The Dallas Mavericks pulled off a hard-fought 120-113 victory against the Memphis Grizzlies, effectively managing to get an upper hand after splitting the previous two games. Despite Jaren Jackson Jr.’s season-high 41 points, the Grizzlies failed to break their 1-10 home losing record. While there were flashes of some quality basketball being played, what was more entertaining was Luka Doncic antagonizing Grizzlies guard Vince Williams Jr. and the FedEx Forum crowd.

However, hours after the game ended in favor of Dallas, the 4x NBA All-Star showered Williams with high praise, despite their earlier heated exchange.

Luka gushes over Grizzlies’ guard after a heated exchange

Luka’s love for trash-talking isn’t unknown to anybody. According to him, trash-talking only pumps him up and fuels his performance. And that’s exactly what happened when the Mavs met the Grizzlies in Memphis. Throughout the match, multiple verbal altercations occurred between Luka and Williams. However, the highlight of the heated exchange came towards the end when Luka asked the 23-year-old forward to look at the scoreboard since Luka was dominating the game. As a result, the Slovenian phenom was handed a technical foul for excessive trash-talking with just 20.9 seconds left on the clock.

However, in a post-game conference, Luka unraveled what transpired between the two. “I mean, he was just talking sh*t the whole time. You know, I told him I wish they would let me play him one-on-one, and that’s when I got a tech.” He then proceeded to acknowledge Williams’ skill set, saying, “I think he’s a great defender.” Reasonably so, since Williams displayed great defensive effort, grabbing nine rebounds in the game.

Luka also expressed dissatisfaction over referees handing out technical fouls unreasonably. “The referees just have to let us talk. That’s part of the game. I love it…The refs gotta just chill out in that part.”

Mavericks will meet the IST Champions tonight

The Mavericks are now slated to take on the IST Champions, the Los Angeles Lakers, at American Airlines Center. The Lakers will be hoping to continue their hot streak and avenge the 104-101 loss to the Mavs earlier in the season. A win would also put the Lakers ahead of Dallas since both teams are tied for 14 wins. However, their injury report might throw a spanner in their pursuit of a win tonight. LeBron James is listed as questionable because of a calf contusion, while Anthony Davis is day-to-day due to lingering adductor and hip spasms. Joining the game-time club is Jarred Vanderbilt, as he is dealing with a lower back spasm. The only player sidelined is Gabe Vincent, who is expected to miss some time as he recovers from a left knee effusion.

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Dallas will also have their hands full tonight, especially since they are currently decimated with injuries to key players. On the Dallas side, Kyrie Irving is listed as questionable after he was diagnosed with a right heel contusion. Derrick Jones Jr. is also a game-time decision as he is nursing a bruised quadriceps. Dallas will, however, miss the services of four players – Tim Hardaway Jr. (back), Maxi Kleber (toe), Grant Williams (knee), and Josh Green (elbow). Therefore, a win tonight might be an uphill task for the shorthanded Mavs.

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