Monty Williams’ Phoenix Suns did not stop and last night they added their seventh in a row by passing over the Grizzlies 119-94. Those from Arizona controlled the game at all times and were never behind on the scoreboard. Phoenix always held a double-digit lead from the first period to the final honk.
“I think our defense was very, very good tonight. It was no accident that we could get such an advantage, ”Jae Crowder admitted.
Crowder and Devin Booker led the Suns attack with 17 points each; followed by veteran Chris Paul with 17 points, 12 assists and 5 steals to his credit.
Ja Morant was the most outstanding of the locals with 26 points, 12 rebounds and 9 assists; and his teammate Jaren Jackson Jr. had 19 points.
Those from Phoenix connected 50% in field goals during the first half with a successful CP3, which in that span scored 13 goals with a 6/7 shot to guide a 19-point lead at halftime, which was extended up to 38 points during the third period.
“We have two versions of the Grizzlies,” admitted Taylor Jenkins. «In the six victories we have played disciplined basketball. We have made the shots, and defensively we do what we have to do. And then, in the losses, our defense has not been disciplined and we have missed many shots, “he explained.
The Suns’ defense was relentless for a Grizzlies who hit just 37% in the first half, including 3 of 12 on 3s. Furthermore, the nine losses they committed only made their situation worse. Those from Tennessee just scored 64 points in three quarters of a game.
Defensively, keeping a team with 23 points or less in a quarter is very difficult. Our identity was there, in the right place, “admitted Williams.
(Cover photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images)
