In a game the Memphis Grizzlies needed to win, three of the team's longest-tenured players stepped up with big performances.
The Mavericks were led by Brandon Williams, who put in a career-high 31 points on a wildly efficient 10/15 shooting. Naji Marshall wasn't far behind, with an equally absurd 29 points and 17 rebounds. Klay Thompson (15 points, 6/19 shooting), Kessler Edwards (13 points), and Spencer Dinwiddie (10 points, 2/12 shooting) were also in double figures.
Ja Morant scored 31 points (24 in the second half) to help the Grizzlies end their four-game losing streak. Desmond Bane also had a big night: 27 points, a career-high 16 rebounds and six assists.
Get real-time NBA basketball coverage and scores as Memphis Grizzlies takes on New Orleans Pelicans. We bring you the latest game previews, live stats, expert picks and recaps on CBSSports.com
Memphis heads into the matchup against Dallas as losers of four games in a row. Friday's matchup is the first this season between the two teams.
The Mavericks were engaged in a tight slugfest with the struggling Grizzlies well into the final minutes of the game. Fans celebrated as two-way guard Brandon Williams and Naji Marshall produced career nights, but the Mavericks couldn’t overcome Memphis’ star duo of Ja Morant and Desmond Bane.
Jaren Jackson Jr.'s injury is something the Grizzlies will have to worry about but it does give Desmond Bane a breakout opportunity,