Grizzlies vs. Suns: Play-by-play, highlights and reactions

The Memphis Grizzlies (21-14) play against the Phoenix Suns (7-7) at Footprint Center

Game Time: 9:00 PM EST on Monday December 27, 2021

Memphis Grizzlies 114, Phoenix Suns 113 (Final)

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
5 takeaways from #Suns loss to #Grizzlies on Ja Morant’s game winner with 0.5 seconds left
azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral – 2:15 AM Antonius Cleveland @ac_uno1
Grizzlies cold – 1:34 AM Pete Pranica @PetePranica
Did you know? @Memphis Grizzlies have best road record vs. teams currently .500 or better? Now 5-2 after beating Phoenix (courtesy @Sportradar) – 1:31 AM Memphis Grizzlies PR @GrizzliesPR
The @Memphis Grizzlies are the only @NBA team this season to defeat both the Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns.
Both victories came on the road. pic.twitter.com/eVYjuHvxZh – 1:29 AM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
goodnight 😴
@Ja Morant x #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/DoFubemKAM – 1:25 AM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
It felt like much more than your typical comeback effort from the Suns tonight considering how the last 36 hours have gone: arizonasports.com/story/2948698/… – 1:20 AM Pete Pranica @PetePranica
If what Ja Morant did tonight didn’t convince you that he should be an #NBAAllStar I can’t help you. Dude balled out against one of the best teams in the league and a future Hall of Famer. #Call12 – 1:01 AM Chris Biderman @TheWarriorsWire
Steph Curry finally broke his Christmas slump with a 33-point performance during the Warriors’ win over the Suns. Here is a look at the stats and highlights. warriorswire.usatoday.com/2021/12/26/sta… – 1:00 AM Memphis Grizzlies PR @GrizzliesPR
Steven Adams recorded season highs with 9 offensive rebounds and 7 assists in tonight’s 114-113 win at Phoenix.
Adams is the first player in @Memphis Grizzlies history with 9+ OREB and 7+ AST in a game and the first NBA player to achieve this stat line since Karl-Anthony Towns in 2018. pic.twitter.com/elGXo7xnJA – 12:59 AM Pete Pranica @PetePranica
High-level basketball tonight between @Memphis Grizzlies and Suns. Punch, counterpunch, two clutch shots and @Ja Morant gets the last word. That was great fun. #GrzNxtGen – 12:58 AM Memphis Grizzlies PR @GrizzliesPR
Desmond Bane is shooting 48.9% from 3-point range since Nov. 18 (21 games played) and has the @NBA’s highest 3P% over that span (min. 100 3PA).
@Desmond Bane x #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/iYvnu0hrdI – 12:45 AM Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Watch Ja Morant answer Booker 3 with driving game-winner for Grizzlies nba.nbcsports.com/2021/12/28/wat… – 12:42 AM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
vs. errrrbody 🙅‍ pic.twitter.com/lVnhJckmKs – 12:40 AM Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
Desmond Bane on playing w/Ja Morant:
“As far as me and Ja, I feel like we got good chemistry. Last year we didn’t really have that chemistry when we were new to playing with each other. It’s fun for sure.” 
They are turning into one of the most promising backcourts in the NBA. pic.twitter.com/hoedbj4UiZ – 12:39 AM Kyle Anderson @KyleAnderson5
we got 12!!!! 1 of 1. whole gang stepping tn very special! – 12:39 AM Chris Herrington @ChrisHerrington
Morant, Bane team up to take down Suns dailymemphian.com/section/sports… – 12:38 AM Memphis Grizzlies PR @GrizzliesPR
Tonight marked Ja Morant’s third career game-winning field goal with less than two seconds remaining in the 4Q or OT.
@Ja Morant x #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/E0J8t5Sm2w – 12:36 AM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“If you have the answers to the test beforehand, then you always get it right.”
Cam Johnson on defending Ja Morant, who hit winner with 0.5 seconds left. #Suns pic.twitter.com/IpiUYN1fgR – 12:32 AM Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
This is random… but I really want a Nuggets-Grizzlies playoff rivalry to develop over the next few years just because those rosters are the definition of “styles make fights.” – 12:28 AM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“It’s been crazy, but we know what’s going on in the world.”
Cameron Payne as #Suns were without Monty Williams, Deandre Ayton and Jae Crowder as all three are under #NBA health and safety protocols. pic.twitter.com/w5tFYtes1O – 12:28 AM Drew Hill @DrewHill_DM
Desmond Bane on the question of whether Ja Morant should be an All-Star:
“I don’t know why people are asking the question. What are we talking about? 33 points. His (4th) game back. Comes off injury and COVID and games the Suns on the road.
“It should not be a discussion.” – 12:25 AM Memphis Grizzlies PR @GrizzliesPR
Desmond Bane set career highs with 32 points and 6 3PM in tonight’s 114-113 win over Phoenix.
Bane had recorded 5 3PM seven different times entering tonight. pic.twitter.com/WqrGJjlvlZ – 12:23 AM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
🥷 33 points.
🥷 3-5 from deep.
🥷 4 rebounds
🥷 4 assists
🥷 1 GW bucket.
Call 12. He’s gonna answer.
@Ja Morant x #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/80mZmVwss4 – 12:22 AM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“That’s big-time coaching right there.” Cam Johnson as he talked about the play lead assistant Kevin Young drew up for Devin Booker 3 to give #Suns one-point lead with five seconds left.
Young filled in for Monty Williams (health and safety protocols). pic.twitter.com/vMe78hkJQa – 12:21 AM Ja Morant @JaMorant
📲 – 12:19 AM Drew Hill @DrewHill_DM
Interim Suns coach Kevin Young on the Morant play:
“We had a little bit of a miscommunication. But he’s a great player, and we did everything we could. We threw a lot at him in the 4th quarter. Kudos to him for making that play.” – 12:18 AM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“The bank 3 surprised everybody.”
