Dallas Mavericks Eliminate from NBA Playoffs after Loss to Grizzlies

The Dallas Mavericks, just a year after reaching the NBA Finals, were eliminated from playoff contention following a 120-106 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies in the Play-In Tournament. This dramatic downturn makes the Mavericks one of only a handful of teams in NBA history to miss the playoffs after a Finals appearance, a rarity often linked to losing a star player or significant injuries. The team’s struggles were compounded by the midseason trade of Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, a move that haunted Dallas as injuries to key players like Anthony Davis and roster changes disrupted team chemistry. Despite a strong individual performance from Davis, who scored 40 points, the Mavericks could not overcome their challenges. The season is widely regarded as one of the most infamous in franchise history, marked by injuries and management decisions that failed to pay off. As the Mavericks head into the offseason, the organization faces scrutiny over its choices and the need to rebuild after a historic collapse.