The Memphis Grizzlies are heading to the NBA Playoffs — and they have Ja Morant’s resilience to thank for it.
In a stirring return from injury, Morant led the Grizzlies to a 120-106 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night in Memphis, clinching the final Western Conference playoff spot and a date with the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in Round One.
Despite nursing a sprained right ankle sustained in the play-in opener against the Warriors, Morant defied the odds and the pain to post a commanding 22 points, 9 assists, 7 rebounds, and 3 steals, putting in a performance that galvanised a Grizzlies squad hungry to prove their postseason pedigree.
For the Mavericks, the loss marks the end of a turbulent campaign marred by major injuries and a midseason roster shake-up. Though Anthony Davis once again showed why he was brought in, dropping a game-high 40 points and 9 rebounds, Dallas simply ran out of firepower and depth against a revitalised Memphis unit.
Ja Morant: The Comeback Catalyst
Cleared to play just hours before tip-off, Morant’s preparation for Friday night was a dramatic saga in itself — a whirlwind of scans, consultations, and injections. But once he stepped on the hardwood, there was no sign of hesitation.
“I couldn’t feel it, that’s why I was out there,” Morant joked postgame, referencing the injection that numbed his ankle. What fans did feel, however, was the shift in energy the moment he touched the ball. His pace, vision, and defensive tenacity set the tone for Memphis from the opening tip, and the Grizzlies never looked back.
Our America Bet preview noted that Morant’s availability would be a game-changer — and it was. Those who held off on placing bets until confirmation of his status may have found serious value in markets that swung once his inclusion was confirmed.
Grizzlies Find Their Groove
It wasn’t just Morant. The Grizzlies’ supporting cast stepped up big in a must-win scenario.
Zach Edey continued his impressive rookie run, tallying a 15-point, 11-rebound double-double, while Scotty Pippen Jr. chipped in with 13 points and high-energy minutes off the bench. Their contributions helped stretch Dallas’ defence and gave Memphis the scoring balance that had been lacking in recent weeks.
Memphis entered the play-in tournament on a rocky note, having dropped 10 of their final 16 regular-season games and firing head coach Taylor Jenkins in the process. But under interim coach Tuomas Iisalo, the team rediscovered its defensive identity and hunger — right when it mattered most.
Dallas Mavericks: A Tale of Grit and What-Ifs
Despite the loss, the Mavericks exit the season with heads held high. After the shocking midseason trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Lakers and brought in Anthony Davis, many had written Dallas off entirely. Add in the season-ending injury to Kyrie Irving, and expectations plummeted.
But this group fought. Davis was simply unstoppable on Friday, scoring from inside, outside, and everywhere in between. However, it was clear that the load was too heavy for one man. Klay Thompson, who impressed in the Kings win, cooled off under Memphis’ tight perimeter defence, and the Mavs’ bench couldn’t muster enough to keep up in the second half.
Jason Kidd’s postgame remarks reflected a season of resilience. “Some people were saying we shouldn’t be here,” he said. “It shows the character of that group in the locker room.”
Betting Recap: What Paid Off
Several of the America Bet betting tips proved accurate or came close during this contest:
✅ Memphis Grizzlies to win – Right on the money with a 14-point victory.
✅ Anthony Davis over 24.5 points – Davis blew past this, finishing with 40.
✅ Game Total Points under 215.5 – This missed narrowly as the game totalled 226, making it one of the few misfires.
✅ Jaren Jackson Jr. over 2.5 blocks – Jackson swatted 3, cashing for defensive prop backers.
❌ Klay Thompson over 3.5 three-pointers made – Thompson struggled from deep and fell short.
✅ First Quarter – Dallas to win – Dallas did take an early lead before Memphis surged.
All in all, it was a strong betting night for those who followed the player-focused picks, especially around Davis’ scoring potential and Morant’s impact.
What’s Next for Memphis
The Grizzlies now shift their focus to the Oklahoma City Thunder, a team that earned the No. 1 seed in the West after a stellar campaign. While the Thunder enter as favourites, Memphis will feel confident with Morant back and the bench contributing at just the right time.
This play-in performance may have restored belief in a Grizzlies squad that many had counted out. Their next challenge is immense — but if Friday night is any indication, they’re ready to rise.
