Middleton's Fourth-Quarter Surge Lifts Mavericks Over Grizzlies

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

Mar. 13, 2026 at 2:49am

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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 difficult stretch for the Mavericks, who had lost 8 straight games prior to this matchup. Despite the Grizzlies' injury issues, this was an important confidence-boosting victory for Dallas as they look to get their season back on track.

The details

Middleton was the driving force for the Mavericks, shooting 10-of-17 from the field and 8-of-10 from 3-point range. Dallas also dominated the interior, outscoring Memphis 64-42 in the paint and winning the rebounding battle 60-38. The Grizzlies were missing 11 players due to various injuries and ailments.

  • The Mavericks led 65-54 at halftime.

The players

Khris Middleton

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

Daniel Gafford

A big man who added a season-best 22 points and 14 rebounds for the Mavericks.

Jaylen Wells

The leading scorer for the short-handed Grizzlies with 23 points.

GG Jackson

A rookie who finished with 20 points for Memphis.

Javon Small

The Grizzlies' point guard who had 19 points and 9 assists.

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What’s next

The Mavericks will host the Cavaliers on Friday, their only home game in a 9-game stretch. The Grizzlies will travel to Detroit to face the Pistons on the same night.

The takeaway

This victory could be a turning point for the Mavericks, who have struggled mightily during their recent 8-game losing skid. Middleton's heroics and the team's dominance in the paint suggest Dallas may be poised to get back on track, even as the Grizzlies continue to deal with a rash of injuries.