Grizzlies Defeat Mavericks 120-106, Set Playoff Series With Thunder

The Memphis Grizzlies secured the eighth seed in the Western Conference by defeating the Dallas Mavericks 120-106 in the final play-in game, earning a first-round matchup with the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder. Ja Morant overcame a sprained ankle to lead Memphis with 22 points and nine assists, while Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane contributed significantly to the win. Despite Anthony Davis's 40-point effort for Dallas, the Mavericks were unable to recover from an early deficit and were eliminated from the playoffs. The Grizzlies established control early, maintaining a double-digit lead for much of the game and withstanding a third-quarter Mavericks run. Memphis will now face an Oklahoma City team, led by MVP favorite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, that enters the postseason with high expectations after finishing with the best record in the West. Both teams face questions: the Thunder's youth and lack of playoff fear from opponents, and the Grizzlies' ability to carry momentum against the conference's top seed.