In an exhilarating encounter that showcased the best of NBA basketball, the Memphis Grizzlies overcame the Phoenix Suns in a nail-biting overtime finale, winning 151-148. The match-up, which unfolded on Tuesday night, saw a staggering 299 points combined, setting the record for the highest-scoring game of the season. The intense back-and-forth nature of the game kept fans on the edge of their seats, characterized by a remarkable 22 lead changes and the same number of ties. Memphis’s Ja Morant played a pivotal role, scoring 29 points and delivering eight assists, helping propel his team into a hotly contested second place in the Western Conference standings.
Both teams displayed offensive prowess, with Memphis relying heavily on the contributions from their star players. Jaren Jackson Jr. poured in 28 points before fouling out, while Desmond Bane added 25 points and nine assists. Morant, despite struggling initially with his shooting—starting 2-of-14—came alive in the fourth quarter, scoring 15 points, including a pivotal 3-pointer that trimmed a 10-point deficit to a slim margin late in the game. His fierce determination shone through when he netted the team’s last 11 points, showcasing his refusal to shy away from the moment.
On the opposing side, the Suns displayed remarkable depth with five players scoring 20 or more points, a feat not accomplished since 1990. Devin Booker led the charge with 28 points and ten assists, while Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal also contributed significantly, scoring 26 and 24 points respectively. Yet, their impressive individual performances were not enough to secure the win, marking the team’s troubling trend of inconsistency.
As the game neared its conclusion, tension escalated. Durant’s jump shot with just over a minute remaining in overtime momentarily put Phoenix ahead, but Memphis responded swiftly. Santi Aldama’s critical 3-pointer flipped the momentum back in favor of the Grizzlies, setting the stage for Brandon Clark’s game-winning tip-in with mere seconds left. The Suns were left scrambling to recover, with Durant missing two potential game-tying attempts in the dying seconds.
This game not only highlighted the skills of the key players involved but also served as a warning for the Suns, who have now lost six of their last seven games and find themselves in a precarious position, four games under .500. The team’s inability to maintain leads and capitalize on scoring advantages will need urgent attention if they hope to compete for a playoff spot as the season progresses.
Meanwhile, the Grizzlies ride a wave of momentum as they solidify their standing in the Western Conference. Morant’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure will be critical in their pursuit of deeper playoff aspirations. Both teams face crucial tests ahead, with the potential to turn recent performances into lasting success.