Jalen Smith didn’t call it, but that was part of his career high 15-point night as Deandre Ayton and Jae Crowder were out under health and safety protocols. #Suns pic.twitter.com/3DN3mkpeOe – 12:16 AM Michael Scotto @MikeAScotto
James Harden now has 6,00 assists and counting. He’s the 10th player in NBA history with 20,000 points, 6,000 assists and 5,000 rebounds joining Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, Gary Payton, Clyde Drexler, Oscar Robertson, John Havlicek, and Jerry West. pic.twitter.com/NID25BjOaY – 12:05 AM Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
Ja Morant shredded the Suns when they went to their drop coverage today. So many NBA teams play that coverage to force long midrange 2s, but Morant is one of those players who can get to his spot and make it hell for a big man. He said his goal is to get downhill when he sees it – 12:05 AM Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
James Harden’s 10th assist of the game is the 6,000th of his career. He’s the 10th player in NBA history with 20,000 points, 5,000 rebounds and 6,000 assists:
Kobe Bryant
Clyde Drexler
John Havlicek
LeBron James
Chris Paul
Gary Payton
Oscar Robertson
Jerry West
Russell Westbrook – 12:02 AM Drew Hill @DrewHill_DM
Ja Morant on Desmond Bane:
“Des can tell you that I always say, ‘Yeah, bro, you da goods.’ “
He also called Bane “a professional shot maker” – 12:00 AM Drew Hill @DrewHill_DM
Ja Morant said that the final play was “Ja go get a bucket.” – 11:57 PM Meghan Triplett @Meghan_Triplett
“It was Ja go get a bucket. That’s what I did.”
-Ja Morant on that last play – 11:56 PM Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
Ja Morant on the last playcall:
“It was Ja go get a bucket.” – 11:56 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Jalen Smith career high 15 points. #Suns #Grizzlies – 11:49 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Miscommunication.
Kevin Young on how #Suns defended Ja Morant on game winning bucket with 0.5 seconds left. #Grizzlies pic.twitter.com/qtKthoh1Kq – 11:49 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Ja Morant ascends, Grizzlies outlast Suns 114-113 (by @NathanChester24) https://t.co/0bfdlk2oBW pic.twitter.com/GVm9caa9JW – 11:48 PM Lang Whitaker @langwhitaker
It kinda got lost in all the craziness down the stretch but I hope Bane isn’t seriously injured – 11:44 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Regardless of the outcome, Book was incredible with this one. pic.twitter.com/rgCPofMkoZ – 11:43 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Kevin Young said there was a little bit of a defensive miscommunication on that last play, but hats off to Ja Morant for making a tough shot – 11:43 PM Mirjam Swanson @MirjamSwanson
Nets 71, Clippers 55 | Half | Brooklyn has 42 points in the paint — four points shy of the most in a first half this season in the NBA. (Memphis had 46 PITP vs Sac on 11/28. The Clippers, of course, gave up 44 PITP in the second half of their loss to Memphis on 11/18.) – 11:41 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Book with tonight’s @FanDuel Stat Line of the Game pic.twitter.com/F6mpOJzW1H – 11:39 PM StatMuse @statmuse
Desmond Bane last 7 games:
21.9 PPG
4.0 3PG
51/52/100%
No one cared who he was until he put on this season. pic.twitter.com/aAkVXxnM8w – 11:39 PM Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
The Grizz have a sneaky great answer when playing the Suns. Ja, Melton, Bane, Brooks, Jaren is a fantastic small ball unit when not facing a big forward playmaker. That’s the only weakness in the Suns offensively in my eyes, and the Grizz may be able to exploit it in playoffs. – 11:39 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Book was there to Ja just hung in the air an extra half-second. Crazy play. pic.twitter.com/GsDaycABAm – 11:37 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
headed back to the crib with back to back dubs: pic.twitter.com/Y98aFttqK2 – 11:37 PM Mark Giannotto @mgiannotto
Screw the hashtag. Ja Morant will be in Cleveland on Feb. 20. – 11:36 PM Matt Williams @StatsWilliams
Ja Morant and Desmond Bane are the first starting backcourt, both 23 years old or younger, to each have 30 points in a game since Allen Iverson and Jerry Stackhouse on April 5, 1997 against the Hornets. – 11:35 PM Meghan Triplett @Meghan_Triplett
“We got 12!”
@Ja Morant x #NBAAllStar – 11:32 PM Marc J. Spears @MarcJSpears
Ja Morant gives his game jersey to Chris Paul’s dad after the win over the latter’s son’s Suns. – 11:31 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
walk in ya trap, take over ya trap. road warriors. pic.twitter.com/o80CzwYTaH – 11:31 PM Bill Herenda @billherenda
Ja Morant checks all boxes of Hubie Brown closer definition 1 wants shot 2 can make shot 3 makes FTs 4 can pass out of trap 5 if nothing can create 🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀 – 11:31 PM Marc J. Spears @MarcJSpears
Huge win by Grizzlies 114-113 at Suns. Ja Morant with 33 points and an incredible game-winner. Desmond Bane career-highs of 32 points and 6 3-pointers. pic.twitter.com/KXBsXbt4zc – 11:30 PM Meghan Triplett @Meghan_Triplett
I do like that the Suns play Ariana Grande “Be Alright” after a loss in the arena – 11:30 PM Drew Hill @DrewHill_DM
Ja Morant scores the game-winner and Desmond Bane scores a career-high 32 points.
A hell of a win for the Grizzlies, who were without two of their best defensive pieces in Dillon Brooks and De’Anthony Melton. – 11:29 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Fought to the very end. pic.twitter.com/uylVMUsY81 – 11:29 PM Meghan Triplett @Meghan_Triplett
Grizzlies win 114-113!!!
Ja Morant with the game winner and finishes with 33 PTS!
Plus a career high night for Desmond Bane with 32 PTS and going 6-12 3PT FG – 11:29 PM Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
That was a terrific game. These two teams will be big contenders in the west for a long time. The Grizzlies won the backcourt matchup and that doesn’t happen against PHX often. That’s a hell of a win for the Grizzlies. – 11:29 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
CALL 12.
@Ja Morant x #NBAAllStar – 11:29 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Grizzlies 114, #Suns 113 Final. pic.twitter.com/gng0zQU6rY – 11:28 PM Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
The Grizzlies have beaten the Warriors, Suns and Jazz on the road, all before new year. We should be talking about them – 11:28 PM StatMuse @statmuse
Desmond Bane career night:
32 PTS
6 REB
12-22 FG
6-11 3P
He is somehow +4000 to win MIP. pic.twitter.com/Ji8UL67lHA – 11:28 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
BIG 12. MHM. 🗣
@Ja Morant #NBAAllStar
@Ja Morant #NBAAllStar
@Ja Morant #NBAAllStar
@Ja Morant #NBAAllStar
@Ja Morant #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/eEs7qFiQby – 11:28 PM Kevin Pelton @kpelton
Statement win for the Grizzlies. – 11:28 PM Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
JA MORANT. my god what a finish at the rim for the W. pic.twitter.com/J9CB1amAVX – 11:28 PM Michael Pina @MichaelVPina
ja and book just made ridiculously clutch shots look so easy. that was such a fun ending. – 11:27 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Final: MEM 114, PHX 113
Booker: 30 Pts, 10-20 FG
Cam Johnson: 19 Pts, 7 Reb
Paul: 13 Pts, 13 Ast, 6 Reb
Morant: 33-4-4, 14-25 FG
Bane: 32 Pts, 12-22 FG – 11:27 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Mikal Bridges isn’t close at the buzzer with only 0.5 seconds left. Suns lose their 2nd straight game for the second time this season – 11:27 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
It’s raining 3’s in The Valley, meaning you get free Carl’s Jr! 🍔
Tomorrow get a free Western Bacon Cheeseburger® at a Valley @CarlsJr with the purchase of a fountain drink! pic.twitter.com/vjEIZd2IuC – 11:26 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Ja Morant. Answers.
