NBA Game Recap: 5 Keys to the Grizzlies' Victory

With a hard-fought 96-85 victory over the division rival Dallas Mavericks, the Memphis Grizzlies have moved one game closer towards their goal of making the 2012 NBA Playoffs. With San Antonio losing 96-89 to the Bulls, they've also moved one game closer to their first division title in franchise history.

The victory wasn't easy, nor was it pretty. Between elbows flying, back and forth second half rallies and a key injury, this game was anything but normal. Nevertheless, the Grizzlies pulled it out.

How did it happen? I have the answers right here.

Honorable Mention: Key Injuries

Early in the first quarter, Dirk Nowitzki headed to the Mavericks' locker room with an apparent back injury. He came back a few minutes later, but after missing badly on a jumper, Nowitzki left the floor for good.

On the Grizzlies' end, both Marc Gasol and Tony Allen were on the receiving end of flailing elbows. Fortunately, neither ended up injured.

In the third quarter, Rudy Gay blocked a shot to prevent an and-one after a Memphis foul. After the play he had two fingers taped up. He played the rest of the game, though, so there is no immediate cause for concern.

5. Wear and Tear Attack

From the opening tip-off to the final buzzer, the Grizzlies were persistent in getting the ball down low. Marc Gasol had a touch on nearly every possession and when he was off the floor, Dante Cunningham sure as hell made up for his absence.

The Mavericks' interior, weakened by the absence of both Dirk Nowitzki and Lamar Odom, had no answer. Whether it was Rudy Gay posting up or Marc Gasol lowering the boom on defenders, the Mavericks couldn't find a way to stop them. This opened up a unique inside-out game that allowed the Mavericks' zone to be split by driving ball handlers. It also allowed Dante Cunningham to finesse his way to numerous baskets in the paint.

On the defensive end, Tony Allen and company constantly bothered the Mavericks' interior and forced outside shots. The Grizzlies shifted well, holding the Mavericks to just four three-point field goals on 17 percent shooting.

By game's end, Dallas' legs were so tired that the shots that fell were far from enough to be momentum-shifting plays.

4. Rudy Gay's Maturity

This may not have been Gay's most flashy game, but it was a beautiful display of his maturity as a player. He was constantly in position to make the right play and did just that. On defense and offense, he played it smart. Gay didn't risk turnovers and always found a way to contribute to his teammate's success.

Gay also showed an important addition to his game. On numerous occasions, Gay posted up and hit turnaround jump shots. If that can become a consistent weapon, Gay could finally take the leap to the elite level of players.

3. Toughness

Marc Gasol took a beating down low, but never seemed too fazed by it. Gasol took an elbow to the face, hit the floor and was harassed on his shot attempts. Nevertheless, he emerged with point after point and continued to crash the boards.

Gasol's final stat line of 22 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks show how dominant he was. No statistics could tell you how important he was to the Grizzlies' offense on a play-by-play basis, though.

2. Bench Play

In the first half of play, Dante Cunningham was the spark for everything positive. He scored the ball well, connecting from mid-range and under the basket. He also rebounded well, defended the paint with an intimidating presence and forced many loose balls. Cunningham finished with 10 points on five-of-six shooting.

Quincy Pondexter took over the third quarter on both ends. He came up with loose balls, made key passes in transition and found a way to score from in close. Between he and Mike Conley, the Grizzlies were able to dominate the offensive end of the floor.

Pondexter finished with eight points and eight rebounds in 21 minutes.

Even Josh Selby, albeit in limited action, contributed. Selby utilized his penetrating ability to put up points and draw a foul. His ankle-breaking crossover on Rodrigue Beaubois was a highlight of the game. Especially once it led to a creative lay-in.

1. Mike Conley

Mike Conley was absolutely dominant. Whether he was disrupting passing lanes or driving the lane himself, the Mavericks had no answer for him. He contributed 20 points, 10 assists and four steals and was easily the best player on the floor.

Conley connected on a clutch shot from distance towards the end of the third quarter, giving the Grizzlies a seven-point lead.

In the fourth quarter, Conley opened up with a steal from the unsuspecting Yi Jianlian. He proceeded to close the game out with two clutch assists and a tough layup all within the final two minutes of the game.