Jaren Jackson Jr. was the star of the night, scoring an impressive 38 points to lead the Memphis Grizzlies to a 117-112 win over the Phoenix Suns. Desmond Bane supported the team with a solid 31 points, showcasing the Grizzlies’ depth despite being without injured stars Ja Morant (right shoulder strain) and Zach Edey (concussion protocol). The Grizzlies dominated the game, leading from start to finish, and improved to a record of 23-11, placing them second in the Western Conference.
On the other side, the Suns welcomed back Devin Booker, who had missed the previous five games due to a left groin strain. Despite his return, the Suns struggled, suffering their sixth loss in seven games. Booker contributed 16 points and nine assists, while Kevin Durant led the Suns with 29 points and 10 rebounds. The team also faced challenges, playing without Jusuf Nurkic, who is serving a three-game suspension, and lost Bradley Beal to a left hip contusion in the first half.
The match was marked by a high number of fouls, with a total of 54 called and 58 free throws attempted. Jackson Jr. was particularly aggressive, making 10 of 17 from the line, and recorded a double-double with 10 rebounds.
In notable moments, Luke Kennard scored 17 points off the bench and John Konchar’s three-point play late in the game pushed the Grizzlies ahead decisively. This victory emphasizes Memphis’ resilience, proving that they can compete at a high level even when key players are missing.
Looking ahead, the Suns are set to play against Indiana on Saturday, while the Grizzlies will head to Sacramento on Friday. Both teams have the opportunity to regroup and bounce back from this game, particularly the Suns who are eager to regain their footing in the competitive Western Conference.
This game highlights the Grizzlies’ ability to adapt and thrive even under pressure, fostering optimism for their continued success as they navigate through injuries.