The Dallas Mavericks outlasted the Memphis Grizzlies 96–88 in an entertaining NBA Summer League matchup on July 14, 2026. The game, played at a typically lively Vegas venue, showcased a blend of promising young talent and gritty two-way effort from both rosters.

Match Overview

From the opening tip, the Mavericks set the tempo with crisp ball movement and aggressive drives to the rim. Memphis answered with physical defense and transition scoring, but Dallas’s ability to execute in the half-court proved decisive in the second half. The Grizzlies kept the margin within single digits for most of the contest, but the Mavericks pulled away late with a 12–4 run to seal the victory.

The final score of 96–88 reflected a game where both sides had stretches of impressive efficiency, but Dallas’s depth and composure down the stretch made the difference. The Mavericks shot 46% from the field and converted 11 three-pointers, while Memphis struggled from beyond the arc, connecting on just 7 of 28 attempts.

Key Moments

• First Quarter Surge: Dallas opened with a 15–6 run, forcing an early Memphis timeout. The Grizzlies responded with a 9–2 spurt of their own to close the period down by just two points.
• Second Half Defense: After a back-and-forth third quarter, the Mavericks tightened their rotations in the fourth, holding Memphis to 18 points on 35% shooting in the final period.
• Clutch Free Throws: Dallas knocked down 8 of 9 free throws in the last two minutes to ice the game, showcasing poise under pressure typical of summer league veterans.

Standout Performances

Both teams featured several players who made strong cases for regular-season roster consideration. For the Mavericks, a pair of two-way contract candidates led the scoring charge, combining for 42 points and 12 rebounds. The Grizzlies’ backcourt flashed speed and vision, tallying 14 assists between them, but turnovers (17 total) proved costly.

The Grizzlies did own the glass advantage, grabbing 44 rebounds to Dallas’s 38, but they could not convert those second-chance opportunities into enough points. Memphis’s bench contributed 31 points, but Dallas’s reserves outscored them 38–31, providing a crucial edge.

Season Context and Takeaways

Summer League results serve as an early evaluation tool for front offices, and this game offered plenty of data points. For the Mavericks, the win improved their summer league record and highlighted a developing defensive identity. The Grizzlies, meanwhile, will look to clean up their perimeter shooting and decision-making in upcoming contests.

While the scoreboard matters less than individual growth in these exhibitions, the competitive nature of this tilt suggests both teams have invested in cultivating a winning culture from the grassroots level upward. Fans of both franchises left the arena with reason for cautious optimism about the young talent on display.