Suns Outlast Grizzlies, Finish Group Play for In-Season Tournament

Without the likes of Kevin Durant or Bradley Beal, the Phoenix Suns were able to extend their winning streak to six games in a 110-89 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, concluding their in-season tournament group play with a 3-1 record.

As expected, it was the Devin Booker show on the road without his co-stars. Beal was shut down last week in an attempt to further his recovery from lower back issues while the Suns held Durant out as a precautionary measure with right foot soreness.

Booker tallied 40 points on 15-21 shooting with five rebounds, four assists and four steals. Tonight was his first 30-point outing in the last five games and the 40 burger is a season-high for Booker.

Other notable performances include Eric Gordon's 20 points and Jordan Goodwin's 14 points off the bench.

A depleted Grizzlies squad was led by Santi Aldama, who scored 21 points and added five rebounds. As a team, Memphis shot 27.3% from downtown with 15 turnovers.

Tonight marked the seventh consecutive home loss for Memphis, the worst start at home in franchise history.

Phoenix initially struggled out of the gate but retained control in the mid parts of the third quarter, though Memphis made them work the entire 48 minutes.

The Los Angeles Lakers secured West Group A with a perfect 4-0 record, forcing the Suns' hopes of advancing to the knockout stages into wildcard dreams.

"It was important," said Booker after the game when asked about keeping the starters in in hopes of improving the point differential. "We hope it's enough to get us in."

With the Suns winning tonight, Phoenix will be eliminated if the following two scenarios happen:

A Pelicans win PLUS a Nuggets win PLUS points differential OR a Timberwolves win PLUS a Warriors win PLUS points differential.

All three teams play later tonight with Minnesota still having one more game set for next Tuesday.

The Suns themselves continue their road trip on Sunday at Madison Square Garden when the New York Knicks play host to them. Opening tip is slated for just after 4:00 PM Arizona time.