Poor second half dooms Phoenix Suns against Grizzlies: By the Numbers
Nov 6, 2014, 5:01 AM | Updated: 5:03 am
The Phoenix Suns knew they had their work cut out for them against the undefeated Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night.
Phoenix had Memphis right where they wanted them as the Suns held a six-point lead at halftime. Despite the strong start, the Suns let the game slip away.
A putrid third quarter and a mediocre fourth quarter doomed the Suns to their second defeat of the season, falling to Memphis 102-91.
“Games aren't always won and lost in the 4th quarter. I think this one was lost in the third.” – Jeff Hornacek #SunsVsGrizzlies
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) November 6, 2014
There is no shame in losing to the now 5-0 Grizzlies, as not team in the NBA is hotter. But, it’s a game where Phoenix likely feels they beat themselves with turnovers and poor shooting.
The Suns’ starting five all finished with a negative +/- in the double digits as the team shot just 46 percent from the field as a whole. It was a missed opportunity to start a new winning streak after defeating the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday.
Here’s a look at Wednesday’s game by the numbers:
1
Wednesday’s loss was Phoenix’s first home loss of the season. The Suns won their first two home games of the season against the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs.
17
The Suns were outscored by 17 points (56-39) in the second half after having a 52-46 lead in the first half. Phoenix never recovered from getting outscored 30-19 in the third quarter.
21
Phoenix was turnover prone against Memphis, as the team turned the ball over 21 times, including a team-high nine from guard Eric Bledsoe. It was a big reason the Grizzles were able to overcome a halftime deficit to remain undefeated.
91
In their two losses this season, the Suns have scored exactly 91 points. In their three wins, the Suns have averaged 101.7 points. Phoenix is 1-2 this season when allowing 100 points or more.
2
No. 2 Eric Bledsoe’s game mirrored that of his team. He had a great first quarter, scoring 14 points en route to a team-leading 23 points. He also had has many points the rest of the way as he had turnovers for the game (9).
11
In his second game back from suspension, P.J. Tucker led all players with 11 rebounds, all defensive. He had five rebounds in his season debut on Tuesday after averaging 6.5 rebounds per game last season, second most of any Suns player.
20
Markieff Morris scored reached the 20-point plateau for the second time in as many games and the third time in the last four games with a 20-point performance on Wednesday. Morris’ 88 points this season are second on the team, behind only Isaiah Thomas.
