The Memphis Grizzlies clinched their seventh consecutive playoff berth, the third-longest active streak in the NBA, by defeating the Dallas Mavericks 99-90 Friday night at FedExForum.
Mike Conley led all scorers with 28 points and six assists. Conley has recorded 22-or-more points in his past five games and is averaging 23.7 points per game this month, the highest average for a calendar month in his career.
The Grizzlies torched the nets early in the game. Having already shattered their previous season record (620) for three-pointers made in a single season, with their 11th three-point field goal of the night, Memphis has now made 705 shots from beyond the arc this season. The Grizzlies have now recorded 37 games with 10-or-more three pointers made.
Troy Daniels was a big reason for Memphis’ success from beyond the arc, recording 12 of his 21 points in the first half, all on four three-pointers. Shooting 7-of-12 from three-point range, Daniels posted his sixth game of the season with 20-or-more points and tied a season-high in three-point field goals made. Daniels has now made 122 three-pointers off the bench this season, passing Mike Miller’s single-season franchise record of 121 off the bench which Miller set in 2005-06.
With 22 points and 12 rebounds, Zach Randolph recorded his 19th double-double of the season and his 18th off the bench.
Memphis outscored the Mavericks 34-15 in the second quarter, holding Dallas to only 2-of-18 shooting from the field. At the start of the second period, Memphis went on a 16-2 run over the first 5:03 to extend the lead to 16. The Grizzlies would lead the rest of the way.
Dirk Nowitzki recorded a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds. Nowitzki (1,389) also tied Reggie Miller for ninth in the NBA for most career games played. Five other Mavericks players scored in double figures with Wesley Matthews and J.J. Barea also recording a team-high 13 points.
Next Game
The Grizzlies hit the road for the final road trip of the regular season and will take on the Los Angeles Lakers this Sunday, April 2 at 2:30 p.m. CT at Staples Center. Tune in to FOX Sports Southeast, presented by Pinnacle Financial Partners, or listen on 92.9 FM ESPN to catch all the Grizzlies action.
Key Stat of the Night
- The Grizzlies outscored the Mavericks 34-15 in the second quarter, holding the Mavericks to just 2-of-18 (.111) from the field, marking a season low for any quarter for both Dallas and any Grizzlies opponent. Eleven of the Mavericks’ 15 points came from the free throw line and the team shot 0-of-9 from three-point range in the period.
Key Run of the Night
- The Grizzlies went on a 16-2 run over the first 5:03 of the second quarter, extending the lead to 16 after leading by just two after the first period.
Team Quotes
Player Notes
- Mike Conley has led the Grizzlies or tied for the team lead in scoring in each of the last nine games. In the month of March, Conley averaged 23.7 points per game, the highest average for a calendar month in his career.
- Troy Daniels (122) eclipsed the franchise record for three-pointers made off the bench (Mike Miller, 121, 2005-06) in a single season.
- Daniels (21 points, 7-of-12 3P) recorded his sixth game with 20-or-more points off the bench. He tied a season-high with seven three-pointers made.
- Zach Randolph (22 points, 12 rebounds) recorded his team-high 19th double-double of the season and his 18th off the bench, which is tied for the league lead. It marks his fifth 20-10 game of the season.
- Dirk Nowitzki (10,660) passed Alex English (10,659) for ninth in NBA history for career field goals made. Nowitzki (1,389 games) also tied Reggie Miller for ninth in NBA history for career games played. He finished with 13 points and 12 rebounds, marking his eighth double-double of the season.
- With the win and a Denver loss tonight, the Grizzlies clinched their seventh consecutive playoff berth, the third longest active streak in the NBA.
- The Grizzlies (11-of-27 3P) have made 10-or-more three-pointers in 37 games this season, more than twice as many (18) as the last six seasons combined.
- Over the last two games, the Grizzlies have trailed by no more than one point.