Memphis Grizzlies Opposing Views: Phoenix Suns

As the regular season draws closer, how should the Memphis Grizzlies fare against the Phoenix Suns? Honestly, there should be nothing different.

The Memphis Grizzlies and Phoenix Suns had an interesting series. It was way too interesting for a lopsided 3-0 series. Mike Conley played the role of the eclipse by blocking the Sun, notching a career-high 38 points in Phoenix. Then, in Memphis, things got heated in a blowout game:

If that video fired you up, watch this one of Vince Carter waylaying Devin Booker:

All those fighting words and still not coming out with a win? Nice.

The Phoenix Suns might improve a little more next year though. Devin Booker will have another year under his belt. Eric Bledsoe is an underrated point guard in this league. And, Josh Jackson can be the glue guy that they need on both ends of the court.

They surely won’t be a playoff team and could be at the league’s basement, but the future is sunny.

Will these young guys surprise the Memphis Grizzlies and avenge last season’s foolishness?

Starting 5

PG – Eric Bledsoe

SG – Devin Booker

SF – Josh Jackson

PF – Marquese Chriss

C – Tyson Chandler

Advantages for the Memphis Grizzlies

• Mike Conley

Conley absolutely demolished the Suns last season. In the three games against Phoenix, Conley averaged 30 points and 7.3 assists. While Phoenix has an adequate point guard in Eric Bledsoe, the Conductor just had his number in every meeting. Another scoring explosion for Conley could make this series a cakewalk for the Grizz.

• Marc Gasol

Aside from Tyson Chandler, the Phoenix Suns have zero weapons for Marc Gasol. Alex Len is a restricted free agent at the moment, but he hasn’t lived up to the hype that came with being the fifth pick (2013). Chriss and Bender are too small and experienced to give Marc a rough time.

Alike Conley, Gasol needs to dominant this series to avoid any goofs against this basement-dwelling team.

Advantages for the Phoenix Suns

• Devin Booker

In case you forgot, Devin Booker scored 70 points in a single game last season. He can get buckets. The Grizzlies don’t have any A-list defensive stoppers, so they really need to pay attention to Booker. If they lose sight of him, he’ll light up the scoreboard all night.

• Josh Jackson

His impact as a rookie is hard to determine, but Jackson has the potential to be a two-way force. He’s a long, quick wing who could wreak havoc on the perimeter. He can generate fast breaks on steals, hound opposing players and create an energy you don’t want to give to a young team.

If any two players can shift the tide for the Suns, they’re Josh Jackson and Devin Booker.

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Closing Remarks

The Memphis Grizzlies should have no problems taking care of the Suns. In fact, it’s alarming if they have trouble against them. If the Grizz want to be a playoff team, they have to capitalize on opportunities against the league’s worst.

Hopefully, Mike Conley can continue ruining their lives, and the Memphis Grizzlies will win more than just games against them.