Grizzlies coach J.B. Bickerstaff discusses his team's need for rebounding before a game against the Mavericks on November 19, 2018.
David Cobb, The Commercial Appeal
Marc Gasol pounded the floor in jubilation as a crowd of 15,997 at FedExForum reached its noise apex.
The Grizzlies had just forced a second Mavericks turnover in under 20 seconds late in the fourth quarter.
Never mind that Dallas entered on a four-game winning streak.
This game was going the direction so many other Grizzlies games have gone this season.
Memphis pounded the Mavericks into submission Monday night, winning 98-88 and ascending to a tie for first place in the Western Conference standings.
See where the Grizzlies stand: NBA Western Conference standings
The Grizzlies (11-5) play at San Antonio on Wednesday night. They will enter as winners in six of their last seven games.
Here are some observations from Monday's game.
Defense wins again
Memphis held Dallas to 14 points in the fourth quarter, its defense sucking the soul from yet another quality opponent.
The Mavericks (7-9) had scored 100 points in every game this season until Monday. The Grizzlies held them under 90 the day after holding the Timberwolves under that same benchmark.
Marc Gasol weighs in on the Memphis Grizzlies' hot start after the team's victory Dallas on Nov. 19.
David Cobb, The Commercial Appeal
"I think for our guys to come in here on a back-to-back, there’s always those built-in excuses, and for us to hold them to 14 points in the fourth quarter says a lot about our group of guys," Grizzlies coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. "You could be tired. You could be worn out, no legs and all that, but our guys stepped up and defended. That’s special."
Clutch Conley
Mike Conley tied a career high with seven 3-pointers, including two in the fourth quarter.
But he was clutch throughout the game.
Conley drained a 3-pointer and drew a foul from Jalen Brunson with 1.5 seconds left in the first half, turning a tied game into a 53-49 Grizzlies lead as the teams headed to the locker room.
Dallas came out with a pair of quick 3-pointers in the third quarter. Memphis countered with two Conley triples to match the Mavericks' hot start to the quarter.
Conley finished with 28 points, seven assists and five rebounds.
"I think over the last few weeks, it's slowly starting to come around," Conley said. "My coaches and teammates have done a great job of trying to get me going, and tonight it all came together."
Jaren Jackson Jr., Luka Doncic battle
Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle acknowledged that Jaren Jackson Jr. was "very much" on his radar during this summer's NBA draft when the Mavericks, who had the third pick, ended up with Luka Doncic.
Jackson fell to Memphis at No. 4.
The two 19-year-old rookies squared off for the first time Monday. Jackson looked better early as Doncic struggled during an 0-for-6 first quarter.
Jackson poked the ball from Doncic at the top of the key early in the second quarter and scored on a one-man fast break.
Eventually, Doncic found a rhythm, racking up 15 points. But he struggled late.
Kyle Anderson provided a late-game dagger when he stole the ball from Doncic and scored. It was the first of the two Dallas turnovers that led to Gasol's floor-pounding euphoria.
“We didn’t play well the last five minutes; we have to learn from that," Doncic said. "I think we should, especially me, protect more in the paint. I blame myself for this loss. Missed way too many 3-point shots and didn’t make many in the paint, so I blame myself for that.”
Jackson Jr. retains starting spot
The rookie held on to his starting role for a second straight game after the return of JaMychal Green from a broken jaw.
Green has started 146 games over the past four seasons with the Grizzlies and began the season as the starting power forward.
"Right now, we'll keep it as is, let him work his way back in," Bickerstaff said. "For us, it's about you contribute no matter what position you are, whether you're a starter or coming off the bench."
Green and Jackson played together in harmony as Marc Gasol rested during portions of both halves, and each turned in proficient individual performances.
In his first game back at FedExForum since the injury that caused him to miss 12 games, Green hit 5-of-8 shots for 12 points in 15 minutes.
"We've got a bunch of unselfish dudes who just want to help, and he's no different," Bickerstaff said. "He'll get his minutes, he'll get to contribute. You never know what can happen."
Jackson finished with 13 points and three rebounds in 36 minutes.
Thanksgiving Sale: Get unlimited access to Commercial Appeal for less than $1 a month
Reach David Cobb at david.cobb@commercialappeal.com and on Twitter @DavidWCobb.
NBA: Grizzlies have good reasons to potentially sign Joakim Noah
NBA: How JaMychal Green's return affects the Memphis Grizzlies
NBA: Grizzlies 100, Timberwolves 87: Memphis stifles hot Minnesota