#Grizzlies up one.
0.5 seconds left. #Suns – 11:26 PM Eric Pincus @EricPincus
Ja/Memphis vs Suns is a classic right now – 11:26 PM Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
Devin Booker for the lead. pic.twitter.com/eBYxNeoca4 – 11:26 PM Lang Whitaker @langwhitaker
JA MORANT #NBAAllStar – 11:26 PM Donovan Mitchell @spidadmitchell
Damn that’s tough Book and Ja – 11:26 PM Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
This Memphis-Phoenix game is awesome. What a back and forth late here by Ja Morant and Devin Booker. – 11:26 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
JA MORANT MAKES THE GRIZZLIES BETTER YA HEAR ME. – 11:26 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Devin. Armani. Booker.
3.
#Suns up one. 5 seconds left. pic.twitter.com/OzJa5wBaU2 – 11:26 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Again, the Suns have had no answer for Ja Morant all night. Grizzlies back up 1 with 0.5 seconds left pic.twitter.com/TFdXhdEZB2 – 11:25 PM Chris Vernon @ChrisVernonShow
JA MORANT YOU HEAR ME – 11:25 PM Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
Ja Morant. Onions … – 11:25 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Ja got to the rim yet again going left. Suns have 0.5 seconds – 11:25 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
BIG 12 YA HEAR ME.
@Ja Morant #NBAAllStar – 11:25 PM Dan Favale @danfavale
tfw devin booker was wiiiiiide open pic.twitter.com/sS0cbZ1FSF – 11:25 PM Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
Booker didn’t even appear to be looking to shoot. He saw how open he was, squared up, and bottom. Got to wonder why no JJJ there over Steven Adams? Javale McGee has fouled out. – 11:25 PM Meghan Triplett @Meghan_Triplett
Suns take the lead 113-112 on Devin Booker’s three.
5 seconds left. – 11:24 PM Marc J. Spears @MarcJSpears
Book that wide open is a layup from deep. – 11:24 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Oh dear, Memphis. You can’t leave Devin Booker that open pic.twitter.com/f0sH3NoeE3 – 11:24 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Bane’s defense on Booker has been horrific over the last 3 minutes of the game, and that was just the cherry on top. – 11:24 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
WET LIKE HE’S BOOK!
RT RT RT RT @DEVINBOOK #NBAALLSTAR – 11:24 PM Meghan Triplett @Meghan_Triplett
Devin Booker 😮 – 11:24 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
bruh….. – 11:24 PM Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
Wow. Devin Booker. – 11:23 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Someone on Memphis messed up. Booker exits the SLOB wide open and is as surprised as all of us. Drills the go-ahead 3. – 11:23 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Suns force 24-second violation as Anderson airballed open corner 3.
Timeout #Suns. 8 second left pic.twitter.com/ysd30HWvUR – 11:23 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Not a great last minute for Kyle Anderson to say the least. – 11:23 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
2 point game.
we lead by 2.
their ball.
8 seconds left. – 11:23 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Suns ball, down 2, with 8 seconds left – 11:22 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Notable that the Suns are in the bonus – 11:22 PM Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
The best thing about this Celtics season is that most of their games end when there are still other games to watch before going to bed. Grizzlies-Suns is awesome, for example. Warriors-Suns on Christmas too.
Loving the game over a team is the best change you can make. – 11:22 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Paul steal on Bane triggers a series of events.
Booker 3 (Miss)
Jalen Smith offensive rebound
Johnson 3 (Miss)
Bridges offensive rebound (make).
#Suns down two with 32 seconds left, 112-110.
Timeout #Grizzlies. – 11:20 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Pandemonium. Suns got a steal and had two good looks at a 3 (Book’s initial one, not his second), but they got offensive rebounds to keep it alive. Bridges hits a floater and it’s a 2-point game with 32 seconds left – 11:19 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
real #NBAAllStar stuff from @Ja Morant pic.twitter.com/BMslv6Fffu – 11:19 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
To say that the Suns have missed DeAndre Ayton against Steven Adams would be a massive understatement. – 11:18 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Bane with 32. To the rim past Johnson, over Smith.
#Suns down five. – 11:17 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Adams too big for Smith inside
Bucket.
Chris Paul answers, fouled by Bane, who now has five fouls.
Hits FT.
#Suns down three with 1:13 left. – 11:16 PM Drew Hill @DrewHill_DM
Ja Morant with 31 and Desmond Bane with 30.
They are going to be a problem in the league for a long, long time. – 11:16 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Suns just have no answer for Ja Morant (31 points, 13-23 FG) or Desmond Bane (30 points, 11-21 FG) defensively right now, but Booker’s 3 pulls them back within 4 – 11:15 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
My Lord, JaVale McGhee is gonna see Ja Morant in his nightmares tonight. – 11:15 PM Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
OH MY GOD JA MORANT HOW???!!!! – 11:15 PM Bobby Marks @BobbyMarks42
A career high 30 points for the last pick in the 2020 first rd…..
Desmond Bane – 11:15 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Johnson fouled on a 3.
Hit all 3.
#Suns down five. – 11:14 PM Meghan Triplett @Meghan_Triplett
Career high alert 🚨
Desmond Bane has 30 PTS and has knocked down 6 threes – 11:13 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Desmond Bane is the best shooter in franchise history. – 11:13 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Career-high 30 points for Desmond Bane. Ja Morant has 29 right behind him. – 11:13 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
A NEW CAREER HIGH FOR DESMOND BANE MANE. – 11:13 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Bane career-high 30. #Suns #Grizzlies. – 11:13 PM Lang Whitaker @langwhitaker
Konchar has done a very respectable job on Booker tonight – 11:12 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Johnson answers with 3. #Suns down five. – 11:12 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Bane 3. #Suns down eight. Huge shot. Has 27 – 11:11 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Cam Johnson appreciation post. pic.twitter.com/KilPl8guvn – 11:11 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
11 points.
