In an intense matchup on Tuesday night, the Memphis Grizzlies triumphed over the Phoenix Suns with a close score of 117-112. Jaren Jackson Jr. shone brightly for the Grizzlies, delivering a stellar performance with 38 points while also securing 10 rebounds. His efforts were complemented by Desmond Bane, who contributed 31 points, and Luke Kennard, who added 17 off the bench. The Grizzlies maintained control throughout the game, never trailing, even as they faced the challenge of playing without key players Ja Morant, dealing with a right shoulder strain, and Zach Edey, who is in concussion protocol. This victory propelled Memphis to a 23-11 record, placing them second in the competitive Western Conference.
For the Suns, a notable return was Devin Booker, who had missed five games due to a left groin strain and finished with 16 points and nine assists. Kevin Durant led the team with 29 points and 10 rebounds, but the Suns were unable to overcome a rough stretch, resulting in their sixth loss in seven games. They also played without Jusuf Nurkic, who is serving a suspension stemming from a recent altercation, and faced another hurdle when Bradley Beal exited the game in the first half due to a left hip injury.
The physical nature of the game was evident, with 54 fouls called and 58 free throws attempted throughout the match. Despite a slow start, Booker found his rhythm and began to impact the game positively for Phoenix. A key moment came when John Konchar converted a crucial three-point play with just over a minute remaining, solidifying Memphis’s lead after the Suns had momentarily closed the gap.
As the teams head into their next matchups, the Suns will look to bounce back against Indiana on Saturday, while the Grizzlies prepare for a game against Sacramento on Friday, providing another opportunity for both teams to strengthen their positions in the standings.
This match highlights the resilience of the Grizzlies, demonstrating their ability to win even in the absence of key players, while also showcasing the talent and potential of the Phoenix Suns as they strive to overcome their recent struggles.