Grizzlies Aim for Season Sweep Over Struggling Mavericks

Dallas coach Jason Kidd remains optimistic despite team's recent slump as Memphis looks to extend dominance in series

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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The Dallas Mavericks have dropped 18 of their past 20 games, including a recent loss to the Atlanta Hawks, as they prepare to face the Memphis Grizzlies on the road. Despite the Mavericks' struggles, head coach Jason Kidd remains optimistic about the team's rebuilding process and the development of rookie Cooper Flagg. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies have also hit a late-season slump, losing 12 of their past 15 games, but they have won all three previous matchups against the Mavericks this season.

Why it matters

This game represents an opportunity for the Grizzlies to extend their dominance over the Mavericks and potentially secure a season sweep, while the Mavericks hope to end their recent skid and gain some momentum as they continue their rebuilding efforts around young talent like Flagg.

The details

The Mavericks have been led by rookie Cooper Flagg, who has spent the season playing a combination of point guard and wing. Head coach Jason Kidd has faced some criticism for his use of Flagg, but he remains confident in the young player's potential. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies have been shorthanded, with several key players missing the team's recent loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. Rookie Cedric Coward has been a bright spot for Memphis, impressing with his performance on the offensive boards.

  • The Mavericks and Grizzlies will face off on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
  • The Mavericks have lost 8 straight games and 18 of their past 20 heading into this matchup.
  • The Grizzlies have won all 3 previous meetings against the Mavericks this season.

The players

Cooper Flagg

A rookie for the Dallas Mavericks who has spent the season playing a combination of point guard and wing. Kidd has faced some criticism for his use of Flagg but remains confident in the young player's potential.

Jason Kidd

The head coach of the Dallas Mavericks, who is overseeing the team's rebuilding process and the development of young players like Cooper Flagg.

Cedric Coward

A rookie for the Memphis Grizzlies who has been impressive since returning from a knee injury, including a recent career-high-tying performance on the offensive boards.

Tuomas Iisalo

The head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies, who is looking to guide his team out of a late-season slump.

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What they’re saying

“People who are critical never played. I've seen it. I saw it in Milwaukee (with Kidd's use of Giannis Antetokounmpo). People might have been critical there, too. If you're challenging or trying to change or help someone become successful, there are going to be critics. You need critics because critics are not always right. That's just the nature of the beast.”

— Jason Kidd, Head Coach, Dallas Mavericks (austinnews.net)

“There is no limit on this young man. Time and strength. Once he gets those two, it's over.”

— Jason Kidd, Head Coach, Dallas Mavericks (austinnews.net)

“I was in a great rhythm when I got hurt. Now it's about finding my rhythm and getting my (shooting) touch back.”

— Cooper Flagg (austinnews.net)

“One thing I think we didn't do really well (against 76ers), we weren't very disruptive defensively. We didn't pick up enough. We didn't get enough friction in the backcourt. We only forced 10 turnovers. But I do think we did a great job on the offensive boards with a very small squad.”

— Tuomas Iisalo, Head Coach, Memphis Grizzlies (austinnews.net)

What’s next

The Mavericks and Grizzlies will face off on Thursday, March 12, 2026, with Memphis looking to complete the season sweep.

The takeaway

This matchup showcases the contrasting fortunes of two teams heading in different directions, as the Grizzlies aim to extend their dominance over the struggling Mavericks and the young Dallas squad led by Flagg looks to turn things around and gain some momentum in their rebuilding efforts.