PHOENIX — The Memphis Grizzlies showcased their resilience and depth by overcoming an 11-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the Phoenix Suns 121-115 on Sunday night. The Grizzlies, playing without star Ja Morant due to right shoulder soreness, rallied impressively in the final period to secure the victory.
Jaren Jackson Jr. led Memphis with 28 points and 10 rebounds. Marcus Smart contributed 25 points, while Desmond Bane added 23, including a pivotal go-ahead 3-pointer with just 1:30 left in the game. Vince Williams Jr. also made a significant impact, scoring a career-high 19 points off the bench.
Morant’s absence was a significant factor for the Grizzlies. The dynamic guard was a game-time decision after apparently injuring his shoulder during a victory over the Lakers in Los Angeles. Coach Taylor Jenkins indicated that the team would continue to evaluate his injury.
Despite this setback, the Grizzlies have shown strong form, going 7-4 since Morant’s return from a 25-game suspension. Entering the final quarter trailing 87-76, Memphis initiated a commanding 14-1 run and outscored the Suns 35-18 in the fourth quarter.
The Suns welcomed back Kevin Durant after a three-game absence due to hamstring soreness. Durant posted 23 points and 10 rebounds. Devin Booker led Phoenix with 24 points, while Jusuf Nurkic had a double-double with 18 points and 19 rebounds. Grayson Allen and Bradley Beal contributed 16 and 12 points, respectively.
Phoenix was without guard Eric Gordon and backup center Bol Bol due to injuries. Coach Frank Vogel noted that both players are day-to-day.
The Suns finished their homestand with a record of 4-2. The absence of Morant for the first 25 games of the Grizzlies’ season, due to a suspension for conduct detrimental to the league, was a challenging period for the team. They began the season with a 6-19 record but have improved markedly since Morant’s return.
Looking ahead, the Grizzlies will face the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night, while the Suns are set to play against the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night.
