Phoenix Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer mentioned ahead of Tuesday’s matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies that he struggles to recall specific details from previous seasons, especially regarding injuries. However, this season’s injury woes have made it hard for him to overlook the growing list of sidelined players.
In this latest game, Devin Booker made his return after missing five games due to a left groin injury, yet his teammate Bradley Beal exited with a left hip contusion and did not play for the remainder of the match. Ultimately, the Suns fell to the Grizzlies 117-112 at Footprint Center, marking their record at 15-17 and placing them 11th in the Western Conference.
Even without their star guard Ja Morant, who is sidelined with a shoulder injury, the Grizzlies capitalized on their offensive opportunities, led by Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane, who combined for an impressive 69 points. Kevin Durant led the Suns with 29 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists, while Booker struggled with his shooting, finishing with 16 points on 4-of-20 attempts.
The game highlighted significant challenges for the Suns’ defense. Jackson Jr. erupted for 19 of his game-high 38 points in the first quarter alone, overwhelming the Suns’ rookie Oso Ighodaro. Despite efforts to adjust their defense in the second half, the Suns found little success stopping Bane, who ended with 31 points. This situation underscores the team’s struggles with depth and defensive versatility compared to other teams like Oklahoma City and Boston.
Durant’s utilization in a ball-off strategy is being tested, aiming to reduce turnovers while establishing scoring opportunities. It allows for a potentially more effective offense where Durant can remain fresh for critical moments. However, both Durant and the rest of the team acknowledge a collective need to elevate their performance.
With a series of injuries plaguing key players, including Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale, the Suns find themselves in a difficult position. Allen missed the game due to shoulder issues, and O’Neale is expected to sit out for at least ten days due to an ankle sprain. The potential return of Jusuf Nurkic from suspension offers a glimmer of hope for the lineup.
While the Suns maintain that no one will sympathize with their injury struggles, there is optimism that once the team regains its full strength, they can refocus and push toward their championship aspirations. As the season progresses, establishing a cohesive style of play regardless of roster changes will be crucial to overcoming the current challenges and driving success for the remainder of the year.
The next opportunity for the Suns to rebound comes as they hit the road starting Saturday against Indiana, hoping to build on their resilience despite the ongoing injury battles.