Hardy, Lively Stand Out as Mavericks Fall to Grizzlies in Preseason Opener

The Dallas Mavericks opened their preseason with a 121-116 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night at American Airlines Center. Despite the absence of key players Luka Dončić, Kyrie Irving, and Klay Thompson, the game provided head coach Jason Kidd a chance to evaluate the team’s depth, development and defensive potential.

Kidd emphasized that health and chemistry would be the focus for the preseason. “Going forward, Klay and Kai will most likely play in the last three preseason games to get that continuity against the opponent and get some rhythm going,” Kidd said. “Hopefully, Luka’s back soon so we can get those guys paired up and ready.”

Jazian Gortman’s Hot Shooting Sparks Early Momentum

With the regular starters sitting out, the Mavericks started Jaden Hardy, Spencer Dinwiddie, Quentin Grimes, Naji Marshall, and Daniel Gafford. Early on, Dallas struggled offensively as Memphis rookie center Zach Edey controlled the paint and forced the Mavericks into difficult shots. However, Dallas kept the game close thanks to its defensive intensity and a key shooting outburst from Jazian Gortman off the bench.

The Mavericks registered 19 steals by applying aggressive ball pressure in the half-court, making it difficult for the Grizzlies to comfortably get into their offense. Dallas frequently disrupted Memphis’ rhythm and forced 21 turnovers, which kept the game close, even as the Grizzlies led 17-10 early in the first quarter.

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Jaden Hardy emphasized the importance of defense for the team’s success, expressing how it’s something the coaching staff continues to focus on. “Defense is something Coach Kidd and the staff talk about all the time,” Hardy explained. “We’ve got to defend if we want to win a championship. It’s going to start on that end of the floor. For me, it’s about bringing energy, picking up full court, and making the opposing team uncomfortable.” Hardy contributed defensively with 3 steals, helping Dallas generate transition opportunities.

Kidd echoed the focus on defense, praising the team’s activity on that end, saying, “Just the deflections and turnovers we created—that group was active tonight, and that’s a big positive. The deflections, active hands, and being able to convert on those plays were good.” Kidd noted that while the team struggled from mid-range, their defensive energy was a clear positive to build on.

Jazian Gortman, competing for a roster spot, also provided a spark on both ends of the floor. His aggressive defense contributed to his 4 steals, and his hot shooting helped the Mavericks stay within striking distance. Gortman finished with 20 points, including several key baskets, keeping Dallas competitive throughout the game.

Jaden Hardy, Dereck Lively II Lead Second-Quarter Surge

In the second quarter, Hardy took control of the game, showcasing both his scoring and playmaking abilities. After getting off to a slow start, he finished with 21 points and 9 assists, hitting 6-of-10 from 3-point range.

Hardy’s ongoing growth in running the offense and keep the team organized played a key role in Dallas’ success during this stretch. “I had a chance to run the point and get us organized,” Hardy said. “I feel like I did a great job getting everyone involved and just having fun out there.”

Hardy, now entering his third season, is focused on becoming more than just a scorer. The Mavericks are looking for him to take the next step in his development by improving his decision-making and leadership. “Coach Kidd wants me to be a playmaker, not just someone who scores the ball,” Hardy said. “He’s looking for me to get others involved, make the right reads, and knock down open shots. But most importantly, he’s looking for defensive energy, being able to bring intensity on that end of the floor.”

Playing alongside stars like Kyrie Irving and Luka Dončić means Hardy has to find ways to impact the game beyond scoring. “When you play with guys like Luka and Kyrie, they’re such great scorers that you have to bring something else to the table,” Hardy added. “For me, it’s about being a two-way player, contributing defensively, and making the right decisions offensively.”

Dereck Lively II Showcases Versatility for Dallas Mavericks

Dereck Lively II provided a spark on both ends of the floor. He finished with 12 points on 5-of-5 shooting and added 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals. Lively’s versatility was highlighted in a coast-to-cast drive that featured a push crossover before a spin move into finish at the rim.

“I was like, ‘Man, if you’re going to do it, you better score,’ and he did!” Hardy said, laughing about Lively’s play. “He’s showing us more every game—his ability to put the ball on the floor and make plays is special.”

Kidd joked that Tyson Chandler, who often works closely with Lively, must be showing Lively film of his Dominguez High career when he handed the ball.

“I think Tyson Chandler has been showing him some point guard skills from back in his Dominguez High days (laughs),” Kidd said. “I’ll have to ask Tyson what videos they’ve been watching—point guard tapes.”

