The Dallas Mavericks (2-6) face the Memphis Grizzlies (3-6) on Friday night at FedExForum, marking their first NBA Cup game. The Mavericks enter with a three-game losing streak, while the Grizzlies have dropped four consecutive games amid challenges involving star guard Ja Morant.
Memphis suffered its fourth straight loss on Wednesday, falling 124-109 to the Houston Rockets. Although they scored the game's first basket, they never regained the lead. Key contributors included Cam Spencer, who scored 19 points off the bench, and Ja Morant, who delivered 17 points, eight assists, and six turnovers on 6-of-19 shooting. Santi Aldama also added 16 points.
"Morant, who was suspended for a game over the weekend for 'detrimental conduct,' is averaging 20.0 points and 7.3 assists on .383/.140/.957 shooting splits."
The Mavericks lost their third straight game Wednesday night, narrowly falling 101-99 to the New Orleans Pelicans. Cooper Flagg, shifted from point guard to small forward with D’Angelo Russell starting at point guard for the first time this season, scored 20 points and had three steals. P.J. Washington contributed 15 points and 11 rebounds, while Daniel Gafford also scored 15 points.
This matchup highlights both teams' struggles and roster adjustments as they seek to end their losing streaks in NBA Cup play.
"Cooper Flagg’s runner clanked off the back of the rim with two seconds left as the Mavericks lost their third in a row."
Summary: Both the Mavericks and Grizzlies are battling losing streaks and adjustments, with key players like Ja Morant and Cooper Flagg vital to their efforts in this tense NBA Cup game.
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