Grizzlies top Mavs to book 1st-round clash with Thunder

The Memphis Grizzlies will face the No. 1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the playoffs after eliminating the Dallas Mavericks in Friday's play-in decider.

Jaren Jackson Jr. poured in 24 points to lead the Grizzlies to the 120-106 victory. Memphis advances to the playoffs after finishing 13th in the Western Conference a year ago.

"We're still alive, that's all that matters," Jackson said postgame, according to Grind City Media. "We got it done at home, something to feel good about ... now we're onto the playoffs."

* If necessary

The Mavs' Anthony Davis posted a game-high 40 points in a losing effort but was severely limited in the fourth quarter as he battled an apparent calf injury. Davis outscored all four other Dallas starters combined.

Ja Morant was able to play for the Grizzlies despite a right ankle sprain. He reportedly received injections to help with pain pregame.

"I couldn't feel it ... so I was out there," Morant said postgame, according to ESPN.

The star wound up dropping 22 points, nine assists, and two steals to contribute to the win.

"I've learned not to doubt (Morant) too much," Grizzlies interim head coach Tuomas Iisalo said, per Grind City Media. "He comes up with some stuff that I'm not sure there's any other human being on the planet that can do."

The Grizzlies dominated from the opening tip. They led by as many as 25 and didn't allow the Mavs to hold a single lead.

Dallas misses the playoffs a year after reaching the NBA Finals. It's a sour end to its season after trading superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Davis in February.