Suns Face Must-Win Battle Against Grizzlies in Memphis

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Phoenix Suns will face off against the Memphis Grizzlies tonight at 5:00 p.m. Arizona Time at FedExForum, desperately seeking to claw their way back into the playoff picture.

The Suns enter the game with a 30-34 record while the Grizzlies boast a strong 40-24 mark. The stakes are markedly different for both teams: Memphis is fighting hard for a higher seed, currently sitting just one game behind the Denver Nuggets for second place in the Western Conference.

Meanwhile, the Suns are teetering on the brink of elimination, currently 1.5 games outside the 10th seed, with their remaining 18 games representing a final push for a spot in the postseason play-in tournament.

“It’s not just about seeding for us. It’s about survival,” said Suns head coach Monty Williams. “We need to play with intensity every night from here on out if we want to stay in contention.”

The last three matchups between the two teams this season saw Memphis emerge victorious, underscoring the uphill battle facing Phoenix. Despite Memphis losing four out of their last six games, they are known for their aggressive style, leading the league in pace and free-throw attempts per game.

Memphis averages 24.2 free-throw attempts and ranks second in the NBA with 57.3 points in the paint, using a relentless offensive strategy to attack the basket and stretch defenses thin.

If Phoenix hopes to find success, it will need to disrupt Memphis’ interior dominance and maintain discipline to prevent open looks for shooters on the perimeter. The Suns surrender an average of 49.7 points in the paint, sitting 19th in the league. This statistic raises concerns about their ability to contain the Grizzlies’ feisty offense.

“Defensive intensity will be crucial for us tonight. We can’t afford to let them dictate the tempo or get comfortable in the paint,” added Williams.

Fatigue could be a factor for both teams, as they play back-to-back games, but the Suns must find a way to harness whatever energy remains. Can they withstand the relentless speed of the Grizzlies? Will their efforts to push the pace convert into defensive stops?

The overarching question is whether Phoenix can apply sufficient pressure on Memphis without sacrificing coverage on its perimeter shooters. If they fail to maintain focus, Memphis’ offensive prowess could exploit their weaknesses.

As the game approaches, analysts lean toward a competitive showdown but suggest that the odds may not favor the Suns. “Memphis will keep pushing, keep running until Phoenix runs out of gas,” said ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith. “At some point, you have to question if the Suns have enough in the tank to match that energy for a full game.”

Viewers can catch the game live on Arizona’s Family 3TV or listen on KMVP 98.7.