14 rebounds.
5 assists.
@Steven Adams‘s 5th double double this season 🥝 pic.twitter.com/H4ECDJE6rl – 11:11 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Really rough shooting night for CP3 – 11:11 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Got two bigs going at it right now.
Been battling all night.
But when Adams tried to get up and his leg hit McGee while he was down?
Time for the refs to intervine.
All of them, but looks like McGee and Adams talked it out.
#Suns down five as Adams hit FTs. 4 minutes left. – 11:10 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
JaVale wants none of Adams. – 11:10 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
JaVale McGee took exception to Steven Adams standing over him. McGee now has 5 fouls with 4:05 to play – 11:09 PM Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
Playing drop coverage against Ja Morant 🚩🚩🚩 – 11:09 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
good jit. always in the right spot. pic.twitter.com/2XeGYWNNuB – 11:08 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Keep fighting. pic.twitter.com/5ap0v4nkiH – 11:08 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Paul two.
Morant two.
#Suns down five. – 11:08 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Suns being outrebounded 46-31. – 11:07 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Chris Paul trying to foul Ja Morant to stop that fast break looked like two kids playing tag on the playground lol – 11:07 PM Meghan Triplett @Meghan_Triplett
John Konchar always comes flying out Nowhere AT THE RIGHT TIME! – 11:05 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Konchar huge transition follow.
#Suns down five. – 11:04 PM Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
Tyus Jones is -14 in 18 minutes today. – 11:02 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
This is the #NBA.
Team up big.
Other team makes a run.
Both teams hit lull. Missing shots.
Forcing action.
That’s usually followed up by one of two things:
The team that was down big draws even closer or the team up big goes on a run.
#Suns down 3 with 7:16 left in game. – 11:02 PM Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
Wow. 11-0 Suns run. Triples starting to go in. Think it’s time to get 12 back in the game now. Suns have cut the lead to 3 – 11:01 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
WHAT A FIND. WHAT A THREE.
94-91 Memphis with 7:16 remaining. – 11:01 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Suns within 3 after a Cam Johnson corner 3 and the Grizzlies need a timeout. Building is so loud you can’t hear whistles. Have to guess Ja Morant is back in after this – 11:00 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Booker in, Paul out with 7:58 left in game.
He’ll be back. #Suns down six. – 10:59 PM Drew Hill @DrewHill_DM
Not sure the Grizzlies can afford to wait for Ja Morant much longer. – 10:59 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
BIG TIME. KEEP WORKING. pic.twitter.com/89iw7YBksM – 10:58 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Too soon, but Smith showing activity in the follow dunk.
Offensive basket interference.
#Suns still down eight as #Grizzlies are out of rhythm. #Suns speeding them up with their defense. – 10:57 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Payne picking up full court on Jones forced him into a tough layup he missed.
Remember, Payne is from Memphis. #Suns still down eight. – 10:55 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
51 points combined for @Desmond Bane & @Ja Morant pic.twitter.com/cY3hNgGMeO – 10:54 PM Brooklyn Nets @BrooklynNets
book it
@James Harden #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/IsV9OZRsc5 – 10:53 PM Drew Hill @DrewHill_DM
15 turnovers for the Grizzlies.
And now we have a game in Phoenix. Memphis by eight. – 10:52 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
WE LOVE THAT ROLL @CAMPAYNE. – 10:52 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Payne rattles in a three after Jaren Jackson Jr. went in out of control to start the transition opportunity.
Once down 18, #Suns down eight with 9:30 left in game.
Timeout Grizzlies. – 10:52 PM Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
Timeout Grizzlies. Suns back within 8 after making three three-pointers so far in the 4th. – 10:52 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Home crowd made a push after that Cam Johnson 3. Grizzlies turn it over, Cam Payne hits a 3 and the deficit is down to 8. Signs of life? – 10:52 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Lord, Bane hit that from Memphis. – 10:51 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Chris Paul gets up slowly grabbing back of his head after taking a charge. #Suns down 14 as Bane answers with a 3, his fourth of the night on six 3PTAs. – 10:51 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Chris Paul stayed down for a second after getting trucked by Brandon Clarke. Was shaking out his neck/shoulder but appears to be fine and is staying in – 10:50 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Jalen Smith 3. 2nd one (Is 2-of-4). #Suns down 11 – 10:50 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
4th quarter otw.
📺 Watch on @GrizzOnBally 📺
📻 Listen on @929espn 📻 pic.twitter.com/MnyYsrPajp – 10:48 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
🟠 pic.twitter.com/fkbvqmhH6n – 10:48 PM Chris Vernon @ChrisVernonShow
KILLIAN TILLIE got the club turned up haha pic.twitter.com/l6S9RjuLKv – 10:48 PM The Vertical @YahooSportsNBA
Killian Tillie with the POSTER 📸
pic.twitter.com/5U4LncD8VG – 10:47 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
End of 3Q: MEM 89, PHX 75
Booker: 23 Pts, 8-15 FG
Smith: 10 Pts, 6 Reb
Paul: 8 Pts, 8 Ast, 5 Reb
Morant: 27 Pts, 11-20 FG
Grizzlies up 50-38 in points in the paint and 41-24 in rebounds – 10:45 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
mhm. mhm. mhm. 🥷
15 in the quarter. 27 for the game for @Ja Morant.
#NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/NBJe4aqcKx – 10:43 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
So, your plan to stop Ja Morant is Elfrid Payton? pic.twitter.com/vTtdCnrAmi – 10:43 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Elfrid Payton has been given the task of slowing down Morant.
Forced him into a tough shot.
#Suns down 16, though. – 10:42 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Attacking the rim.
@Devin Booker #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/BlNBszcA2n – 10:42 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
I’d hesitate to make any sweeping declarations about this game other than “Yes, Deandre Ayton and Monty Williams are very good at what they do.” – 10:41 PM Kyle Ratke @Kyle_Ratke
The holiday season always reminds me of the 2018 Timberwolves holiday party when Dario Saric just stood by the speciality cocktail bar for 4 straights hours without talking to anyone besides a buddy he brought. I gained a lot of respect for him that night. – 10:41 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
ON HIS HEAD @KillianTillie 😤 pic.twitter.com/3XyggrOpHa – 10:39 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
If Ja Morant is shooting like this, there is absolutely nothing you can do defensively. – 10:39 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Killian Tillie really just ended knockoff Horace Grant’s career, I love the NBA! – 10:38 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Ja Morant is in that world right now where only he exists.
