Roddy leads fourth-quarter rally as Grizzlies beat Mavericks

MEMPHIS,Tenn. (AP) — Rookie David Roddy scored a career-high 24 points,including 17 points in the fourth quarter, as the Memphis Grizzliesrallied for a 112-108 victory over the short-handed DallasMavericks on Saturday night.

Roddyconnected on 7 of 8 shots in the fourth, including 3 of 4 fromoutside the arc. Desmond Bane led the Grizzlies with 25 points,while Jaren Jackson Jr. finished with 14 points.

Tim HardawayJr. lead the Mavericks with 23 points, while Jaden Hardy finishedwith 22. Josh Green added 21 points for Dallas.

Two of theNBA’s biggest stars — the Mavericks’ Luka Doncic and Memphis’ JaMorant — were absent from the game. Doncic has a left thigh strain,while Morant is away from the team after posting a video lastweekend in which he appeared to be displaying a gun at aDenver-area strip club.

Thateliminated the top scorers from the two Western Conference teams.Then Dallas’ Kyrie Irving was a late scratch with right footsoreness.

But Dallasstayed close in the first half, despite Memphis shooting 55%. Andthe Mavericks would overtake Memphis in the third. Hardaway had 13points in the period as Dallas outscored the Grizzlies 33-21.

And theMavericks continued to extend the lead to open the fourth.

TIP-INS

Mavericks:Rookie Jaden Hardy started his first NBA game at G. ... Defeatedthe Grizzlies 137-96 in Dallas’ home opener this season. ... Are12-21 on the road.

Grizzlies:Jones recorded his 2,000th career assist in the second quarter. ...Snapped a four-game losing streak to Dallas.

MOREADVICE FOR MORANT

The troubleswith Morant continue to be the talk of the league, whether itsquestions from the media or responses from coaches. The Grizzliesguard is expected to be away from the team at least two moregames.

Prompted by aquestion, Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said sometimes young playersare given high status too early. He said it is important for Morantto have someone to talk to without any negativity and provide theright advice.

“Hopefully,with the time away from the team, he will become stronger on andoff the floor, and he will be able to share his story to become aleader and a mentor,” Kidd said.

UPNEXT

The two teamsplay each other in Dallas on Monday.