Phoenix Suns (114) vs. Memphis Grizzlies (122) – Results

The Phoenix Suns, the team that has dominated the regular season from start to finish and, is considered the best team in the league, stayed two wins away last season from getting the ring (they were winning 2-0 in the Final against the Bucks). They had nine wins in a row and were looking for one more to reach 63 and, thus, sign the best balance in their history.

All this before playing in Memphis against the Grizzlies, the most popular team in the league and the second-best team in the regular season, still without their top star Ja Morant, and they also did not have Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr, Steven Adams, and Tyus Jones. But, despite this, the Grizzlies continue with their spectacular team play and formidable defense, which led them to take this victory with a score of 122-114.

Phoenix came into FedExForum after posting eight straight wins on the road and not losing on the road to a Western Conference rival since as far back as Dec. 13. Those from Arizona seemed to have everything in their favor, but they were not able to seal a new victory.

First Quarters

The Grizzlies started this entire game, taking advantage of every gap left by a Suns feeling out of place at FedExForum. This was with every major Suns player on the floor, while the Grizzlies had their youngsters playing a crazy game. The first quarter ended with a score of 34-23 in favor of the Grizzlies.

In the second quarter, the Phoenix Suns had to wake up in the game if they didn’t want it to be over going into the break. That is why, thanks to a very good offensive approach and a very well-structured defense, they managed to take the second quarter with a score of 27-20 and thus get closer to only 4 points at halftime, so it was a new game in Memphis.

Second Half

After the break in the first half, the game continued in the same vein as the second quarter. With the Suns taking over the floor, while the Grizzlies were trying to not leave spaces for the Suns to take advantage of. With an immense Devin Booker, the Suns won the third quarter with a score of 33-30 and thus started the last quarter with only 1 point behind on the scoreboard.

The Grizzlies were led by Devin Booker (41 points, 17/28 shooting). He was the only one who was at their level, perhaps along with Mikal Bridges (18 points) and Cam Payne in a Suns team that missed many open shots and showed some signs of fatigue.