Has 27 on 11-of-18 FGs. He’s 3-of-4 from 3. Has 15 in the 3rd quarter.
#Suns down 85-71 with 3:32 left in the 3rd. – 10:38 PM Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
Ja Morant has three 3-pointers and just hit a step back middy in the the third quarter. 12 is in bag right now. – 10:38 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Ja’s up to 27 points and has 23 of ’em in the middle quarters. Timeout Suns. – 10:37 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Ja Morant is just smoking the Suns right now. He’s up to 27 points on 11-18 FG and keeping the Grizzlies out in front every step of the way – 10:37 PM Drew Hill @DrewHill_DM
Killian Tillie said “DO YOU LIKE CREPES?” – 10:36 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Kyle Anderson is one of the most unique players in the NBA.
He’s not the swiftest, but somehow he can steal the ball from the vice grip handles of Chris Paul.
Wild.
#Suns down 83-71 as Booker hits 3. – 10:36 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
KILLIAN TILLIE FROM THE TOP ROPE pic.twitter.com/ZWu4KzNpRC – 10:36 PM Meghan Triplett @Meghan_Triplett
KILLIAN TILLIE!!! – 10:36 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
SHEESH. – 10:36 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Oh no. Jalen Smith just got dunked on hard by Killian Tillie – 10:36 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Mikal Bridges is one of the best perimeter defenders in the league, and Ja Morant has had him in hell tonight.
You love to see it! – 10:33 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Morant took an elbow from Booker, who just checked it, as he scored in transition.
Timeout #Grizzlies.
#Suns down 12 midway through third quarter. – 10:32 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Smith getting more than a taste of Steven Adams.
Adams just bullied him inside for a layup. #Suns down 16. – 10:30 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Morant 3. Again.
Hass 22. #Suns down 14 as Booker answers with a two. – 10:29 PM Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Until tonight, the Celtics had done a decent job navigating this brutal month of December. Now, though, they sit at 5-8, and have games against Phoenix and the Clippers to close it out. This one is a game that hurts to give away, even with the absences they have at the moment. – 10:29 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
get it out the net 🗣
7 points (19 total) outta the locker room for @Ja Morant pic.twitter.com/pV8NAjUl51 – 10:29 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
McGee four fouls.
Smith checking in. #Suns lead assistant Kevin Young talked to Smith up to the scores table.
#Suns down 71-56 early in 3rd. – 10:27 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Ja Morant trying to deliver the knockout punch here early in the 3rd. – 10:26 PM Drew Hill @DrewHill_DM
Uh oh.
Ja Morant is red hot to start the 3rd quarter and the Grizzlies lead Phoenix by 15. – 10:26 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Chris Paul picked an unfortunate night to start 0-for-5. That’ll probably change in the 4Q if this is still close, but Ja Morant (19 points) is starting to take over – 10:26 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Starting to become the Ja show. Suns down 15. – 10:25 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Morant 3. #Suns down 15. – 10:24 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Morant was looking to pass to Adams once he went airborne, but hung in air long to not only get off the shot, but make it.
#Suns down 12 – 10:24 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Cam Johnson in starting role tonight?
Seven points (3-of-8 FGs, 1-of-5 on 3s), three rebounds in 18 minutes in the 1st half. #Suns – 10:22 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Jalen Smith bucket shy of establishing new career high.
Has 10 tonight at the half vs. Grizzlies.
Scored 11 last season in San Antonio. #Suns – 10:20 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Desmond Bane with a 19-4-2 stat-line in just 16 minutes, and someone needs to check on @JoeMullinax – 10:14 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
At half pic.twitter.com/fskFofyYhN – 10:11 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Grizzlies 60 #Suns 48 H.
PHX: Booker 12, Smith 10. Bridges 2 (1-of-1 FG). Team: 38.6% FG (3-of-14 3s). No Monty Williams, Deandre Ayton, Jae Crowder (health/safety)
MEM: Desmond Bane 19, Morant 12. Team: 52.2% FG (5-of-16 3s) No Dillon Brooks, De’Anthony Melton (health/safety) – 10:11 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
24 minutes to the finish line. pic.twitter.com/UzoTLPbcda – 10:11 PM Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
Grizzlies leading the Suns 60-48 at the half. Ja Morant and Desmond Bane are outplaying Devin Booker and Chris Paul. Grizzlies outrebounding PHX 28-16. Winning the battle in the frontcourt and backcourt so far. – 10:09 PM Drew Hill @DrewHill_DM
So much to like from the Grizzlies in the first half. They lead the Suns by 12 at the break.
Konchar hustle is awesome (6 rebounds)
Ja Morant has 12, and was solid on defense
Desmond Bane has 19 on 7-for-11 shooting. – 10:09 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
GO LITTLE ALL STAR
@Ja Morant x #NBAAllStar
@Ja Morant x #NBAAllStar
@Ja Morant x #NBAAllStar
@Ja Morant x #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/szZSSvBsx4 – 10:07 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Halftime: MEM 60, PHX 48
Booker: 12 Pts, 3-7 FG
Smith: 10 Pts, 3 Reb
Cam Johnson: 7 Pts, 3-8 FG
Bane: 19 Pts, 7-11 FG
Grizzlies end 2Q on 19-8 run – 10:07 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Ja Morant with the skip after hitting the floater to give #Grizzlies their biggest lead of the night. #Suns – 10:06 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Bridges kept the ball movement going, but that’s a shot they want him to take.
#Suns down nine with 52.8 seconds left as Booker hits FTs. – 10:04 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Ja Morant has been legitimately great in pick and roll defense against Chris Paul tonight. That’s a very encouraging sign for the biggest hole in his game. – 10:02 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Your first Suns player in double figures is Jalen Smith – 10:02 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Suns down 12 as Bane has now 19 points. #Grizzlies – 10:01 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
that desmond bane jumper is art. frfr. – 10:01 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
John Konchar turning into a legitimate NBA rotation player and not just a meme is such a fun development. – 10:01 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Wrote this going into the 2020 #NBADraft.
