Memphis had an opportunity to clinch a spot in the playoffs, but Dallas was too tough, beating the Grizzlies 110-89.

``We don't have to score 30 points per quarter to win,'' said Dirk Nowitzki, who had 19 points and eight rebounds. ``Defense is the key to our success.''

``We've got to win one of these as early as possible,'' said center Lorenzen Wright, who had 18 points and seven rebounds.

Pau Gasol had 14 points and 8 rebounds.