5 reasons why the undermanned Memphis Grizzlies upset the Phoenix Suns
No 2. Xavier Tillman played one of his best games of the season
Xavier Tillman has had the misfortune of being the odd-man out of the rotation virtually all season. He’s been buried behind Steven Adams, Jaren Jackson, Brandon Clarke, and Kyle Anderson, and rightfully so. All four of those players are better on offense and defense than Tillman. That doesn’t make Tillman a bad player— the Grizzlies are just that deep.
But, with two of those guys resting this game, it was the perfect opportunity for Tillman to step up and remind everyone why he’s deserving of minutes.
The former Michigan State Spartan had one of his best games of the entire season.
In 28 minutes, he recorded 13 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds, and a steal. He ended up being a +15 for the Grizzlies, the highest of anyone on the team during the game.
I fully expect Memphis to get some calls about the availability of Tillman in the offseason. He’s deserving of minutes, but the Grizzlies just don’t have enough to go around. He could start on some teams and certainly be the first post player off the bench for most NBA teams.
No 3. Memphis Grizzlies used a balanced attack to offset Booker’s big game
Memphis was able to withstand Booker’s 41-point eruption because virtually everyone that played was able to score in double figures.
Phoenix had just three players in double figures, including Booker. The other two were Mikal Bridges (18 points) and Cameron Payne (11 points).
Just look at the balanced attack from Memphis. Phoenix couldn’t focus on just one player whenever Dillon Brooks (30 points) was on the bench.
- Ziaire Williams – 19 points
- De’Anthony Melton – 17 points
- John Knochar – 14 points
- Xavier Tillman – 13 points
- Santi Aldama – 12 points
- Brandon Clarke – 11 points
The Grizzlies literally had a five-headed monster out there on offense. Everyone on the court was and is capable of taking the ball driving to the basket and finishing.
These may be unassuming names to most, but all season long these players have been called upon at different points to step-up and they always deliver.
Especially during the winter Covid outbreak, we saw a lot of minutes from these guys. They came prepared and ready to defend their home court on this nationally televised game on NBA TV.