Phoenix #Suns: GM James Jones has ‘long conversation’ with TCU guard Desmond Bane
Grizzlies guard with 17 points in the first half tonight in Phoenix, going 3-of-4 from 3.
https://t.co/3nD53wYfzy via @azcentral pic.twitter.com/OCOBs7n24f – 10:00 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
3 fouls on JaVale McGee just before halftime, so Jalen Smith checks back in. Suns down 7. Big final 2 minutes to close the half here – 10:00 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
McGee gets his third foul with 2:26 to go in the first half. That is not good. – 10:00 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Up and at it. pic.twitter.com/mq7HD9JGBe – 10:00 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
we call that rim protection. pic.twitter.com/Gb2CirpS6G – 9:58 PM Drew Hill @DrewHill_DM
Desmond Bane is 3-for-4 from 3-point range. The rest of the Grizzlies are a combined 0-for-9. – 9:58 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
You can say Jalen Smith is RISING to the occasion. 😏 pic.twitter.com/MsbEkfPbpP – 9:57 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Booker gets it to drop inside as #Suns cut lead to one after the 3-point play. 41-40 #Grizzlies with 4:24 left in 1st half.
Booker with 9 on 3-of-7 FGs. – 9:56 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Draw it up and drain it. 👌 pic.twitter.com/i5kUXXthxV – 9:55 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Jalen Smith looked to go end to end with dribble, but missed the layup.
BUT Cam Johnson followed it up.
Smith with nine points on 3-of-5 shooting. Banked in a 3.
Also has three rebounds.
#Suns down 39-35 with 5:44 left in 1st half. – 9:52 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Landry Sham3t pic.twitter.com/zDMeWjJzwR – 9:50 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Emanuel Terry is in the building.
#Suns signed him to 10-day contract as Deandre Ayton and Jae Crowder are in #NBA health and safety protocols.
He’s on the bench
Terry played two games for #Suns in that 2018-19 season, second worst in franchise history. – 9:49 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
The league isn’t exactly full of 6’11 guys beating guards off close outs.
Killian Tillie is good. – 9:45 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Cam Johnson 3. #Suns down 2 – 9:44 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
GO GET THAT DES 🚫
@Desmond Bane x #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/N0rTLIl9K4 – 9:43 PM Tom Orsborn @tom_orsborn
Spurs trail 53-43 after losing 2Q, 19-16. They shot 40.9 percent from the floor in the first half, missing 10 of their 11 shots from 3-point range.
The Spurs’ 43 first-half points are a season low. The previous low was 44 against the Suns on Nov. 22. – 9:43 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Devin Booker, Chris Paul and Cam Johnson are a combined 3-for-15 and the Suns are only down 1. We’re on track for a super weird game tonight – 9:43 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Mid-game push!
RT to vote @Devin Booker to #NBAAllStar 🌟 pic.twitter.com/7a2HzJPvsC – 9:42 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Q1 pic.twitter.com/TuInH0X6As – 9:40 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Suns were 17-6 with 5:51 left in the 1st quarter.
They’re now down one, 25-24, going into 2nd quarter. – 9:40 PM Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
Starting to wonder how much longer will Desmond Bane fly under the radar. It’s not just the shooting. He’s made some great defensive plays, midrange jumpers and some violent cuts to the basket for easy layups. This all in just one quarter against an elite defense. He’s on his way – 9:38 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
a first quarter of runs.
Us: 25 | : 24
@Desmond Bane leads all scorers with 12 points. pic.twitter.com/Mf6gFxUsMS – 9:38 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Yeah, Brandon Clarke would provide the Grizz with much more in this matchup offensively than Tillman. – 9:38 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Very clear how much Memphis misses the secondary creation of Melton and Brooks. Bane has had a great first quarter (12 points) and the offense is still struggling this quarter.
Suns close the quarter on an 11-6 run and are only down 1. – 9:37 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Hello @Jalen Smith, the bank is OPEN! pic.twitter.com/cVjDEoBqBV – 9:37 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
End of 1Q: MEM 25, PHX 24
Smith: 7 Pts, 2-3 FG
Booker: 6 Pts, 2-6 FG
Shamet: 3 Pts
Bane: 12 Pts, 5-8 FG
Grizz up 18-8 in points in the paint and 17-8 in rebounds – 9:37 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Payne with the show and go with a hesitation and high off the glass coast to coast layup over Jaren Jackson Jr.
#Suns down one. – 9:36 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Shamet 3.
#Suns down three. – 9:35 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Desmond Bane is unreal man. – 9:34 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
CROWN HIM THE FLY BY KING 👑
12 points in the first quarter for @Desmond Bane.
#NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/M3Nxfjmx1o – 9:34 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Got a lot of subbing going on.
It’s almost as if Kevin Young is trying to figure out combinations for the rest of the game.
Current lineup?
Payne, Shamet, Booker, Johnson, Smith. Down 22-17. #Suns – 9:33 PM Drew Hill @DrewHill_DM
Bane 🚂🚂🚂🚂
Choo Choo – 9:32 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Threadin’ the needle.
@Chris Paul #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/qi9PeX80Hn – 9:32 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
YEAHHH DES. – 9:32 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Thought Elfrid Payton was about to check in, but he remains on the bench.
What a crazy 24 hours it’s been for him.
Was first placed in health and safety protocols on Sunday.
By Monday evening, he was cleared to play tonight vs. Grizzlies.
Again, it’s fluid folks. #Suns – 9:32 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
calm and crafty wit it 🥷
@Ja Morant x #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/1FXGp54K5K – 9:30 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Suns rolling with CP3-Booker-Payne-Shamet-Stix. Having some Dragic-Bledsoe-IT PTSD flashbacks – 9:27 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Current #Suns lineup:
Paul, Payne, Shamet, Booker and McGee.
Thoughts? – 9:26 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Stay locked. 🤚
@Devin Booker #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/Yzxr4tMWg6 – 9:25 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Jalen Smith banks in 3 front window.
That’s a five-point trip.
#Suns down six. – 9:24 PM Meghan Triplett @Meghan_Triplett
Grizzlies lead 17-6 vs Suns with 5:51 left in the 1st qtr. 16 of the Grizz PTS have been from inside the paint. – 9:24 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Clear path foul ruled on Bane as Booker was in looking to score off steal in transition.
Booker hits FTs.
#Suns down nine. – 9:24 PM Chris Herrington @ChrisHerrington
Grizzlies without their two best backcourt defenders in a game vs. two All-Star guards. Suns without their starting frontcourt in a game vs. No. 2 paint points team. So far: Advantage Grizzlies. – 9:21 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Morant inside.
#Suns down 11 – 9:21 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
14 of the Grizzlies’ first 15 points have come in the paint – 9:20 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Suns 3-of-11 FGs (0-for-4 from 3). – 9:19 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
3 points. 3 assists. 3 rebounds.
in 5 minutes for @Steven Adams. – 9:17 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Steven Adams is doing a really good job of showing higher than normal in drop coverage to keep Chris Paul from getting easy looks from mid-range.
