James’ 32 not enough for Summer Suns to defeat Grizzlies
Jul 13, 2017, 7:24 PM
Phoenix Suns' Mike James, right, shoots over Houston Rockets' Chinanu Onuaku, left, and Tim Quarterman during the second half of an NBA summer league basketball game, Monday, July 10, 2017, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
(AP Photo/John Locher)
Mike James scored 32 points for the Phoenix Suns’ Summer League squad Thursday against the Memphis Grizzlies, but it was not enough for the team to pull out a win.
They fell to Memphis 102-98.
James was terrific for most of the night, scoring his 32 points on just 16 shots.
With his team down three points with under 30 seconds left in the fourth quarter, James scored a game-tying three-pointer.
Mike James 👀👌 pic.twitter.com/lt4Qt2lzXK
— NBA TV (@NBATV) July 14, 2017
The Grizzlies answered, however, and the Suns were unable to convert on the following possession when James turned it over.
The other standout star for Phoenix was Dragan Bender, who had his second straight impressive showing.
The No. 4 overall pick from 2016 continued to put on display what his offensive game could potentially look like down the line.
The Croatian was creating his own offense more than ever seen before to the tune of 20 points, seven rebounds and five assists. He was attacking off the dribble to get to the basket, even unleashing a spin move for a finger roll finish at one point.
His partner down low Marquese Chriss exited the game with a left ankle injury in the first half. The team announced it was a left ankle sprain and that he would not return. Chriss was helped out of the gym by two team officials before returning to the team bench later in the game.
The Northern Arizona Suns’ Shaquille Harrison also had a nice game, scoring 16 points while showing off his signature aggressive defensive play on the perimeter. He was a game-high plus-16.
The Suns conclude Summer League play Friday at 7 p.m. when they play the loser of a matchup between the Dallas Mavericks and Sacramento Kings.
