The Memphis Grizzlies found themselves in survival mode. It was a game where only two words mattered on Oct. 29 against the Phoenix Suns.
Just win.
The Grizzlies didn’t have a particularly stellar shooting night. They turned the ball over 17 times and saw a double-digit lead disintegrate late in the fourth quarter.
Still, the objective was met. They pulled out a 114-113 road win at Mortgage Matchup Center over the Suns.
The Grizzlies (3-2) split their two-game road trip and will now head home for an Oct. 31 matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers (8:30 p.m. CT, Prime Video). This also will be their first NBA Cup game.
Here’s how the Grizzlies survived against the Suns.
Ja Morant does it again
The slogan has been stated time and time again. When the Grizzlies are in the heat of battle and need someone to cool things off, they “Call 12.”
Morant answered the phone again, this time making a floater with 7.3 seconds to give Memphis the win. That basket will get played repeatedly, but Morant made several plays throughout the night that kept the Grizzlies afloat.
He finished with 28 points on 10-for-19 shooting, eight rebounds and seven assists. He had entered the game with just two made 3-pointers this season. He knocked down three of his eight against Phoenix.
Morant prides himself on quarterbacking things for the Grizzlies, and he did just that in the victory.
Cedric Coward forcing Grizzlies’ hand
Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo may have a decision to make sooner than later. Rookie wing Cedric Coward continues to stack impressive performances, and at some point, he’ll likely be in the starting lineup.
Coward finished with 14 points, four rebounds and a block against the Suns. He was in the closing lineup and looked unafraid, knocking down a clutch 3-pointer with 1:50 left in the fourth quarter and securing the contested rebound that led to Morant’s winning basket.
The fact that Coward was playing in the closing lineup is an indication that he’s earning the trust of his teammates and coaches. He closed over Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who likely would go to the bench if Coward becomes a starter.
Cam Spencer’s underrated night
Coward and Santi Aldama were the stars of the bench unit. Aldama added 14 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and three steals to help Memphis win. However, there’s another player who shouldn’t go unnoticed after constantly making big plays.
Cam Spencer finished the night with six points and six assists in 19 minutes. His two 3-pointers both came early in the fourth quarter and helped Memphis create a 10-point cushion.
Morant and Spencer played a part in the Grizzlies connecting on 15 of 38 3-pointers. Considering that Phoenix shot 16-for-40 on 3’s, each one was needed.
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
