Instant Reactions: Khris Middleton scores 22 fourth quarter points in a Mavericks win

The Memphis Grizzlies decided to blitz Khris Middleton in the fourth quarter, and the Mavericks forward responded with a fadeaway over both defenders.

The net flipped up like a rock thrown into a lake.

The aesthetically pleasing jump shooter scored 22 of his 35 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Mavericks to a 120-112 victory against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Middleton had 22 points on 7-of-9 from the field and 5-of-5 from beyond the arc in the final quarter. This was the highest scoring quarter of Middleton’s career.

Middleton knocked down 8-of-10 shots from 3-point range and had a team-high plus-21 in the win. He made two dagger 3-pointers with under two minutes left in the fourth quarter.

The 34-year-old helped the Mavericks end an eight-game losing streak. It was Dallas’ first victory in March. Prior to being traded to the Mavericks, Middleton had not scored 24 or more points since 2023.

Cooper Flagg had 13 points, five rebounds and seven assists for Dallas, but he went 6-of-16 (38 percent) from the field. He is now 33-of-94 (35%) from the field since returning from a left midfoot sprain.

While Flagg didn’t score efficiently, he showed his value as a versatile weapon and was active on the defensive end.

The Mavericks will face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday and Sunday to close the week.