LAS VEGAS — The Dallas Mavericks secured a 96-88 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in their third NBA Summer League game on Monday at UNLV’s Thomas & Mack Arena. The win, which improved the Mavericks to a 1-2 record, was fueled by a significant contribution from the bench, which accounted for 51 of the team’s 96 total points.
Bench Production Sparks Dallas Victory
The Mavericks’ reserves proved instrumental in overcoming an early deficit. After Grizzlies standout Cam Boozer opened the game with six quick points, Mavericks coach Joe Boylan utilized his bench to shift the momentum. Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu, who entered the game early, provided an immediate spark by scoring his first three baskets on fast-break transitions. His performance helped ignite a 20-4 run that propelled Dallas to a 24-19 lead by the end of the first quarter. Akobundu-Ehiogu finished the game with 16 points and four rebounds, recording four alley-oop finishes throughout the contest. Complementing this effort was Darin Green Jr., who led the Mavericks with 18 points and five rebounds. Green’s efficiency was notable in the first half, as he connected on his first four shots, including three from beyond the arc. Jaden Springer also bolstered the scoring effort with 17 points, helping the Mavericks maintain their lead despite the Grizzlies tying the game eight times.
Sergio de Larrea’s Playmaking Masterclass
While the bench provided the scoring punch, rookie guard Sergio de Larrea anchored the Mavericks’ offense. The 20-year-old, selected 25th overall in the 2026 NBA Draft, recorded a double-double with 16 points and 12 assists. De Larrea, who previously played four seasons with Valencia in Spain’s Liga ACB, demonstrated playmaking poise throughout the night, committing only three turnovers. De Larrea’s impact peaked late in the game when he found his shooting rhythm.
Grizzlies Performance and Context
Despite the loss, the Grizzlies received high-level production from their top prospects. Cam Boozer, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, led all players with 21 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Former Maverick Olivier-Maxence Prosper contributed 18 points and five rebounds, while 2025 No. 11 overall pick Cedric Coward recorded a double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds. The Mavericks’ victory was characterized by efficient shooting, as the team finished the night hitting 50.8% of their field goals and 46.2% of their 3-point attempts. In contrast, the Grizzlies struggled from the floor, shooting 37.2% overall and 28.6% from behind the arc.
Roster Status and Upcoming Schedule
The game saw several notable absences for the Mavericks. Morez Johnson Jr. sat out the contest due to calf soreness and is unlikely to return for the remainder of the Summer League. Guard Ryan Nembhard also missed the game due to an illness. Following the win, the Mavericks look ahead to their final Summer League game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, scheduled for Thursday at the Thomas & Mack Center. The Grizzlies are set for a quick turnaround, facing the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday at the Pavilion.
Key Statistics from Monday’s Matchup
| Player | Points | Assists | Notable Contribution | | :— | :— | :— | :— | | Sergio de Larrea | 16 | 12 | Double-double | | Darin Green Jr. | 18 | 5 | Led team in scoring | | Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu | 16 | 0 | 4 alley-oop finishes | | Cam Boozer (Grizzlies) | 21 | 3 | Game-high points | | Cedric Coward (Grizzlies) | 17 | 4 | 12 rebounds |
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