The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 96-88 [1] during an NBA Summer League exhibition game in Las Vegas on July 13, 2026 [2].

These games serve as a critical evaluation period for NBA franchises. They allow teams to assess the readiness of rookies and undrafted players in a competitive environment before the regular season begins [3].

Dallas controlled the pace of the game to secure the eight-point victory [1]. A key contribution came from Darin Green Jr., who provided a spark for the Mavericks by scoring 18 points off the bench [1].

The contest took place in Las Vegas, Nevada, which serves as the primary venue for the Summer League circuit [2]. The event is designed to give young prospects maximum visibility and playing time, a luxury rarely afforded to them during the standard NBA season [3].

Memphis struggled to contain the Dallas offense throughout the matchup. While the Grizzlies remained competitive, they were unable to overcome the late-game surge from the Mavericks [1].

The 2026 schedule continues to highlight emerging talent, including high-profile prospects and developmental players fighting for guaranteed roster spots [3, 4]. The Mavericks' victory adds a positive data point to their internal evaluations of the current crop of young talent.

Mavericks 96, Grizzlies 88

Summer League results are rarely indicative of regular-season success, but they provide essential data on player chemistry and individual skill progression. For Dallas, the efficiency of bench players like Darin Green Jr. suggests a depth of talent that could provide insurance for the main roster. For Memphis, these exhibition losses highlight specific developmental gaps that the coaching staff must address before the official season opens.