Lively had a sequence that included consecutive emphatic transition dunks and added a jump hook on a post-up before his night ended. Kidd praised Lively’s growing skill set and impact, saying, “It’s great to see Lively’s versatility. We know he can shoot the three, and now he’s showing us he can put the ball on the floor and make plays at the rim,” Kidd explained. “His skill set is unique, and he keeps developing. He’s showing us what he can do.”

Although Lively is expected to play a significant role this season, Kidd chose to bring him off the bench for this preseason opener. “We wanted to see something different and look at the rotations,” Kidd explained. “We did this in Vegas with [Gafford] starting in the first group. With so many people out, we wanted to try different combinations and see how guys played together.”

By halftime, the Mavericks were tied 60-60, thanks in large part to their 12 steals in the first half and strong performances from Hardy and Lively.

Memphis Grizzlies Hold on Despite Ja Morant’s Injury Exit

Morant, who initially left the game in the second quarter with an ankle injury, returned to score seven more points but exited again early in the third quarter after a two-handed dunk. His absence was precautionary, according to multiple reports.

“I’m good, it’s preseason, man,” Morant told reporters after the game. Head coach Taylor Jenkins also said Morant’s exit was precautionary and that he would be reevaluated when the team returned to Memphis.

The Grizzlies, already without Jaren Jackson Jr. due to a hamstring injury, leaned on their depth to maintain control. Brandon Clarke finished with 17 points on 7-of-13 shooting, while Edey added 6 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 block. Memphis took advantage of its size and rebounding ability to keep Dallas at bay, especially as Spencer Dinwiddie struggled offensively with just 4 points on 1-of-6 shooting.

Jake LaRavia, who had 14 points, and rookie Jaylen Wells, who hit a timely 3-pointer in the fourth quarter, helped Memphis withstand Dallas’ late push.

Fourth-Quarter Push Falls Short for Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks continued to pressure Memphis defensively, but their offense wasn’t able to close the gap late. Despite forcing 19 steals overall, Dallas’ shooting efficiency fell short, with key players like Dinwiddie and Naji Marshall struggling to score consistently.

Olivier-Maxence Prosper logged 31 minutes, adding 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists, but he shot just 4-of-12 from the field. Gortman, who finished with 20 points and 4 steals, was one of the Mavericks’ most effective players down the stretch, but the team couldn’t overcome Memphis’ size and rebounding advantage in the closing minutes.

LaRavia’s late-game scoring, including several aggressive drives, helped the Grizzlies seal the 121-116 win. “Jake’s been one of the biggest talks of camp,” Jenkins said. “And he showed why tonight with his energy and shot-making.”

Jazian Gortman Shines in Quest for a Roster Spot

One of the biggest stories of the night was Jazian Gortman, who put on an explosive shooting display off the bench. Gortman’s 20 points provided a much-needed spark for the Mavericks. However, his aggressive defense, including 4 steals, complemented his offensive outburst.

“My mindset was simple—if I’m open and the ball comes to me, I’m shooting it,” Gortman said after the game. “In the NBA, especially with a team like this, Luka and Kyrie have all the attention. So when the ball comes your way, you’ve got to take that opportunity and make it count.”

Gortman, who is competing for a roster spot, relished the opportunity to showcase his skills on both ends of the floor. “I’m trying to make this team, and I’m going to play my heart out every time I step on the floor,” Gortman said. “That’s just how I play, so I’m going to keep playing hard and let things fall into place from there.”

Kidd took notice of Gortman’s performance and praised his toughness and energy. “Gortman’s tough. I loved what he did tonight. He was aggressive, shot the ball well, and kept us organized,” Kidd said. “He’s not scared, and he’s tough—those are qualities you need. The last two-way spot is going to be interesting to see who we can go with.”

Newcomers Adjusting to the Dallas Mavericks System

Quentin Grimes made his Mavericks debut and contributed 8 points, four rebounds, and four assists. Although he struggled from 3-point range, missing all three attempts, Grimes said the preseason is about acclimating to the Mavericks’ defensive schemes and style of play.

“For me, it’s about building good habits, especially defensively, and getting in sync with the guys,” Grimes said. “I know what I bring—shooting, defense, and making the right plays—but preseason is about laying the groundwork for the regular season.”

Grimes also noted that playing with big men like Lively and Gafford helps create open shots for shooters like himself. “When those big guys are pressuring the rim, the defense has to help in, and that creates open shots for guys like me,” Grimes added.

Marshall, who contributed 9 points and six rebounds, also had an off night shooting (4-of-11), but his energy on defense was evident throughout the game.

Up Next

The Mavericks will host the Utah Jazz on Thursday at American Airlines Center as their preseason schedule continues. After that, Dallas will travel to face the Los Angeles Clippers before returning home to play the Milwaukee Bucks. The team will use these games to continue evaluating their roster and integrating their stars ahead of the regular season.