Recap: Suns broke records at Grizzlies, 128-97

Recap: Suns broke records at Grizzlies, 128-97

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The Grizzlies (13-13) are one of those teams against which the Suns (19-10) have not been successful. Yes, I heard you. Over the past decade, his list goes from Phoenix Suns Arena to Sky Harbor International Airport full of teams and players who played well against the Suns. But Memphis same possessed them.

Before tonight’s confrontation, Phoenix had lost 21 of the last 30 to Memphis and 5 of the last 5. Its lineup and lineup creates problems for Phoenix. On a Saturday night of 32 ° in February against an injured Grizzlies team, the Suns finally got one against their Western Conference opponent.

And they did it in a record way. The Suns set a franchise record with 24 trios in the game, and posted the highest number of trios in consecutive games in the franchise’s history, with 46. Suns led by 31 at halftime and maintained that margin over the second half.

Cameron Payne and Devin Booker made five trios, while Mikal Bridges and Chris Paul drained four each.

Memphis was hampered in this game as Dillon Brooks, Brandon Clarke, Kyle Anderson, Grayson Allen and Killian Tillie were all committed to the game. Jaren Jackson Jr. hasn’t played for the Grizzlies yet this season. What is the old saying? “Kick them while they are down”? That was the expectation going into this.

Here’s how it happened.

First half

A hot fourth on Friday night in New Orleans didn’t necessarily translate into the first quarter on Saturday. When the start of the funky 0-5 shooting started, there was Chris Paul to keep the team going. He remains a freak this season. This guy is almost 36 years old. He must have a decreasing skill set. But not that. He is capable of shooting, preparing his team, accelerating or decelerating; those are vital qualities to Suns’s success this season.

I wonder how frustrated the opposition, or at least the opposing fans, are when they see names like Frank Kaminsky scoring three points. I’m sure their first reaction is more or less, “Who the hell is this guy?” Although his body is indicative of someone who should be living under the basket, his athletic build does not agree. He entered the game shooting 44.4% from long range and continued his hot shot at this.

The Suns too. Until 13 after one.

The depth of the Phoenix Suns is something that no one should take for granted. I saw nights when the second team unit mirrors what the Grizzlies had tonight and you know what? I do not want to go back.

The lack of healthy bodies for Memphis was evident in the first half. Not Ja Morant? No ball movement, no easy kicks, no chemistry.

Mikal Bridges was aggressive early in the game, choosing to drive to the cylinder and make contact. He continues to cut and find ways to open up. Granted, I would like to see you do this more consistently. And he will.

Bridges is rewarded with this offense for his effort. He ended the first half with 13 points from 4-4 shots. He received an assist from Chris Paul that took him beyond the great Oscar Robertson in the assistants leaderboard of all time:

The Suns defense coupled with the cold shot from the Memphis polar vortex allowed the Phoenix to build a comfortable advantage in the interval. Phoenix forced the issue and really scored points on the free throw line! 10 of them!

The Grizzlies hit an abysmal 29.2% of the pitch with an unfathomable 5.9% depth (1-18). They were confused on the inside by Deandre Ayton when he hit two blocks. Their presence of shooting intimidation frustrated drives and

Booker with 15 points, CP3 and Bridges with 13, Saric with 10 off the bench. Suns shoot 50% and hit 13 times. You put it all together and the Suns found themselves walking into the locker room with a guide. A considerable one. One out of 31 points.

The Suns held the Grizzlies with 34 points in the first half, a better season for Phoenix. They beat their opponents by 60 points in the last two halves, returning to Friday’s meeting with the Pelicans. It was the biggest advantage for the Suns break in a road game … of all time.

Second time

We’ve seen this before, right? The sun is high in the range. Would they let you fail? Would they let Memphis return to the game? Would they lose focus and think that half of basketball was good enough to beat him?

Um … not tonight, guys.

The goal is to prevent the opposing team from running. Don’t let them have confidence. The Suns started the third just as they ended the second: hitting the three ball.

Phoenix kept Griz at bay for the entire third quarter. Devin Booker scored 10 in the period, including 2-2 in three. Ayton was aggressively hitting the ball and finding himself open for a Valley-Oop (h / t Espo).

Last night, the Suns tied the franchise’s record of three more points in a game with 22. As the team entered the fourth period with a comfortable 32 point lead, the record was in jeopardy. The Suns made 20 out of 38 shots in three quarters.

Phoenix chose to seat the Mid-Range Monsters (Paul and Booker) entering 4th place, given the leadership. They were responsible for 9 of the brands beyond the arc, so we wouldn’t have their services to help break the record. Damn Monty, we want this!

(Side note … you know how fun it is to write about watching Suns try to break a record instead of suffering during a stressful 4th quarter? I love it this year).

Here is a record of Suns’ search for the record, citing all 3PAs in the room:

  • Cam Payne hit three and then tried to feed Dario low, resulting in an upset. Doh!
  • Dario reached 21st place in a feed by E’Twaun Moore. Sha-zam!
  • Dario misses a three on the left front of the ring. Use your legs, boy.
  • Cameron Payne ties the record for the second consecutive night with a 26-foot player. There are still 6 minutes left. OH MY GOD. It will happen …
  • Ladies and gentlemen, mark your calendar: February 20, 2021, Cameron Payne reaches the 23rd day of the game and breaks the franchise record!

Cam Payne added another final hit, pushing the record to 24.

Well, it was a fun game to cover. The Suns advanced to 19-10 with a win of 31 points.

Chris Paul

The Point God overtook Oscar Robertson in assists of all time. Although only 238 of them came with the Phoenix uniform, it is a credit to the caliber of the player who is our primary ball handler. I thank.

It remains the source of the offense when the Suns stagnate. Phoenix started the night from 0-5. CP3 decided to start scoring and added the first 5 points for Suns. From his team, shot 46-85 (0.541) the rest of the game.

Paul’s final statistics line: 16 points, 6 assists, 2 scholarships, 4-5 of three … all in 22 minutes.

How is the guy I hated for more than a decade becoming my favorite player on this team? He makes the difficult moves. He exhibits mental toughness. He’s a leader. And I will follow.

A tasty confrontation awaits us this Monday, when the Phoenix Suns host the Portland Trailblazers. This is a team that entered this evening tied with the Suns record and we will be fighting for a position for the rest of the season.

Will Dame Lillard have a mission to show fans that it is he who should have received the nod to the Western Conference holders in the All Star game? Go as much as you want, Lillard. I just want to win.

I hope you had as much fun as I did. Until next time, enjoy the Bright Side tour.

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