5 reasons why the undermanned Memphis Grizzlies upset the Phoenix Suns

The Memphis Grizzlies came into the game against the Phoenix Suns knowing they would have to be firing on all cylinders to win the game— and that was before they knew most of their starters would be resting and not playing in the game.

Usual starters Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Steven Adams were all held out of the game for varying degrees of soreness and injuries. Bench players Tyus Jones and Killian Tillie were also unavailable to compete in the game.

This provided fans with a Grizzlies starting lineup of De’Anthony Melton, Ziaire Williams, Dillon Brooks, Kyle Anderson, and Xavier Tillman— not exactly one that invokes fear in a fully healthy, NBA-leading Phoenix Suns team.

The Grizzlies were going up against a Phoenix Suns team that looked like they were at or pretty close to full strength. Chris Paul and Devin Booker each played 32+ minutes in the game.

So how were the Memphis Grizzlies able to fend off the Phoenix Suns in a game that should have been an easy win for Phoenix?

Here are the five reasons why Memphis upset Phoenix 122-114.

No 1. Dillon Brooks set tone on offense and defense for the Memphis Grizzlies

We got a glimpse of Dillon Brooks in his purest and final form against Phoenix, doing it on both ends of the court.

Brooks had the toughest assignment of the night in guarding All-Star Devin Booker. While Brooks allowed Booker to pour in 41 points, he still made life difficult for him.

From the opening tip, Brooks was following Booker everywhere he went on the court. From deep into the corner away from the basket, to face guarding him in some situations.

The rest of the Grizzlies followed suit and stepped up defensively. Memphis forced Phoenix into 17 turnovers, while only committing 11 themselves.

On offense, Brooks shouldered the scoring burden, dropping 30 points in the game. It took him 28 shots to get there, but he more than made up for it by recording 7 assists and grabbing 4 boards.