In Memphis, Ja Morant shrugged off a sprained right ankle for 22 points, nine assists, seven rebounds and three steals for the Grizzlies.
The 25-year-old two-time All-Star suffered the injury in his side’s opening play-in loss to the Golden State Warriors and was only cleared to play shortly before the start of Friday’s game.
“Got an MRI, ultrasound, met with different doctors, got a shot, slept, woke up, came to the gym about 5:30, went through walkthrough,” Morant said.
“After that, sat for about 30 minutes until it was time to see another doctor and get an injection and start my pre-game stuff.”
Asked after the game how the ankle held up, he said, with a laugh, “I couldn’t feel it, that’s why I was out there.”
Zach Edey added 15 points and 11 rebounds for the Grizzlies while Scotty Pippen Jr hit 13 points.
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd paid tribute to his players after their season.
“We had an incredible season when you look at the injuries that we’ve had, the Doncic trade, and for us to even be here playing in this game is incredible,” Kidd said.
“It shows the character of that group in the locker room, the fight, and being prepared. It was an incredible season and with the change and injuries, some people were saying we shouldn’t be here.”
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