The Dallas Mavericks snapped an eight-game losing streak Thursday night, defeating the Memphis Grizzlies 120–112 behind a huge fourth-quarter performance from Khris Middleton.
Middleton scored a season-high 35 points, including 22 in the fourth quarter to seal the victory. He finished 10 of 17 from the field and knocked down 8 of 10 shots from 3-point range, delivering the highest-scoring quarter of his career in the final period.
Daniel Gafford added a season-best 22 points and 14 rebounds for Dallas, while Max Christie and Cooper Flagg each scored 13.
Memphis was led by Jaylen Wells with 23 points, while GG Jackson added 20. Javon Small finished with 19 points and nine assists, and Taylor Hendricks recorded 17 points and 10 rebounds.
Dallas appeared in control early, building a 20-point lead in the first half and carrying a 65–54 advantage into halftime while dominating the boards. The Mavericks held a 31–17 rebounding edge at the break, including 10 offensive rebounds.
Memphis rallied in the third quarter, outscoring Dallas 30–21 to cut the deficit to 86–84 heading into the fourth. Middleton quickly took over, scoring the Mavericks’ first 11 points of the final period to push the lead back to double digits.
The injury-plagued Grizzlies were again severely short-handed, with 11 players sidelined. Among those active was Tyler Burton, who had recently signed a 10-day contract after playing for the Memphis Hustle, Memphis’ G League affiliate.
Dallas controlled the interior throughout the night, finishing with a 64–42 advantage in points in the paint and a 60–38 edge on the boards — its highest rebounding total of the season.
Up next: The Dallas Mavericks host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday, their only home game in a nine-game stretch. The Memphis Grizzlies visit the Detroit Pistons on Friday.
