Memphis Grizzlies Down Phoenix 102-101 in Crazy Finish

February 2, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Jeff Green (32) celebrates after making a basket while being fouled by Phoenix Suns guard Eric Bledsoe (2) as Suns forward Markieff Morris (11, second from left) and forward Marcus Morris (15, second from right) react during the fourth quarter at US Airways Center. Also pictured is Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50, far left) The Grizzlies defeated the Suns 102-101. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

In a contest that came down to the last second, the Memphis Grizzlies prevailed on Monday night when they played the Phoenix Suns–by the final score of 102-101.

The Memphis Grizzlies and the Phoenix Suns are two teams that know each other extremely well. Their meeting in Phoenix on Monday was their third matchup this season, with the previous battle going into double-overtime.

Being as Phoenix is one of Memphis’ Western Conference foes, it was bound to be an intense game. Then when you consider that the Suns lost in double-overtime the last time these two teams met, it is an instant guarantee that Phoenix wanted to get their revenge.

Given these circumstances, plus having Phoenix playing on their home floor, the Grizzlies did not back down. They never do. Instead of coming out flat, Memphis showed why they are a true contending team. They fought for the victory. How close was the finish? Find out below!

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First Half

Memphis started the game at a decent pace, which was great considering they were playing the scorching Suns. Mike Conley led the push in the first quarter, with Memphis ending the first 12 minutes of the game with a two-point lead (25-23).

Zach Randolph had registered 12 double-doubles prior to tonight’s game. Z-Bo had a slow first half, going one of six from the field to go with only a few rebounds; however, you can never count him out because he has the ability to gobble up multiple rebounds on any given possession.

The halftime score was 49-44. The Grizzlies could not pull too far ahead because the Suns kept them in check with their strong backcourt of Eric Bledsoe, Isaiah Thomas, and Goran Dragic.

Second Half

The next 12 minutes were no different–both teams would continue to exchange basket after basket. The Suns’ bench showed up in a major way tonight while the Grizzlies needed their starters to carry the offensive load.

The Grizzlies led Phoenix by five at 77-72 at the end of three quarters, with Zach Randolph finally making his mark on the game. Would he notch another double-double?

To the fourth quarter they would go. Memphis would not blow this game open and it would be yet another gut-wrenching finish. That is what the Grizzlies enjoy, though. Their grit and their grind manages to string victories together, one by one.

Jeff Green gave the Grizz the lead after a three-point play with 4.5 seconds remaining–the scoreboard showing Memphis ahead by one. At the other end, Phoenix would get the ball to Markieff Morris. He would pull up for a jumper with exactly two seconds on the clock–but Marc Gasol, displaying his stellar defense, made a game-winning block while time ran out!

February 2, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Courtney Lee (5) shoots the basketball against Phoenix Suns center Alex Len (21) during the first quarter at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The Grizzlies held onto their lead for the win by a final score of 102-101, just shy of another round of overtimes as the previous matchup showcased. Zach Randolph would fall one rebound away from reaching his 13th-straight double-double, but I promise you that he appreciates a victory more than padded stats, especially in February.

Isaiah Thomas led Phoenix in scoring with 24 bench points. The Suns’ star, Eric Bledsoe, tallied 21 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, four steals, and two blocks. Even with Bledsoe’s stuffed stat sheet, Phoenix still fell short again to Memphis.

The box score, produced by ESPN, can be found here.

Key Game Notes

• Phoenix outscored the Grizzlies’ bench by 17, yet Memphis’ starters outscored the Suns’ by 18–making up the one-point differential that led to the victory.
• Kosta Koufos led the Grizzlies in rebounding (11)–signifying the first time in Grizzlies’ history a reserve has led the team in rebounding.
• Gerald Green logged just three minutes, off the bench, for the Suns.
• Starting center Alex Len went scoreless (0-2 shooting) for the Suns.
• Isaiah Thomas led all players in the game in scoring (24 points).
• Phoenix shot 61.1% from the free-throw line on 18 attempts while Memphis made 79.4% on 34 tries.
• The Suns shot exactly 50% from the field on 84 total shots.
• Both teams had five players each score in double figures.
• Memphis is now on a seven-game winning streak.
• The Grizzlies have now swept the Phoenix Suns 3-0 this season.

Fantasy Watch: Grizzlies Edition

• Zach Randolph: 19 points on 6/15 shooting, nine rebounds
• Marc Gasol: 15 points on 4/11 shooting, six rebounds, eight assists, three blocks
• Mike Conley: 23 points on 9/15 shooting, one rebound, one assist, two steals

Next Game

The Memphis Grizzlies hit the hardwood again on Wednesday when they travel to Utah to face the 17-30 Jazz. BealeStreetBears.com will have the game preview and recap as well as any other coverage for the matchup. Memphis will be looking to improve to 37-12 on the season.

Go Grizz!