Suns Embarrassed in Blowout Loss to Grizzlies
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PHOENIX -- Perhaps it was over before it started.
Without Devin Booker, the Phoenix Suns were outmatched in nearly every facet in their Friday night loss to the Memphis Grizzlies in 125-100 fashion. The Grizzlies now extend their winning streak over Phoenix to three games and are now the first team in the West to hit 20 wins.
The Suns quickly got down 15-4 and were never able to recover. Memphis led the entire way and got up by as much as 34 in the blowout.
Only one member of the Suns (Deandre Ayton, 18) scored over 15 points. Jock Landale had the best plus/minus of zero.
Prior to the game, Phoenix coach Monty Williams spoke on the problems Memphis big man Jaren Jackson Jr. presents down low.
“He can switch and guard and block shots with both hands. He is just a big, long dude. They do bring him back at the five. That allows him to try to cover the rim. I think they do a good job of using his versatility to guard twos and threes and sometimes one’s. Then take him out early and bring him back in for Steven (Adams). Then he plays the five and will drop. That gives him some more opportunities to rim protect.”
Jackson finished with a 23-10 double-double. Desmond Bane returned to the lineup for the Grizzlies in his first taste of action since Nov. 11 and scored 17 points
Phoenix were simply outmatched down low in the paint, as they were quickly forced to use guys such as Dario Saric and Jock Landale at the four spot with another center on the floor to keep pace with the Grizzlies.
Memphis had 97 points to begin the fourth quarter and outrebounded Phoenix 53-35 with 19 coming on the offensive end.
The Suns hit the road for a Christmas Day matchup against another top team in the West as the Denver Nuggets play host.
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