3 Takeaways From The Memphis Grizzlies Loss In Phoenix
By Chris Kern
Defensive Inconsistency
The Grizzlies had many stretches in this game defensively where they kept the Suns from scoring for two or three minute spans.
They also forced a season-high 25 turnovers. Add in the fact that they allowed just 102 points and for most NBA teams that would result in a win.
That isn’t the case for the Memphis Grizzlies though. They have done a good job forcing turnovers all season and that was the same tonight.
The difference was the number of miscues they had in the half-court defensively. They did a good job getting stops to extend the lead but whenever they had a chance to pull away the Suns would get an open look from three or a couple easy baskets near the rim.
They had a 12 point lead with 8:50 left to go but that went away quickly. Phoenix hit a couple big three-pointers to get back in the game and they were able to stop Memphis on the other end.
With the offense struggling late in the game the Grizzlies relied on their defense to keep the game tied for a few straight possessions.
Shelvin Mack hit a three to put Memphis up 98-95 with 2:50 left but they were unable to score after that until Mike Conley hit a layup to tie it at 100 with 25 seconds left.
Devin Booker got some separation on his jumpers in the final 30 seconds and he knocked them both down to lead the Suns to the victory.
Temple had done a great job on Booker all night but the young superstar was able to make a couple big plays late and that was the difference.
It should’ve never come down to that though. The Suns were very efficient from the field all game as they made 51.6% of their shot attempts.
That is the highest percentage they’ve allowed since the season-opening loss against the Indiana Pacers.
Overall it wasn’t a terrible defensive performance, but if this team is going to be successful, they have to play good defense every game.