If there was anyone that doubted that the Memphis Grizzlies were legitimate, maybe Monday’s performance against the Phoenix Suns, who are coming off an NBA Finals appearance, helped change your mind. The Grizzlies picked up an impressive victory on the road, defeating the Suns 114-113.
Ja Morant, who was playing his third game since returning to the lineup following a knee sprain, hit the game-winning layup with 0.5 seconds remaining in the game. Morant led the way for Memphis, as he scored 33 points to go along with four assists, four rebounds and two steals in 34 minutes.
“I like being in those pressure situations, I like taking on that challenge,” Morant said. “It was a big-time win for us against a great team.”
The victory on the road in Phoenix makes the Memphis Grizzlies the only team in the NBA this season to win on the road against them and the Golden State Warriors, the two best teams in the league record-wise.
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It was a total team victory for Memphis, as they are still without Dillon Brooks. In his place, Desmond Bane continued his sophomore-year tear. The TCU product poured in 32 points, including six 3-pointers, to go along with six rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block.
The Grizzlies were dominant in the paint, as they outrebounded the Suns 50-35 and outscored them 62-46 in the paint as well. Steven Adams led the way with 16 rebounds, nine of which were of the offensive variety.
Creating those second chances was key to the Grizzlies knocking off the Suns as well. Memphis had 21-second chance points compared to only 14 for Phoenix.
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The Phoenix Suns got an incredible effort from Devin Booker, who poured in 30 points of his own, including a 3-pointer with five seconds remaining that put them ahead after erasing an 18-point deficit.
This victory should give the Memphis Grizzlies plenty of confidence, not that they were lacking in that department. They are cementing themselves as a top-four team in the Western Conference and one that will be dangerous come playoff time as they have proven they can win big games on the road.
