The Memphis Grizzlies kicked off their 2024-25 NBA preseason with a close win against the Dallas Mavericks, securing a 121-116 victory on October 7, 2024. Both teams showed off new talents as they geared up for the upcoming season. Let’s break down the player stats, box scores, and key moments from this exciting preseason matchup.
Preseason Game 1 ✅
Presented by @FedEx pic.twitter.com/ls5v24Lnqv
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) October 8, 2024
Game Overview
The Grizzlies were led by Ja Morant who returned after an injury-shortened 2023-24 season. Despite sloppy play in the fourth quarter, Memphis held on for the win. For the Mavericks, key players like Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Klay Thompson sat out, giving younger stars like Jaden Hardy and rookies Dereck Lively II and Jazian Gortman the spotlight.
Dallas Mavericks Box Score:
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | FG | 3-PT FG | FT | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S. Aldama | 11 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 5-8 | 1-4 | 0-0 | +11 |
| Z. Edey | 6 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3-4 | 0-0 | 0-0 | +3 |
| M. Smart | 6 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 0-3 | 0-1 | 6-7 | +15 |
| J. Morant | 13 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4-9 | 0-2 | 5-5 | +12 |
| D. Bane | 11 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 5-13 | 1-8 | 0-0 | +11 |
| B. Clarke | 17 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 7-13 | 2-5 | 1-5 | -1 |
| J. LaRavia | 14 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4-6 | 2-3 | 4-4 | -13 |
| J. Wells | 13 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4-11 | 3-5 | 2-3 | +2 |
| M. Pereira | 0 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0-2 | 0-1 | 0-0 | +4 |
| J. Huff | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1-4 | 0-3 | 0-0 | +3 |
| J. Konchar | 5 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2-2 | 1-1 | 0-0 | -10 |
| L. Kennard | 6 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2-5 | 2-5 | 0-0 | -9 |
| S. Pippen Jr. | 12 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 4-4 | 2-2 | 2-3 | -9 |
| Y. Kawamura | 5 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1-2 | 1-1 | 2-2 | +6 |
| J. Jackson Jr. | DNP | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
Memphis Grizzlies Box Score:
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | FG | 3-PT FG | FT | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N. Marshall | 9 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4-11 | 1-2 | 0-1 | -18 |
| D. Gafford | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1-3 | 0-0 | 0-0 | -3 |
| S. Dinwiddie | 4 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 1-6 | 1-3 | 1-4 | -10 |
| Q. Grimes | 8 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3-8 | 0-3 | 2-2 | -12 |
| J. Hardy | 21 | 3 | 9 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 6-16 | 6-10 | 3-4 | +4 |
| E. Miller | 11 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4-5 | 0-1 | 3-3 | +5 |
| O. Prosper | 14 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 4-12 | 0-3 | 6-9 | +10 |
| D. Powell | 8 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3-4 | 0-0 | 2-2 | -1 |
| D. Lively II | 12 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 5-5 | 0-0 | 2-4 | +3 |
| J. Gortman | 20 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 7-13 | 4-7 | 2-2 | -4 |
Game Summary:
Despite the absence of stars like Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Klay Thompson, the Mavericks put up a strong fight, thanks to Naji Marshall, Jaden Hardy, Dereck Lively II, and Jazian Gortman. Brandon Clarke, after an injury-marred previous season, led the Grizzlies with 12 points in the first half.
All tied up. #MFFL pic.twitter.com/oPAozkweWv
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) October 8, 2024
The game was tied 60-60 at halftime, but a strong third quarter from Ja Morant, Santi Aldama, and Desmond Bane propelled the Grizzlies to a 93-90 lead going into the fourth. Both teams struggled in the final period, but the Grizzlies pulled away for the 121-116 win.
FAQs
- How did Ja Morant perform in his return?
Morant finished with 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists in his first preseason game after recovering from a shoulder injury. - Who were the standout rookies for the Mavericks?
Jazian Gortman had an impressive game with 20 points and 4 steals, while Dereck Lively II contributed 12 points. - Did any star players sit out this game?
Yes, Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Klay Thompson did not play in this preseason matchup.
