After a 114-105 loss to the Phoenix Suns, the Memphis Grizzlies have now lost four of their first five games.
The Memphis Grizzlies rough start to the season continues, as they lose their most recent game to the Phoenix Suns 114-105. The loss means that the Grizzlies have lost four of their first five games to start the season, which matches their worst start since the 2009-2010 season.
The Grizzlies found themselves down 31-24 after the first quarter, and were down by 12 going about halfway through the second quarter. However, Memphis fought back and took a small lead, and went into the second half up 47-45 thanks to a 19-5 run to end the half.
Memphis pushed their lead to 52-48, until the Suns took over, and scored 37 points in the third quarter compared to the Grizzlies 22. Phoenix would never let Memphis take the lead for the rest of the game, falling 114-105.
One major problem for the Grizzlies in this one was their foul trouble. Four of the five starters for Memphis had at least three personal fouls, and Jaren Jackson Jr. had four and Dillon Brooks had 5. The Grizzlies would end up with 23 personal fouls, while only drawing 20 from Phoenix.
Turnovers were another major issue for Memphis. The Grizzlies turned the ball over 20 times, compared to the Suns’ 17. While that isn’t too big of a difference, the Suns were able to convert those 20 turnovers into 24 points off turnovers, where as the Grizzlies only recorded 14 points off of their 17 forced turnovers.
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The Grizzlies defense also failed to show up when they were needed. While Memphis did record eight blocks and nine steals, they also allowed the Suns to shoot 50.0% from the field and 41.2% from 3-point range. Phoenix also was able to take those 20 personal fouls by Memphis and turn them into 12 points at the free throw line, making them at a 75.0% clip.
Memphis struggled to gain an upper hand in any category in the game. They recorded less fastbreak points, second chance points, defensive rebounds, field goal percentage, 3-point percentage, and free throw percentage.
If the Grizzlies don’t step up and increase their production in these areas soon, it could mean that they keep sliding down the ranks, and they would find themselves with another pick in the lottery of next year’s draft.