-9 at home while the Celtics fell to 8-14 when playing on the road.
Joel Embiid was the best player for the 76ers in this win, as the star big man ended with 25 points, 13 rebounds, six assists, a steal and a block. Tyrese Maxey also had a strong performance and chipped in with 23 points and five assists, while Tobias Harris contributed 17 points, nine rebounds and two assists. Seth Curry also had 17 points, but he also had seven assists and two rebounds. Philadelphia shot 44.7 percent from the field.
Jayson Tatum and Robert Williams III both had double-doubles for the Celtics in this game. While Tatum had 20 points and 11 rebounds, Williams III notched 12 points and 14 boards. Jaylen Brown mustered 21 points. Payton Pritchard delivered 17 points and four assists off the bench. Boston shot 47.4 percent from the field.
Magic Upsets Hornets, 116-109
The Orlando Magic defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 116-109, at Spectrum Center on Friday night.
The Hornets (23-20) came into the contest having played some particularly effective and atypical defense during their four-game winning streak, but the first quarter played out much like most of Charlotte's fast-paced games have unfolded this season. The hosts only held a 36-35 lead over the Magic (8-35) after one and a two-point edge at halftime. After the Hornets couldn't shake Orlando in the third quarter, either, the visitors took advantage by opening the period on a 15-2 run over the first 5:03 to take control of the contest for good.
Mortiz Wagner led the Magic with 26 points, adding four rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Franz Wagner supplied 19 points, seven assists, six rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Gary Harris registered 18 points, two boards, two rebounds and two steals. Jalen Suggs supplied 12 points, seven assists, six rebounds and one steal. Robin Lopez and Terrence Ross posted matching 10-point, three-rebound tallies.
LaMelo Ball paced the Hornets with 23 points, complementing them with eight assists, four rebounds and three steals. Miles Bridges contributed 20 points, three rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Terry Rozier furnished 19 points, eight rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block. Gordon Hayward delivered 18 points, three rebounds, three assists and one block. Robin Lopez generated a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists and one steal.
The Magic remain on the road and visit the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday night, while the Hornets hit the road and visit the New York Knicks on Monday night.
The Hornets (23-20) came into the contest having played some particularly effective and atypical defense during their four-game winning streak, but the first quarter played out much like most of Charlotte's fast-paced games have unfolded this season. The hosts only held a 36-35 lead over the Magic (8-35) after one and a two-point edge at halftime. After the Hornets couldn't shake Orlando in the third quarter, either, the visitors took advantage by opening the period on a 15-2 run over the first 5:03 to take control of the contest for good.
Mortiz Wagner led the Magic with 26 points, adding four rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Franz Wagner supplied 19 points, seven assists, six rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Gary Harris registered 18 points, two boards, two rebounds and two steals. Jalen Suggs supplied 12 points, seven assists, six rebounds and one steal. Robin Lopez and Terrence Ross posted matching 10-point, three-rebound tallies.
LaMelo Ball paced the Hornets with 23 points, complementing them with eight assists, four rebounds and three steals. Miles Bridges contributed 20 points, three rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Terry Rozier furnished 19 points, eight rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block. Gordon Hayward delivered 18 points, three rebounds, three assists and one block. Robin Lopez generated a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists and one steal.
The Magic remain on the road and visit the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday night, while the Hornets hit the road and visit the New York Knicks on Monday night.
Warriors Blast Bulls, 138-96
The Golden State Warriors defeated the Chicago Bulls, 138-96, at United Center on Friday night.
The Warriors (31-11) came in looking to notch a win over a quality opponent after taking losses to the Milwaukee Bucks and Memphis Grizzlies, and they came out of the gates laser-focused on their mission. Golden State racked up 78 first-half points to take a 31-point lead over the Bulls (27-13) into halftime, essentially sealing the victory. The visitors gained another 60 points in the second half while shooting 56.4 percent overall, and Chicago was certainly affected by a knee injury that knocked Zach LaVine out of the game after just four minutes.
Jonathan Kuminga led the Warriors with 25 points, adding three rebounds, three assists, three blocks and one steal. Jordan Poole supplied 22 points, five assists and one rebound. Andrew Wiggins managed 21 points, six assists and four rebounds. Stephen Curry poured in 19 points, while Damion Lee posted 11 points, five rebounds and one steal. Kevon Looney generated a 10-point, 12-rebound double-double that included four assists.