Grizzlies 13-6 early. – 9:17 PM Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
The Grizzlies size advantage is showing up early. Jaren Jackson is moving his feet and staying with Cam Johnson on defense. On offense he’s using his size to get easy shots in the paint. Good early start for the Grizz. – 9:17 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Jalen Smith in for McGee.
1st #Suns sub off bench tonight. 7:22 left in first quarter. – 9:16 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Desmond Bane: 6 points, 3-4 FG
Phoenix Suns: 6 points, 3-10 FG – 9:16 PM Drew Hill @DrewHill_DM
Great start for the Grizz and Desmond Bane is already hot. 12-6 lead over the Suns. – 9:15 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
12-6 Grizzlies. Desmond Bane with 6 for Memphis. #Suns – 9:15 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Some early slips on screens from Bridges and Johnson.
This Bane guy ain’t bad – 9:13 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Cam Johnson with the Pick & Roll for the first bucket. pic.twitter.com/o34qBmgEBS – 9:12 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
LET’S GET GET GET IT 🙅‍
📺 @GrizzOnBally | 📻 @929espn pic.twitter.com/l9Nevn2ZDZ – 9:12 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Cam Johnson scores 1st two.
Desmond Bane answers.
Tied 2-2. – 9:12 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
We in here. #Suns #GrindCity pic.twitter.com/KSVbnbZcR4 – 9:10 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Mikal Bridges is just excited to be here pic.twitter.com/s8UKTuUKLa – 9:09 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Cam Payne loosening it up. pic.twitter.com/YUsh9YAVzd – 9:08 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“Coached with a lot of passion. I remember seeing him on the sidelines even when we were going against each other as assistant coaches.” #Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins about Kevin Young, who’ll coach for Monty Williams (health/safety) tonight.
Both coached in G League. #Suns – 9:04 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
cutoff hoodie go crazy 🥷 🔥 pic.twitter.com/wLf1dPym9R – 9:03 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
It’s hard to predict how tonight’s gonna go.
The NBA is even weirder than usual under the circumstances right now, but the Suns have been a terrible matchup for Memphis since last year, and they won by 25 without Ayton in their last matchup.
Oh what the heck, Grizz by 10. – 8:58 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Ramping up.
@Devin Booker #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/BFi6vcm2cX – 8:48 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
“We had a slogan going back to last year of just navigating uncertainty and here we are.”
Here we are, indeed. The latest on COVID-19 across the league and the start of it affecting the Suns: arizonasports.com/story/2948540/… – 8:44 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Emanuel Terry is available to play tonight, per Suns.
He will be Phoenix’s 11th active player. – 8:41 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Official:
Cam Johnson starting for Jae Crowder (health and safety protocols).
JaVale McGee starting for Deandre Ayton (health and safety protocols) #Suns – 8:36 PM Scott Kushner @ScottDKushner
Ian Book as a 3-point underdog….
Just seems hard to believe. – 8:33 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
First five vs. Memphis. pic.twitter.com/D9Tfn0fguc – 8:30 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
🚨 GRIZZ TWITTER ROLL CALL. YOU TAPPED IN? 🚨 pic.twitter.com/wuzLlrVjVH – 8:29 PM Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
That’s quite a welcome to the NFL moment for Ian Book with the pick-6. – 8:26 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
A little tribute for Deandre Ayton from Devin Booker. Took a few cracks at Ayton’s patented halfcourt granny shot.
Real friends, how many of us pic.twitter.com/2IJTvtWOq0 – 8:21 PM Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
New #Rockets at #TXSN – Rockets’ K.J. Martin, Jae’Sean Tate enter COVID-19 protocols ift.tt/32skX0R – 8:18 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Suns Pulse: Phoenix looks to bounce back after #Christmas loss to Warriors as head coach Monty Williams and starters Deandre Ayton and Jae Crowder are under #NBA health and safety protocols
#Suns lead assistant Kevin Young is coaching in place of Williams https://t.co/ZxMduZtSTW pic.twitter.com/2PuBK3x2nR – 8:18 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
FIRST FIVE TONIGHT vs. @Phoenix Suns
🏇 @Ja Morant
🐸 @Desmond Bane
🐘 @konchjitty55
🐶 @Jaren Jackson Jr.
🐈 @Steven Adams
@Verizon | #GrzNxtGen pic.twitter.com/hwQcp3rCCi – 8:17 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Usually a crowded last group pregame of Deandre Ayton, Devin Booker and Jae Crowder but just Book tonight pic.twitter.com/ag3Ztz41dS – 8:16 PM Andrew Lopez @_Andrew_Lopez
Shout out to the guy in the section below me sporting the Ian Book jersey. – 8:01 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Tonight’s @BannerHealth Health Update. pic.twitter.com/P8m75I7TUC – 8:00 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said team had “virtual” walkthrough amid rise in COVID-19 cases. #Suns pic.twitter.com/KUe3eJ3Ihq – 7:47 PM Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
Taylor Jenkins said with everything going on with COVID & the Grizzlies being on the 2nd night of a back to back, the team prepared virtually today. The staff used zoom to go over their rapport and put film on each player’s iPad before they offered input on the gameplan. – 7:44 PM Meghan Triplett @Meghan_Triplett
Coach Jenkins going with the same starters as last night for the @Memphis Grizzlies : Morant, Bane, Konchar, Jackson Jr., and Adams – 7:43 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
game recognize game.
make @Ja Morant an #NBAAllStar by hitting the RT button 🗳 pic.twitter.com/mT8mToydEB – 7:41 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Kevin Young isn’t sure who’ll start for Deandre Ayton and Jae Crowder, but you got to think JaVale McGee starts for Ayton.
As for Crowder, I’m thinking Cam Johnson, but Young may go with Shamet for 3-guard look.
He started for Devin Booker when he was out.
Thoughts? #Suns – 7:37 PM Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
The Suns are listing guard Elfrid Payton as available vs. Memphis tonight, according to the league portal. Payton entered Covid protocols on Sunday. – 7:37 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“Navigating uncertainty.”
#Suns lead assistant Kevin Young is taking the approach #Suns took all of last season into tonight’s game against Memphis as Monty Williams is out under health and safety protocols.
