The Memphis Grizzlies must have been homesick Tuesday. After spending a couple of weeks playing at home, they hit the road for Dallas and struggled mightily at the start in a 100-82 loss.
The Grizzlies (9-19) played one of their worst first quarters of the season, managing only 12 points in the frame, and spent the final three quarters trying in vain to climb out of the hole.
The Grizzlies shot 38 percent overall, a considerable dropoff from their recent performances. Their offense was erratic and unorganized for much of the game, preventing them from getting any real opportunities to cut into the Mavericks’ lead.
Although they managed to whittle it down to 89-80 in the fourth quarter, a quick shot by Rudy Gay on the next possession initiated a fast break for Dallas (16-11) and helped put the game away. The unnecessary 3-point attempt was just one of many bad shots the Grizzlies took, a combined result of the Mavericks’ defense and their own offensive breakdowns.
The Grizzlies still have not made the mental adjustments necessary for winning on the road. Everytime they leave Memphis they seem to leave behind what they have learned in previous games and always look like deer in the headlights. At some point something needs to click for them mentally. In order to be a playoff contender they will have to win at least half of their road games.
Hakim Warrick led Memphis with 17 points while Rudy Gay scored 16 and Kyle Lowry added 15. Neither Darko Milicic nor Quinton Ross scored a point.in 38 combined minutes. Marc Gasol managed only five points and four rebounds.
Five Mavericks scored in double figures led by Dirk Nowitzki’s 21. Erick Dampier provided an extra spark for Dallas with 13 points and nine rebounds.
The Grizzlies will return to action Friday when they host Indiana at 7 p.m.