Coby White paced the Bulls with 20 points. Nikola Vucevic turned in a 19-point, 14-rebound double-double that included five assists and three blocks. DeMar DeRozan finished with 17 points, seven assists, two rebounds and one steal. Lonzo Ball pitched in 15 points, three assists and two rebounds. The Warriors remain on the road and visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night, while the Bulls visit the Boston Celtics on Saturday night.
The Warriors remain on the road and visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night, while the Bulls visit the Boston Celtics on Saturday night.
The Warriors (31-11) came in looking to notch a win over a quality opponent after taking losses to the Milwaukee Bucks and Memphis Grizzlies, and they came out of the gates laser-focused on their mission. Golden State racked up 78 first-half points to take a 31-point lead over the Bulls (27-13) into halftime, essentially sealing the victory. The visitors gained another 60 points in the second half while shooting 56.4 percent overall, and Chicago was certainly affected by a knee injury that knocked Zach LaVine out of the game after just four minutes.
Jonathan Kuminga led the Warriors with 25 points, adding three rebounds, three assists, three blocks and one steal. Jordan Poole supplied 22 points, five assists and one rebound. Andrew Wiggins managed 21 points, six assists and four rebounds. Stephen Curry poured in 19 points, while Damion Lee posted 11 points, five rebounds and one steal. Kevon Looney generated a 10-point, 12-rebound double-double that included four assists.
Coby White paced the Bulls with 20 points. Nikola Vucevic turned in a 19-point, 14-rebound double-double that included five assists and three blocks. DeMar DeRozan finished with 17 points, seven assists, two rebounds and one steal. Lonzo Ball pitched in 15 points, three assists and two rebounds. The Warriors remain on the road and visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night, while the Bulls visit the Boston Celtics on Saturday night.
The Warriors remain on the road and visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night, while the Bulls visit the Boston Celtics on Saturday night.
Heat Finish Strong For Fourth Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Miami Heat defeated the visiting Atlanta Hawks, 124-118, at FTX Center on Friday evening.
The Heat got out to a strong start at home with a, 40-30, lead after one quarter. The Hawks returned the favor in the second and outscored the hosts, 40-24, in the period, to take a six-point lead into the break. Both sides came out strong in the third and the score stayed tight, as the Heat cut the deficit by one, to a five-point game, heading into the final frame. The Hawks kept up the lead for most of the fourth, but the Heat tied it up at 114, with 3:34 left, and they outscored the visitors, 10-4, the rest of the way to secure their fourth straight win. This marks the fourth straight loss for the Hawks.
Tyler Herro led the Heat with 24 points on 7-of-16 shooting, in 32 minutes off the bench. Jimmy Butler totaled 23 points, three rebounds, 10 assists, two steals and a block, while Omer Yurtseven finished with 17 points, 11 rebounds and four assists. The Heat shot 53 percent from the field, including 14-of-30 from long range.
Meanwhile, Trae Young led the Hawks with 24 points, three rebounds and nine assists, in 35 minutes. De'Andre Hunter followed up with 20 points, two assists and three blocks, while Danilo Gallinari tallied 18 points, five rebounds and a steal, off the bench. The Hawks shot 48 percent from the field, including 16-of-38 from deep.
The Hawks (17-24) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Knicks on Saturday. The Heat (27-15) play host to the 76ers on Saturday.
The Heat got out to a strong start at home with a, 40-30, lead after one quarter. The Hawks returned the favor in the second and outscored the hosts, 40-24, in the period, to take a six-point lead into the break. Both sides came out strong in the third and the score stayed tight, as the Heat cut the deficit by one, to a five-point game, heading into the final frame. The Hawks kept up the lead for most of the fourth, but the Heat tied it up at 114, with 3:34 left, and they outscored the visitors, 10-4, the rest of the way to secure their fourth straight win. This marks the fourth straight loss for the Hawks.
Tyler Herro led the Heat with 24 points on 7-of-16 shooting, in 32 minutes off the bench. Jimmy Butler totaled 23 points, three rebounds, 10 assists, two steals and a block, while Omer Yurtseven finished with 17 points, 11 rebounds and four assists. The Heat shot 53 percent from the field, including 14-of-30 from long range.
