Lamar Stevens scores career-high 31 points in Grizzlies' dominant win
- Lamar Stevens achieved a career-high 31 points in the game against the Mavericks.
- Both teams had their starters sitting out for rest or recovery, leading to a game filled with bench players.
- The Grizzlies' victory secured their position in the Western Conference play-in tournament, showcasing their depth.
In the United States, the Memphis Grizzlies faced off against the Dallas Mavericks on April 13, 2025, concluding the regular season with a decisive 132-97 victory. The match took place in Memphis, with both teams already set to enter the Western Conference play-in tournament. Due to the playoff implications, many starters from both teams rested, leading to a game primarily contested by bench players. This situation provided an opportunity for players like Lamar Stevens and Marvin Bagley III to shine, with Stevens achieving his career-high 31 points and Bagley contributing 25 points and 11 rebounds. Memphis leveraged the absence of major stars such as Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane, who were sidelined due to soreness, injury recovery, or rest. As a result, the Grizzlies managed to maintain a comfortable lead, outscoring Dallas 65-43 in the second half. The game saw significant contributions from Memphis's reserves, with Cam Spencer adding 23 points and Jay Huff scoring 22. Meanwhile, Dallas's Daniel Gafford was the leading scorer for the Mavericks, finishing with 20 points and 7 rebounds, although he struggled with his shooting percentage on the night. The intensity of the game fluctuated as Memphis increased their lead by as much as 23 points during the second quarter. However, the Mavericks captured momentum towards the end of the half, scoring the last 10 points to trim the Grizzlies' lead to 67-54. Despite the late push, Memphis showcased their depth and efficiency, continuously pulling away from the Mavericks in the second half. Looking ahead, the Dallas Mavericks, now the 10th seed in the Western Conference, are set to play against the Sacramento Kings, the 9th seed, in the play-in tournament. The winner of that matchup will face a challenging task against the Golden State Warriors, while Memphis, as the 8th seed, prepares to take on the Warriors as well. This game served as a crucial stepping stone for both teams as they gear up for the postseason, with Memphis demonstrating their ability to capitalize on the opportunities presented to their role players.