The Phoenix Suns faced a challenging game on Tuesday night, ultimately falling to the Memphis Grizzlies with a score of 119-112. This defeat marks the Suns’ second consecutive loss. A bright spot in the game came from Kevin Durant, as he reached a significant milestone by scoring his 30,000th career point, even though his efforts couldn’t propel the team to victory.
Game Highlights
The Grizzlies excelled throughout the game, demonstrating their strength with a strong performance, particularly during the second quarter where they took control. Ja Morant led the charge for Memphis with 26 points, supported by Desmond Bane, who added 20 points to the scoreboard. The Grizzlies not only dominated offensively but also on the boards, capturing an impressive 60 rebounds compared to the Suns’ 42.
Durant’s Milestone Moment
Kevin Durant’s achievement of reaching 30,000 career points is a significant milestone for the superstar player. He finished the game with 34 points, along with 3 rebounds and 3 assists. Despite his strong showing, he couldn’t lead the team to a win. Fans were thrilled to witness this feat, celebrating his career achievements even as the game slipped away from the Suns.
Missing Key Players
In the matchup, the Suns were missing injured guard Bradley Beal, which created challenges for their lineup. His absence was felt as the team struggled to keep up with the Grizzlies’ fast pace and dynamic bench performance, which outscored the Suns’ bench significantly, 44-26. This left Phoenix relying heavily on their remaining players, including Bol Bol, who contributed 18 points and 14 rebounds in his starting role.
Rebounding Dominance
The Grizzlies showcased their size and strength across the court, particularly in rebounding. Memphis secured 60 total rebounds while limiting the Suns to only 42. This rebounding advantage played a crucial role in their victory, allowing them to maintain consistent possession and limit the Suns’ second-chance opportunities. It was clear that their physical approach made a significant difference.
Looking Ahead
Both teams will be back in action shortly; the Suns will aim to regroup and seek redemption against the Houston Rockets on February 13, 2025. They hope to have Beal back in the lineup, which would certainly strengthen their chances. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies look to extend their winning streak with more momentum as they head into their next game.
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kevin Durant (Suns) | 34 | 3 | 3 |
| Ja Morant (Grizzlies) | 26 | 7 | 6 |
| Bol Bol (Suns) | 18 | 14 | – |
| Desmond Bane (Grizzlies) | 20 | – | – |