Meanwhile, Trae Young led the Hawks with 24 points, three rebounds and nine assists, in 35 minutes. De'Andre Hunter followed up with 20 points, two assists and three blocks, while Danilo Gallinari tallied 18 points, five rebounds and a steal, off the bench. The Hawks shot 48 percent from the field, including 16-of-38 from deep.
The Hawks (17-24) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Knicks on Saturday. The Heat (27-15) play host to the 76ers on Saturday.
Cavs Top Spurs For Third Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the host San Antonio Spurs, 114-109, at AT&T Center on Friday evening.
The Cavs got out to a strong start in the contest with a, 35-26, lead after one quarter. They pushed their lead to double digits in the second, but the Spurs cut it back to a five-point game by halftime. The hosts kept the pressure on in the third and outscored the Cavs by seven, to take a two-point lead into the final frame. However, the Cavs responded in the fourth and reclaimed the lead early in the quarter. The Spurs rallied to tie it up again, but the visitors took control down the stretch to notch their third consecutive win. This marks the fifth straight loss for the Spurs.
Darius Garland led the way for the Cavs with 32 points, four rebounds, eight assists, a steal and a block, in 37 minutes. Jarrett Allen totaled 17 points, 16 rebounds, two assists and a block, while Evan Mobley tallied 15 points, six rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block. The Cavaliers shot 48 percent from the field, including 14-of-24 from deep.
Meanwhile, Dejounte Murray led the Spurs with 30 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists, in 36 minutes. Keldon Johnson followed up with 18 points, five rebounds and two assists, while Bryn Forbes chipped in 15 points, off the bench. The Spurs shot 46 percent from the field, including 15-of-34 from long range.
The Spurs (15-27) will look to bounce back as they play host the Clippers on Saturday. The Cavs (25-18) take on the Thunder in OKC on Saturday.
The Cavs got out to a strong start in the contest with a, 35-26, lead after one quarter. They pushed their lead to double digits in the second, but the Spurs cut it back to a five-point game by halftime. The hosts kept the pressure on in the third and outscored the Cavs by seven, to take a two-point lead into the final frame. However, the Cavs responded in the fourth and reclaimed the lead early in the quarter. The Spurs rallied to tie it up again, but the visitors took control down the stretch to notch their third consecutive win. This marks the fifth straight loss for the Spurs.
Darius Garland led the way for the Cavs with 32 points, four rebounds, eight assists, a steal and a block, in 37 minutes. Jarrett Allen totaled 17 points, 16 rebounds, two assists and a block, while Evan Mobley tallied 15 points, six rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block. The Cavaliers shot 48 percent from the field, including 14-of-24 from deep.
Meanwhile, Dejounte Murray led the Spurs with 30 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists, in 36 minutes. Keldon Johnson followed up with 18 points, five rebounds and two assists, while Bryn Forbes chipped in 15 points, off the bench. The Spurs shot 46 percent from the field, including 15-of-34 from long range.
The Spurs (15-27) will look to bounce back as they play host the Clippers on Saturday. The Cavs (25-18) take on the Thunder in OKC on Saturday.
Kings Defeat Rockets, 126-114
The Sacramento Kings defeated the visiting Houston Rockets, 126-114, at Golden 1 Center on Friday.
While there were four ties and eight lead changes in the first half, Sacramento never relinquished the lead in the second half after a 34-20 second quarter. That can be attributed to a 33-29 third quarter and then starting the final frame on a 12-2 run. That gave the Kings a game-high 17-point lead and they led by at least seven points for the closing eight minutes after that. The Kings shot 50 percent from the field and 35 percent from three-point range while holding the Rockets to 44 percent from the field and 30 percent from long range. In addition, Sacramento recorded 33 assists to 14 turnovers while Houston had 25 assists to 16 turnovers.
The Rockets (12-32) were led by Christian Wood, collecting 26 points, eight rebounds and two steals. Jae'Sean Tate tallied 17 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Eric Gordon accrued 16 points and three rebounds, while Kevin Porter Jr provided 16 points, seven rebounds, eight assists and two steals.
