Jaren Jackson Jr. delivered a dominant performance with 38 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Memphis Grizzlies to a 117-112 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. Desmond Bane added 31 points, while Luke Kennard contributed 17 points and seven rebounds off the bench.
The Grizzlies established a 14-point halftime lead but had to fend off a late rally by the Suns, who came within a point in the fourth quarter.
Kevin Durant spearheaded the Suns’ offense with 29 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists, but the team faced a setback when Bradley Beal exited after the first quarter due to a hip contusion. Beal, injured after a foul by Jackson, managed just three points and two assists before being ruled out for the rest of the game.
Additional Contributions:
- Phoenix Suns: Tyus Jones scored 21 points, Mason Plumlee and Monte Morris each added 12, and Devin Booker, returning from a groin strain, struggled with 16 points on 4-of-20 shooting.
- Memphis Grizzlies: John Konchar grabbed 12 rebounds alongside seven points.
Game Highlights:
- Jackson scored 19 points in the first quarter, helping Memphis to a 36-26 lead.
- Phoenix started the second quarter with a 7-0 run, but Bane’s 13-point outburst helped Memphis regain control, closing the half with a 69-55 advantage.
- The Suns rallied in the third quarter, narrowing the gap to 74-71, but Bane’s steady scoring kept Memphis ahead 91-86 entering the fourth.
- Durant’s dunk brought the Suns within 96-95 in the final period, but consecutive threes from Jackson and Bane extended Memphis’ lead to 102-97.
- Booker’s late three-pointer made it 108-106, but Memphis sealed the win with a 6-0 run.