Middleton's 4th-Quarter Burst Lifts Mavericks Over Grizzlies

Dallas snaps 8-game skid with 120-112 victory behind Middleton's season-high 35 points

Mar. 13, 2026 at 2:35am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Khris Middleton scored a season-high 35 points, including 22 in the fourth quarter, to lead the Dallas Mavericks to a 120-112 victory over the short-handed Memphis Grizzlies. Daniel Gafford added a season-best 22 points and 14 rebounds as the Mavericks snapped an 8-game losing streak.

Why it matters

The win ends a frustrating stretch for the Mavericks, who had lost 8 straight games prior to this victory. Despite the Grizzlies' numerous injuries, this was an important confidence-boosting win for Dallas as they look to make a late-season playoff push.

The details

The Mavericks led by as many as 20 points in the first half, but the Grizzlies stormed back in the third quarter to cut the deficit to just 2 points heading into the fourth. That's when Middleton took over, scoring the first 11 Dallas points of the final period to push the lead back to double digits. Middleton finished the game 10-of-17 from the field, including 8-of-10 from 3-point range.

  • The Mavericks led 65-54 at halftime.
  • Dallas outrebounded Memphis 60-38, their highest rebounding total of the season.

The players

Khris Middleton

A veteran forward for the Dallas Mavericks who scored a season-high 35 points, including 22 in the fourth quarter, to lead his team to victory.

Daniel Gafford

A center for the Dallas Mavericks who added a season-best 22 points and 14 rebounds in the win.

Jahmai Mashack

A guard for the short-handed Memphis Grizzlies, who were missing several key players due to injury.

Tyler Burton

A forward signed to a 10-day contract from the Grizzlies' G League affiliate, the Memphis Hustle, to help fill in for the team's numerous injured players.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Khris Middleton was unstoppable in the fourth quarter. He really took the game over for us when we needed it most.”

— Jason Kidd, Dallas Mavericks Head Coach (sfgate.com)

What’s next

The Mavericks will look to build on this win as they host the Cavaliers on Friday, their only home game in a 9-game stretch. The short-handed Grizzlies will try to get healthier as they visit the Pistons on Friday.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the importance of having a go-to scorer like Khris Middleton, who was able to take over in the fourth quarter to lead his team to victory. It also showed the challenges the injury-plagued Grizzlies are facing, having to rely on G League call-ups to fill out their roster.