Mavericks Secure Victory in Summer League Opener
The Dallas Mavericks secured a 96-88 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in 2026 NBA Summer League action on Monday. The Mavericks’ bench unit played a significant role in the win, contributing a substantial portion of the team’s total points. The game, held in Las Vegas, saw the Mavericks maintain a lead despite several ties throughout the contest.
The Mavericks held a three-point advantage as the fourth quarter commenced. Although the Grizzlies managed to tie the game eight times, the Mavericks prevented them from mounting a successful fourth-quarter comeback. The team’s overall shooting performance was strong, converting 50.8% of their field goals and 46.2% from beyond the arc.
Bench Production Fuels Mavericks Offense
A key factor in the Mavericks’ win was the scoring output from their reserves. Of the team’s 96 points, 51 came from players off the bench. Darin Green Jr. led this effort, scoring 18 points while also adding five assists, three rebounds, and two steals. His performance was crucial in providing an offensive spark for Dallas.
Other notable contributions from the Mavericks’ bench included Jaden Springer, who recorded 17 points, and Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu, who scored 16 points on efficient shooting, making 7-for-8 from the floor. This collective effort from the reserves highlighted the depth of the Mavericks’ Summer League roster.
De Larrea and Diaz-Graham Lead Starting Unit
While the bench provided a significant scoring boost, the starting unit also delivered strong performances. First-round pick Sergio De Larrea showcased his playmaking abilities, finishing with 16 points and 12 assists, securing a double-double. De Larrea, a 20-year-old selected 25th overall in the 2026 NBA Draft, took on the role of primary ballhandler and playmaker for the Mavericks.
De Larrea’s performance was particularly promising for the Mavericks, especially given the team’s need for additional playmaking. Standing at 6’5″, his size allows him to effectively see over defenders and utilize his on-ball feel. Despite turning the ball over four times, his ability to create opportunities for teammates was evident. He has prior experience playing professionally with Valencia in the Liga ACB in Europe for the past four seasons, which could contribute to his readiness for the NBA.
Jorge Diaz-Graham also contributed significantly to the starting unit with 11 points and 10 rebounds, also achieving a double-double. Their combined efforts from the starting lineup complemented the strong bench play, contributing to the team’s overall success.
Grizzlies’ Efforts Led by Boozer and Coward
For the Memphis Grizzlies, Cameron Boozer, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, led all players with 21 points. He also contributed eight rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Cedric Coward, the No. 11 overall pick in 2025, added 17 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists. Olivier-Maxence Prosper also scored 18 points and grabbed five rebounds for Memphis.
Despite these individual performances, only three Grizzlies players reached double-digit scoring. The team struggled with their shooting efficiency, converting only 37.2% from the field and 28.6% from three-point range. This disparity in shooting percentages between the two teams played a role in the final outcome of the game.
Upcoming Summer League Schedule
Looking ahead, the Dallas Mavericks are scheduled to play their next Summer League game against the Thunder at the Thomas & Mack Center on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Memphis Grizzlies will have a back-to-back game, facing the Golden State Warriors at the Pavilion on Tuesday.
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Source: nba.com
