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3 Keys to Memphis Grizzlies Regaining Intensity Versus Phoenix

By Christian Dudley

MEMPHIS, TN - FEBRUARY 28: Ivan Rabb #10 of the Memphis Grizzlies rebounds the ball during the game against the Phoenix Suns on February 28, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - FEBRUARY 28: Ivan Rabb #10 of the Memphis Grizzlies rebounds the ball during the game against the Phoenix Suns on February 28, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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PHOENIX, AZ -DECEMBER 26: Dillon Brooks #24 of the Memphis Grizzlies plays defense against Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns on December 26, 2017 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ -DECEMBER 26: Dillon Brooks #24 of the Memphis Grizzlies plays defense against Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns on December 26, 2017 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Key Absences from Phoenix

This particular matchup was really interesting until Friday evening when official word was made regarding the availability of the league’s ninth-leading scorer.

The Suns’ Devin Booker, averaging 27.8 points per game, will miss Saturday’s meeting against the Memphis Grizzlies. Being Phoenix’s best player, this is definitely a huge blow to their team. Even so, do not expect this game to be a cake walk for the Memphis Grizzlies.

This will obviously change the Phoenix Suns’ offensive flow. The focus is now placed on this year’s No. 1 NBA Draft pick, Deandre Ayton. However, he is listed as “questionable,” as was the same case for him this past Wednesday.

Scrolling through Phoenix’s roster, the Memphis Grizzlies will shift their focus to slowing Trevor Ariza, Ryan Anderson, and Tyson Chandler, which is a trio of names that have individually hurt Memphis in past seasons.

Booker and Ayton combined for 45 points, 19/30 shooting, 18 rebounds, and 10 assists in their Wednesday loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. That is a lot of production to make up via filler players (assuming Ayton sits out).

In order for the Suns to prevail, Ariza, Anderson, and Chandler will all have to come up big. The Grizzlies must do their part in closing out on shooters and defending the painted area if they want to make it a disappointing night for the Suns’ fan base.

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