Young said he told players to “have each other’s back” and “step up.” pic.twitter.com/h4LZUMOSo1 – 7:29 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Suns say Elfrid Payton has been cleared and is eligible to play tonight after all – 7:26 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Acting Suns head coach Kevin Young said he was kind of blown away with how much Monty Williams has essentially handed him the keys to running the team. Said that was a huge confidence booster for him. – 7:22 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Acting head coach Kevin Young said the Suns aren’t sure who they’re going to start yet in place of Deandre Ayton and Jae Crowder – 7:19 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Looks like Elfrid Payton is gonna be good to go? Out here warming up. pic.twitter.com/VIR8BQPdFM – 7:14 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
If there’s a bright side to the Suns’ current situation, it’s that they are at home now and are for the next few days. Those in isolation right now will be able to do so in the Valley as opposed to a random city on the road. – 7:09 PM Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
NBA’s best record over the last month:
Cleveland Cavs: 11-3
Utah Jazz: 11-3
Phoenix Suns: 11-3
NBA’s best Defensive Rating over the last month:
1. Cleveland (99.8)
2. Memphis (101.8)
NBA’s best Net Rating over the last month:
1. Cleveland (15.8)
2. Utah Jazz (11.7) – 7:00 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Phoenix #Suns: Monty Williams, Deandre Ayton placed under #NBA health and safety protocols https://t.co/fLiK5bxkmx via @azcentral pic.twitter.com/LIcbg34Mhu – 6:46 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Jae Crowder and Elfrid Payton yesterday.
Head coach Monty Williams and Deandre Ayton today.
#Suns are adding to the list of #NBA players and coaches under the league’s health and safety protocols. pic.twitter.com/8TxtD1dMSC – 6:42 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Hoodie season, don’t forget to checkout with @PayPal tonight!
👕 https://t.co/NsKX3BiZG6 pic.twitter.com/aTZoobZlDI – 6:30 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Suns out tonight so far:
Deandre Ayton (H&S protocols)
Jae Crowder (protocols)
Monty Williams (protocols)
Frank Kaminsky (right knee stress reaction)
Abdel Nader (right knee injury management)
Dario Saric (ACL rehab)
Elfrid Payton (protocols)
Ish Wainright (low back soreness) – 5:54 PM The Vertical @YahooSportsNBA
Suns C Deandre Ayton has entered the NBA’s health and safety protocols, per @Adrian Wojnarowski. pic.twitter.com/YWD3G7IbYk – 5:45 PM Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
Javale McGee has been one of the NBA’s best backup bigs, but the Grizzlies should have the frontcourt advantage one day after recording a franchise record 35 second chance points. – 5:43 PM Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton has entered Covid protocols, sources tell ESPN. – 5:40 PM Adam Wexler @AdamJWexler
#Rockets HC Stephen Silas says Jae’Sean Tate and K.J. Martin have entered the health & safety protocols. The team now has 4 players in health & safety protocols (Augustin, Mathews, Tate, Martin). – 5:32 PM David Locke @DLocke09
Top 5 NBA Net Rating over the last month
1. Cleveland
2. Utah
3. Memphis
4. San Antonio
5. Phoenix – 5:32 PM Sean Cunningham @SeanCunningham
Monday’s glimpse into practice with the Sacramento Kings following Monday’s loss to the Grizzlies and ahead of the home back-to-back with the Thunder & Mavericks. pic.twitter.com/e30hPbjBT6 – 5:30 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Remember him?
Emanuel Terry back with #Suns on 10-day. pic.twitter.com/siaifrTPJf – 5:24 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Providing the ultimate assist. 🎁
Jae Crowder, Mikal Bridges, and 20 @intel volunteers teamed up with Suns Legacy Partners to help 30 at-risk youth take part in a shopping spree of a lifetime.
Read more https://t.co/qJZdxGNfqk pic.twitter.com/HfhTAhp9Xs – 5:23 PM Sean Cunningham @SeanCunningham
Tyrese Haliburton reacts to the criticisms made from Alvin Gentry following last night’s loss to the Grizzlies, how those comments landed with his Kings team and looking to rid themselves of familiar mistakes.
FULL VIDEO: https://t.co/qnUl1krN1X pic.twitter.com/9nnB0DMVk8 – 5:20 PM Sean Cunningham @SeanCunningham
Marvin Bagley III discusses how his Sacramento Kings responded to the harsh comments made from their head coach Alvin Gentry after loss to Grizzlies, also details his second bout with COVID-19.
FULL VIDEO: https://t.co/AI95pBQL6P pic.twitter.com/BVjwFxV4Ts – 5:17 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Providing the ultimate assist. 🎁
Jae Crowder, Mikal Bridges, and 20 Intel volunteers teamed up with Suns Legacy Partners to help 30 at-risk youth take part in a shopping spree of a lifetime.
Read more https://t.co/qJZdxGNfqk pic.twitter.com/VzJOkF20Ym – 5:15 PM Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
trip is rare like mr.clean with hair 🦄
RT RT RT to vote @Jaren Jackson Jr. for #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/vjI4hv9aJw – 4:54 PM Memphis Grizzlies PR @GrizzliesPR
Last night, @konchjitty55 (11 points, 14 rebounds) became the third player in @Memphis Grizzlies franchise history to record a double-double in his first career NBA start.
Konchar joined Marc Gasol (10/29/2008) and Andre Brown (4/12/2008). (h/t @EliasSports) pic.twitter.com/Q9rPYcgVld – 4:46 PM Chris Biderman @TheWarriorsWire
Steph Curry finally broke his Christmas slump with a 33-point performance during the Warriors’ win over the Suns. Here is a look at the stats and highlights. warriorswire.usatoday.com/2021/12/26/sta… – 4:00 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Another week of Suns basketball, here’s our jersey lineup!
@PayPal | #ValleyProud pic.twitter.com/gFqJm9FocJ – 3:51 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Suns head coach Monty Williams out for Monday’s game vs. Memphis under #NBA health and safety protocols azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral – 3:40 PM James Ham @James_HamNBA
Stockton Kings lose Emanuel Terry to Suns. pic.twitter.com/VySoErZMmY – 3:21 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Confirmed Monty Williams OUT tonight vs. Memphis under #NBA health/safety protocols.
Jae Crowder and Elfrid Payton OUT as well in health/safety protocols.
Lead assistant Kevin Young will coach in Williams’ place. Young was in health/safety protocols earlier this season. #Suns – 3:11 PM Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Alvin Gentry on Kings’ 25-point loss to Grizzlies: ‘Most disappointed I’ve been in 34 years in the NBA’ nba.nbcsports.com/2021/12/27/alv… – 3:00 PM