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Grizzlies go for 8 in a row, host Mavs

Feb 27, 2013 - 3:41 PM (Sports Network) - The Memphis Grizzlies will try to extend their winning streak to eight games when they play host to the Southwest Division-rival Dallas Mavericks Wednesday at FedEx Forum.

The Grizzlies made it seven wins in a row with Sunday's 76-72 road victory over the Brooklyn Nets. Zach Randolph recorded a double-double with 16 points and 14 rebounds and Marc Gasol had 14 points, seven rebounds, five assists and four blocks for the Grizzlies, who scored the last nine points of the game to erase a 72-67 deficit.

"The key was our defense," said Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins. "I said to people before the game. I said with the way they played and the way we played, the score could be 76-70, and it was pretty close."

Memphis has won eight of 10 games overall since landing Tayshaun Prince, Austin Daye and Ed Davis in a three-time trade. The Grizzlies, who have won 33 of their last 41 games at home, are riding the longest winning streak since a franchise record-tying eight-game run back in November. They have also won four in a row as the host.

The Grizzlies sport a 22-8 home record and will take a tour through Florida against Miami and Orlando later in the week.

Dallas looks to stop a two-game slide when it begins a three-game road trip Wednesday against Memphis, Brooklyn and Houston.

The Mavericks recently dropped a 95-90 decision versus Milwaukee on Tuesday as Dirk Nowitzki tallied 21 points and 20 boards in a losing cause. O.J. Mayo finished with 18 points and both Darren Collison and Elton Brand tallied 12 points apiece for Dallas, which had won three in a row before the skid.

"Our collective will has to be stronger," Dallas head coach Rick Carlisle said. "I've got to coach these younger guys harder and better."

Carlisle's squad actually posted a season-high 56 rebounds on the Bucks.

Dallas is 9-19 away from Big D this season and its bench is averaging an NBA- best 40.8 ppg.

Nowitzki, who posted the sixth 20-point, 20-rebound game in his career, is averaging 25.3 points and 13.3 rebounds in his last three games and needs two more baskets to pass Larry Bird (8,591) for 21st place on the NBA's all-time field goals made list.

Mavs forward Shawn Marion is one offensive rebound short of becoming the 40th player in league history with at least 2,500.

Dallas and Memphis have split two meetings this season and will square off again April 15 in Texas. Dallas has lost four straight and seven of its last nine trips to Memphis.