Ja Morant scores 35, but Memphis Grizzlies' offense struggles in loss to Dallas Mavericks

Five of the Memphis Grizzlies' top eight scorers were absent on Sunday night against the Dallas Mavericks. That production was too much to overcome against a red-hot defense. 

The Mavericks defeated the Grizzlies 104-91 at American Airlines Center. It was the Mavericks' second consecutive victory over Memphis, giving them a 3-1 regular season series win.

Dallas (27-20) has turned around its season jumping to fourth in the NBA in defensive efficiency.

Grizzlies guard Ja Morant was aggressive and flying down the court possession after possession. He scored 35 points and tied his career high with 13 rebounds.

Morant didn't get much offensive help as the Grizzlies (32-17) shot 4-for-24 on 3-pointers, but the Mavericks weren't giving up many easy shots.

Dallas star Luka Doncic had 37 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists.

"Our defense was there, just offense couldn't get it done," Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said. "Especially nights where your offense isn't going, you can really slide on the defensive end and give up 120 points

Here are some observations from the Grizzlies'  loss:

Offensive struggle

Besides Morant, Ziaire Williams was the only other player who made multiple first-half field goals for the Grizzlies, and he was a paltry 2-for-9.

Dillon Brooks and Desmond Bane are two players who can help space the floor, create shots and take pressure off Morant. Tyus Jones gets players in easy positions with precise passing. None of those players were available. Outside of Morant, other players struggled to create shots and playmaking opportunities. Jenkins played Morant 41 minutes. He played the entire second half until leaving the game with one minute, 41 seconds remaining. 

"I was trying to win, I felt fine." Morant said. "I'm 22 years old. Normally around this age you can run all day."

Jaren Jackson Jr. had 10 points on 4-for-17 shooting. De'Anthony Melton was the lone other Grizzlies player in double figures with 12. The Mavs also only had three players in double figures, but they shot 49% while the Grizzlies finished at 37%.

Taste of its own medicine

Usually it is the Grizzlies making teams think twice when going for contested shots around the rim. Memphis got a taste of its own medicine when the Mavericks blocked 12 shots. Most of that work was done by the 7-foot-3 Kristaps Porzingis, who had six blocks. 

Memphis finished with three blocks. Jackson didn't record a block for just the fifth time this season. 

Playoff preview? 

The Mavericks won the regular season series, but neither team has been at full strength. Dallas is surging its way up the Western Conference standings. Right now, Memphis is the No. 3 seed and Dallas is fifth. 

Next up

The Grizzlies have two days off before their final game of a four-game road trip. They'll face the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday (7:30 p.m., Bally Sports Southeast). 

Contact Damichael Cole at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com and on Twitter @damichaelc