The Dallas Mavericks are one win away from making history, as they could become the first 10th seed to make the playoffs.. The team had one of their best performances on Wednesday when they defeated the Sacramento Kings 120-106 to advance to a single-elimination game against the Memphis Grizzlies tonight.
All-star Anthony Davis and Klay Thompson helped carry the load for the team. Davis flashed versions of his old self, finishing with a near double-double with 27 points and nine rebounds. Daviso also had three blocks and five rebounds on the defensive end. Thompson, on the other hand, scored 23 points while shooting 71.4 percent from the 3-point line. He broke out in the second quarter when he scored 16 points. It's clear Thompson overcame last season's play-in disaster.
Dallas will need Davis and Thompson to have a repeat performance against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday. Davis had a vintage performance against the Grizzlies the last time he played them, as he scored 40 points and had 16 rebounds. If both players can exceed expectations, then there's no question Dallas will be in the playoffs.
Dallas will also need Brandon Williams to have a solid game. Williams fared well for Dallas on Wednesday. He dropped in 17 points and shot 75 percent from the 3-point line. His offensive game has been the Mavs' driving force. Nico Harrison's signing of Williams might be the key to keeping Dallas' playoff hopes alive.
Grizzlies' latest injury gives Mavericks a clear advantage
Williams is destined to have another solid game on Friday. He has scored 14 or more points in three of the team's past five games. This includes Sunday's game, as Williams left early with a left oblique strain. Mavs' fans feared Williams wouldn't play on Wednesday, but he exceeded expectations and returned to the court.
He has been a solid bench player, helping out Naji Marshall at the point guard position. Williams and Marshall, though, may get some relief on Friday when taking on the Grizzlies. It was reported on Thursday that Memphis star Ja Morant missed practice due to swelling in his ankle. Morant left Tuesday's game in the third quarter against the Golden State Warriors when he landed awkwardly on two Warriors players. He is expected to be a game-time decision.
Assuming Morant doesn't play, this would be a clear advantage for Dallas. He is averaging 30.2 points per game in April and shooting 49.6 percent overall. Morant was having a solid game against the Warriors before getting injured, as he had scored 22 points in 35 minutes of action. He was the team's second-leading scorer behind Desmond Bane.
The Grizzlies are 18-14 this season whenever Morant is out of the lineup. Their offense thrives under Morant. They become very stagnant whenever he is off the court, as they are forced to rely on their frontcourt of Jaren Jackson Jr. and Zach Edey to carry the load. Memphis lacks quickness without Morant and struggles to open up the offense without Morant.
This would take less pressure off the Mavs' defense as they sometimes struggle down low (even though they have been better in this area with their bigs healthy). Dallas has allowed their opponents to score 52.8 points inside the paint this season. This is the second-worst rating in the NBA. So, without Morant, it would be a blessing in disguise. Morant thrives at thriving scoring inside and without him, the Mavs' defense would be able to focus on other components of Memphis' offense.
So, if Dallas hopes to make the playoffs again, it all starts on Friday. The Mavs would need to beat the Memphis Grizzlies to set up a matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Assuming Morant misses the game, it would be the perfect icing on the cake for Dallas to make history. Now, all that needs to happen is for the basketball gods
