Recap: Suns set records at Grizzlies, 128-97

The Grizzlies (13-13) are one of those teams against which the Suns (19-10) have not been successful lately. Yes, I can hear you. Over the past decade, their roster has stretched from Phoenix Suns Arena to Sky Harbor International Airport, filled with teams and players who have performed well against the Suns. But Memphis really possessed them.

Going into tonight’s game, Phoenix had lost 21 of the last 30 to Memphis and 5 of the last five. Their alignment and composition create problems for Phoenix. On a 32nd Saturday night in February against a hampered Grizzlies team, the Suns finally got one against their Western Conference foe.

And they did it in record fashion. The Suns set a franchise record with 24 threes in the game and posted the most three straight games in franchise history, at 46. The Suns led by 31 at halftime and held that margin throughout. throughout the second half.

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

Memphis was hampered in this one as Dillon Brooks, Brandon Clarke, Kyle Anderson, Grayson Allen and Killian Tillie all left for the game. Jaren Jackson, Jr. has yet to play for the Grizzlies this season. What’s the old saying? “Hit them while they’re down”? It was the expectation of this one.

Here is how it happened.

---

First half

A scorching 4th quarter Friday night in New Orleans didn’t necessarily translate into the first quarter Saturday. When the funk of the 0-5 kickoff kicked in, there was Chris Paul to move the team forward. He continues to be an aberration this season. This guy is almost 36 years old. He should have a diminishing skill set. But it’s not. He is able to shoot, to mount his team, to speed up or slow down; these are essential qualities for the Suns’ success this season.

I wonder how frustrated the opposition, or at least the opposing supporters, get when they see people like Frank Kaminsky hitting three points. I’m sure their first reaction is “who the hell is this guy?” Although his figure indicates someone who should live under the basket, his athleticism does not agree. He entered the game shooting 44.4% from long range and continued his hot shot in this one.

The Suns too. Up to 13 after one.

The depth of the Phoenix Suns is something no one should take for granted. I’ve seen nights where the second team unit reflects what the Grizzlies had tonight and you know what? I don’t want to go back.

The lack of healthy bodies for Memphis was apparent in the first half. No Ja Morant? No ball movement, no easy shots, no chemistry.

Mikal Bridges was aggressive at the start of the match, choosing to move towards the cylinder and make contact. He keeps cutting and finding ways to open up. Certainly I would like to see him do that with more consistency. And he will.

Bridges is rewarded in this offense for his efforts. He finished the first half with 13 points from a 4-4 shot. He received an assist from Chris Paul that pushed him past the great Oscar Robertson in the all-time assists chart:

The Suns’ defense paired with cold shots from the Memphis polar vortex gave Phoenix a comfortable lead at halftime. Phoenix forced the problem and actually scored points on the free throw line! 10 of them!

The Grizzlies shot an abyss of 29.2% from the field with an unfathomable 5.9% depth (1-18). They were troubled inside by Deandre Ayton as he smashed two blocks. His presence-deterrent shot thwarted urges and

Booker with 15 points, CP3 and Bridges with 13, Saric with 10 on the bench. The suns shoot at 50% and strike 13 times deep. You put it all together and the Suns found themselves walking to the locker room on a leash. An important. One in 31 points.

The Suns held the Grizzlies to 34 points in the first half, a better season for Phoenix. They beat their opponents by 60 points in the final two halves, dating back to Friday’s affair with the Pelicans. It was the biggest halftime lead for the Suns in a road game … ever.

Second part

We’ve seen this before, haven’t we? Sunrise at half-time. Would they let it sparkle? Would they let Memphis get back into the game? Would they lose focus and think half the basketball was good enough to win it?

Uh … not tonight, folks.

The goal is to avoid allowing the opposing team to make a race. Don’t let them have confidence. The Suns started the third as they finished the second: hitting those three balls.

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

Last night, the Suns tied the franchise record for most three points in a game with 22. As the team entered the fourth quarter with a comfortable 32-point lead, the record was in jeopardy. The Suns made 20 of 38 shots in three quarters.

Phoenix opted to sit the midrange monsters (Paul and Booker) going into the 4th, given the lead. They had represented 9 of the brands beyond the arc so we wouldn’t have their services to help break the record. Shit Monty, we want this!

(Side note … do you know how much fun it is to write about watching the Suns try to break a record rather than suffer a stressful fourth quarter? Love this year).

Here is an account of the Suns’ pursuit of the record, citing all 3PAs in the fourth:

• Cam Payne pumped out a three and then tried to feed Dario low which resulted in a turnover. Doh!
• Dario hit # 21 on a quick break stream from E’Twaun Moore. Sha-zam!
• Dario misses a three from the front left of the rim. Use your child’s legs.
• Cameron Payne ties the record for the second night in a row with a 26-footer. Still more than 6 minutes. OMG. It will happen …
• Ladies and gentlemen, mark it on your calendar: On February 20, 2021, Cameron Payne hits the 23rd three of the game and sets the franchise record!

Cam Payne added another late success, bringing the record to 24.

Well that was a fun game to cover. The Suns drop to 19-10 with their 31-point win.

---

Chris Paul

The Point God has passed Oscar Robertson in all-time assists. Although only 238 of them are dressed in a Phoenix uniform, it is an honor to the caliber of the player who is our primary ball manager. Appreciate it.

He continues to be the source of offense when the suns are stagnant. Phoenix started the night 0-5. CP3 decided he would start the scoring and added the first 5 points for the Suns. Their team shot 46-85 (.541) the rest of the game.

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

How did the guy I had hated for over a decade become my favorite player on this team? He takes the hard hits. He displays mental strength. He’s a leader. And I will follow.

---

A tasty game awaits us this Monday as the Phoenix Suns host the Portland Trailblazers. This is a team that came on a tie with the Suns tonight in terms of record and we will be racing for position the rest of the season.

Will Dame Lillard be tasked with showing fans that it was he who should have received the nod for the Western Conference starters in the All Star game? Go as much as you want Lillard. I just want the victory.

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