In a commanding performance, Devin Booker erupted for a season-high 40 points, steering the Phoenix Suns to a convincing 110-89 triumph over the Memphis Grizzlies in a high-stakes NBA In-Season Tournament matchup. Eric Gordon added 20 points to contribute to the Suns’ sixth consecutive win.
Despite missing their leading scorer, Kevin Durant, due to right foot soreness, the Suns showcased resilience and depth. Jordan Goodwin and Grayson Allen stepped up with 14 points each, underscoring the team’s collective effort in Durant’s absence.
“It’s tough,” acknowledged Booker regarding Durant’s absence. “You can’t replace what he brings to the court. His scoring ability. His versatility on defense. It’s going to take a lot of extra from everybody else.”
Santi Aldama led the scoring for Memphis with 21 points, while Derrick Rose added 17, showcasing accuracy by missing only one of his nine shots. However, it wasn’t enough to halt the Grizzlies’ third consecutive loss, maintaining their winless record at home this season.
The victory propelled Phoenix to a 3-1 record in the tournament but left them a game behind the Lakers, who clinched West Group A with a perfect 4-0 record. The Suns now await the outcomes of other Western Conference teams to determine their qualification for the tournament wild-card spot.
Phoenix dominated the game, leading by as many as 18 points. Despite Memphis narrowing the gap in the second half, the Suns consistently had an answer. Jordan Goodwin’s pivotal contribution, scoring eight straight points in the fourth quarter, played a crucial role in keeping the Grizzlies at bay.
Suns coach Frank Vogel praised Goodwin, stating, “He was great. He’s had some ups and downs this year. We’ve been challenging him to be better on both sides of the ball…To see all of it come together for him was a great night.”
Memphis, still seeking their first home win at 0-7, faces the challenge of playing ten more games before the return of last year’s leading scorer, Ja Morant, who is serving a 25-game suspension.
The injury-riddled Grizzlies, with six rotation players on the sidelines, recently acquired guards Shaq Harrison and Jaylen Nowell via 10-day hardship contracts. Despite their presence, the Grizzlies struggled, emphasizing the impact of the absence of key players like Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr.
“We just need to be more on the same page,” said Jackson. “When you’re down bodies, everything is a lot more critical. You can’t make little errors.”
Despite missing Durant, Bradley Beal, and Drew Eubanks, the Suns showcased the scoring prowess of Devin Booker, whose 40-point outburst played a pivotal role in extending their winning streak to six games.
FAQs:
- How many consecutive wins do the Phoenix Suns have now?
- The Phoenix Suns extended their winning streak to six games with the 110-89 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.
- Who were the standout players for the Suns in the absence of Kevin Durant?
- Devin Booker led the Suns with a season-high 40 points, while Eric Gordon added 20. Jordan Goodwin and Grayson Allen stepped up with 14 points each.
- What is the current standing of the Suns in the NBA In-Season Tournament?
- The Suns finished with a 3-1 record in the tournament, placing them a game behind the Lakers, who secured West Group A with a perfect 4-0 record.
Conclusion:
Devin Booker’s sensational 40-point performance propelled the Phoenix Suns to a resounding victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in a crucial NBA In-Season Tournament matchup. Despite missing key players, the Suns showcased depth and resilience, extending their winning streak to six games. As the tournament unfolds, the Suns await their fate in the race for the wild-card spot, emphasizing the team’s ability to excel even in the absence of star players.
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