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Grizzlies search for defensive answers vs. Mavericks

Jan 31, 2007 - 6:15 PM Dallas (37-9) at Memphis (12-34) 8:00 pm EST

MEMPHIS, Tennessee (Ticker) -- The Memphis Grizzlies have had tremendous difficulty slowing teams down in recent weeks.

Memphis tries to close January with just its third victory in seven contests Wednesday when it continues a five-game homestand against the high-powered Dallas Mavericks.

Ranked third in the league in points allowed (105.5), the Grizzlies have enabled opponents to reach the 100-point mark in a franchise-record 22 consecutive games since December 16 against the Miami Heat. Memphis is 7-15 in that stretch.

The Grizzlies are coming off Monday's 124-117 victory over the Sacramento Kings. Pau Gasol scored 34 points, Mike Miller added 27 and Lawrence Roberts grabbed a career-high 14 rebounds for Memphis, which shot nearly 59 percent (41-of-70) from the floor.

Memphis has lost all nine games against division opponents this season and will face a Dallas squad that has the league's best record and has won 10 of its last 11 contests.

The Mavericks continued their solid play by setting a season high in points with Tuesday's 122-102 triumph over the Seattle SuperSonics.

Austin Croshere made 11-of-14 shots and scored 34 points off the bench for Dallas.