Mavs attempt to sweep Grizzlies out of the playoffs

(Basketball News) - The Dallas Mavericks can sweep the Memphis Grizzlies out of the playoffs tonight, as the teams meet for Game 4 of their first-round series at the FedExForum.

Memphis is appearing in the postseason for the third straight year. The Grizzlies were swept in 2004 by San Antonio and by Phoenix in the 2005 Playoffs. They are 0-11 all-time in the postseason.

After winning Games 1 and 2 at home, the Mavericks captured Game 3 on the road and took total control of the series. On Saturday, Dirk Nowitzki poured in 36 points and pulled down nine rebounds as No. 4 Dallas edged the fifth-seeded Grizzlies, 94-89, in overtime to take a commanding lead in their Western Conference quarterfinal series at the FedExForum.

Jason Terry added 22 points in Game 3s victory for the Mavericks, while Josh Howard finished 16 points in the win.

Chucky Atkins recorded 20 points in the loss for the Grizzlies, while All-Star Pau Gasol contributed 16 points and seven boards and Eddie Jones netted 14 in defeat.

Dallas has won two straight Game 4s in the postseason. The Mavericks are 3-5 in their last eight contests when they have a chance to eliminate their opponent from the playoffs.

The last time the Mavericks swept a playoff series was in the 2002 first round when they defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves, 3-0.

If the Grizzlies win tonight, Game 5 is scheduled to be played on Wednesday at American Airlines Center.

This is the first time that the Grizzlies and Mavericks have met in the postseason.

The Mavericks were eliminated in six games in last year’s Western Conference semifinals by Phoenix. They have advanced to the conference finals twice in franchise history (1988, 2003) and have never been to the NBA Finals.

The last time Dallas lost in the opening round was during the 2003 playoffs, when it lost in five games, 4-1, to the Sacramento Kings.

During the regular season, Dallas won three of its four contests against the Grizzlies. The Mavericks won two at the FedExForum, while the teams split a pair at American Airlines Center.

Dallas was a solid 26-15 on the road during the regular season, while the Grizzlies were an impressive 30-11 at FedExForum.

DAL MEM

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