The Memphis Grizzlies rallied from an 11-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the Phoenix Suns 121-115 during Sunday night’s NBA action, despite the absence of star player Ja Morant due to shoulder soreness. Jaren Jackson Jr. spearheaded the comeback with 28 points and 10 rebounds.
Marcus Smart contributed significantly with 25 points, while Desmond Bane’s crucial 3-pointer with just 1:30 left on the clock was pivotal in securing the victory. Vince Williams Jr. also shone, setting a personal best with 19 points off the bench.
Following an injury sustained in a recent game against the Lakers, Morant’s absence was a setback for the Grizzlies. Coach Taylor Jenkins emphasized the need for ongoing evaluation of Morant’s condition.
“This group, we’ve been fighting all season long, but it’s taken a turn right now and they’re seeing the results for it,” Jenkins said. “It’s just two games playing really well, we know we’ve got a long way to go.”
Despite this, the Grizzlies have shown strong form, winning 7 of their last 11 games since Morant returned from a 25-game suspension.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies, Phoenix Suns Updates
The Suns had a solid lead going into the final quarter, but Memphis’s aggressive start to the fourth and overall 35-18 outscoring in the quarter turned the game around. Jenkins praised the team’s fighting spirit and noted the improvement in play, especially in the fourth quarter.
“We started dictating more, did a much better job, keeping it simple,” Jenkins said about the fourth-quarter surge.
Jackson Jr. attributed the team’s comeback to intensified defensive efforts, which kept the game competitive until the final moments.
“We made them run a little bit, work a little harder,” he said. “It was back and forth at all times. I never really felt like it was in our favor until the buzzer.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies, Phoenix Suns Updates
For Phoenix, Kevin Durant’s return after a three-game absence due to a hamstring injury brought 23 points and 10 rebounds. Devin Booker led the Suns with 24 points, and Jusuf Nurkic added 18 points along with 19 rebounds.
Durant emphasized the importance of results over context in response to the loss. Phoenix was also missing guard Eric Gordon and backup center Bol Bol due to injuries, but managed a 4-2 record on their homestand.
“Only results matter,” Durant said. “Context really doesn’t matter. Whatever it is, we know what it takes and expectations from the outside don’t mean (anything), but we understand with the talent we have, people expect so much and will be disappointed when we take losses like this.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies, Phoenix Suns Updates
The Grizzlies’ early-season struggles without Morant, who faced a lengthy suspension for off-court issues, are now behind them as they show improved form since his return.
Looking ahead, the Grizzlies are set to face the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night, while the Suns will take on the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night.
