Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) defends as Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) shoots in the first half of an NBA basketball game in Dallas, Sunday, Jan. 23, 2022. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
The Associated Press
DALLAS (AP) - Luka Doncic had 37 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists and Kristaps Porzingis had 15 points, eight rebounds and a season-best six blocks as the Dallas Mavericks beat the Memphis Grizzlies 104-91 on Sunday night.
The Mavericks never trailed and led by as many as 22 points in winning for the 11th time in their last 13 games. They took the season series 3-1 and pulled within four games of the Southwest Division-leading Grizzlies.
Ja Morant had 35 points and 13 rebounds for the Grizzlies, going 14 for 31 from the floor while the rest of the team shot 23 for 68 (33.8%).
Doncic wore elastic therapeutic tape on his neck after taking a hard fall late in Dallas' loss to Phoenix on Thursday, and often wore a heat pack around his waist while on the bench.
Porzingis fouled out with 6:43 to play.
The Mavericks went in ranked third in the NBA, allowing 102.8 points per game, and played stifling defense against the Grizzlies, who had the league's fourth-best scoring attack (112.1 points) to lead 48-34 at halftime.
Memphis saw a series of season-worsts in the first half: lowest scoring, poorest shooting (28%) and worst behind the 3-point line (14.3% on 2 for 14). It was also the lowest-scoring opening half for a Dallas opponent this season.
TIP-INS
Grizzlies: Forward Brandon Clarke was sidelined by back soreness. '¦ Starting guard Desmond Bane, who played at TCU in nearby Fort Worth, and reserve forward Kyle Anderson missed their third consecutive games while in the NBA's COVID-19 health and safety protocol.
Mavericks: They finished a five-game homestand 4-1. '¦ Porzingis' five blocks in the first half matched his season high for a full game. '¦ Guard Sterling Brown missed his third straight game with a sore left foot and guard Frank Ntilikina sat out with a non-COVID illness.
UP NEXT
Grizzlies: Visit San Antonio on Wednesday to end a four-game road trip.
Mavericks: At Golden State on Tuesday; Dallas held the Warriors to season-low score of 82 on Jan. 5.
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Dallas Mavericks center Kristaps Porzingis (6) gives chase as Memphis Grizzlies guard De'Anthony Melton (0) comes away with a steal in the first half of an NBA basketball game in Dallas, Sunday, Jan. 23, 2022. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
The Associated Press
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) goes up for a dunk after getting past Dallas Mavericks center Dwight Powell (7) in the first half of an NBA basketball game in Dallas, Sunday, Jan. 23, 2022. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
The Associated Press
Dallas Mavericks' Tim Hardaway Jr. (11) and Jalen Brunson (13) look on as center Kristaps Porzingis, center rear, and Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) wrestle for control of a rebound in the first half of an NBA basketball game in Dallas, Sunday, Jan. 23, 2022. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
The Associated Press
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) wears tape over the back of his neck as he plays in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies in Dallas, Sunday, Jan. 23, 2022. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
The Associated Press
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic wears a black device around his waist and a wrap between his neck and right shoulder while waiting to check in to the game as referee Tony Brothers walks past in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies in Dallas, Sunday, Jan. 23, 2022. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
The Associated Press
Dallas Mavericks forward Reggie Bullock (25) defends as Memphis Grizzlies guard John Konchar (46) drives to the basket in the first half of an NBA basketball game in Dallas, Sunday, Jan. 23, 2022. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
The Associated Press
Dallas Mavericks guard Josh Green (8) and Reggie Bullock (25) defend as Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) shoots in front of center Xavier Tillman (2) in the first half of an NBA basketball game in Dallas, Sunday, Jan. 23, 2022. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
The Associated Press
Dallas Mavericks center Dwight Powell (7) defends against a shot by Memphis Grizzlies' Ja Morant (12) in the first half of an NBA basketball game in Dallas, Sunday, Jan. 23, 2022. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
The Associated Press