The Kings (18-27) were led by De'Aaron Fox, accruing 27 points, six rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Marvin Bagley totaled 26 points, 13 rebounds and two blocks. Harrison Barnes had 16 points, nine rebounds and six assists, while Tyrese Haliburton finished with nine points, six rebounds and 12 assists. Buddy Hield led the bench with 19 points and six rebounds.
These teams will have a rematch on Sunday for their next outing.
While there were four ties and eight lead changes in the first half, Sacramento never relinquished the lead in the second half after a 34-20 second quarter. That can be attributed to a 33-29 third quarter and then starting the final frame on a 12-2 run. That gave the Kings a game-high 17-point lead and they led by at least seven points for the closing eight minutes after that. The Kings shot 50 percent from the field and 35 percent from three-point range while holding the Rockets to 44 percent from the field and 30 percent from long range. In addition, Sacramento recorded 33 assists to 14 turnovers while Houston had 25 assists to 16 turnovers.
The Rockets (12-32) were led by Christian Wood, collecting 26 points, eight rebounds and two steals. Jae'Sean Tate tallied 17 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Eric Gordon accrued 16 points and three rebounds, while Kevin Porter Jr provided 16 points, seven rebounds, eight assists and two steals.
The Kings (18-27) were led by De'Aaron Fox, accruing 27 points, six rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Marvin Bagley totaled 26 points, 13 rebounds and two blocks. Harrison Barnes had 16 points, nine rebounds and six assists, while Tyrese Haliburton finished with nine points, six rebounds and 12 assists. Buddy Hield led the bench with 19 points and six rebounds.
These teams will have a rematch on Sunday for their next outing.
Mavericks Defeat Grizzlies, 112-85
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the host Memphis Grizzlies, 112-85, at FedEx Forum on Friday.
While Memphis held the lead for 28 minutes of the opening 30 minutes, Dallas rode a 34-18 third quarter and 28-12- fourth quarter to their blowout victory. They actually started the fourth quarter with a 26-6 run as well, grabbing a game-high 31-point lead. That allowed them to hold a double-digit lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter, capping off a 62-30 second half. Dallas shot 52 percent from the field while holding Memphis to 38 percent shooting. In addition, the Mavericks out-assisted the Grizzlies, 30-19, while outscoring them in the paint, 72-50. They also outscored them in fastbreak points, 23-11.
The Mavericks (23-19) got a triple-double from Luka Doncic, tallying 27 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists. Jalen Brunson collected 15 points, five rebounds, nine assists and five steals. Dwight Powell provided 13 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Tim Hardway Jr led the bench with 16 points, two rebounds and two assists.
The Grizzlies (30-15) were led by Ja Morant and his 19 points, five rebounds, eight assists and eight turnovers. Desmond Bane amassed 16 points and six rebounds. Jaren Jackson missed 10 of his 14 shots to finish with eight points and eight rebounds. Kyle Anderson led the bench with 12 points and five boards.
Dallas has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday, returning home to play the Orlando Magic. As for Memphis, they're off until Monday when they play host to the Chicago Bulls.
While Memphis held the lead for 28 minutes of the opening 30 minutes, Dallas rode a 34-18 third quarter and 28-12- fourth quarter to their blowout victory. They actually started the fourth quarter with a 26-6 run as well, grabbing a game-high 31-point lead. That allowed them to hold a double-digit lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter, capping off a 62-30 second half. Dallas shot 52 percent from the field while holding Memphis to 38 percent shooting. In addition, the Mavericks out-assisted the Grizzlies, 30-19, while outscoring them in the paint, 72-50. They also outscored them in fastbreak points, 23-11.
The Mavericks (23-19) got a triple-double from Luka Doncic, tallying 27 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists. Jalen Brunson collected 15 points, five rebounds, nine assists and five steals. Dwight Powell provided 13 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Tim Hardway Jr led the bench with 16 points, two rebounds and two assists.
The Grizzlies (30-15) were led by Ja Morant and his 19 points, five rebounds, eight assists and eight turnovers. Desmond Bane amassed 16 points and six rebounds. Jaren Jackson missed 10 of his 14 shots to finish with eight points and eight rebounds. Kyle Anderson led the bench with 12 points and five boards.
Dallas has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday, returning home to play the Orlando Magic. As for Memphis, they're off until Monday when they play host to the Chicago Bulls.