© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
MEMPHIS – The NBA season is rarely defined by a single night, but it is shaped by how teams respond to emotional swings. The Phoenix Suns’ most recent loss to Houston, sealed by a Kevin Durant buzzer-beater, wasn’t just a defeat. It was a psychological hit. Those are the moments that either linger or sharpen a contender. Tonight against Memphis, Phoenix gets a rare gift of a wounded opponent and a clear lane back to rhythm.
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Oct 29, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) shoots the ball against Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) during the second half at the Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Grizzlies arrive short-handed, missing Zach Edey,, John Konchar, and several rotation players, along with Ja Morant Santi Aldama questionable for Wednesday night against Phoenix. That matters strategically. Memphis without Morant loses its primary downhill pressure. Without Edey, interior rebounding and rim deterrence dip. The numbers back it up as lineups missing a primary creator typically see a significant drop in half-court efficiency and late-clock execution.
Dec 27, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) has words with Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
For the Suns, this isn’t about running up a score. It’s about a process of clean offensive spacing, early shot-clock decisions, and defensive communication that travels. Veteran teams tend to bounce back faster because they understand that urgency doesn’t always mean chaos. Phoenix fans don’t just want wins; they want reassurance. They want to see leadership translate frustration into focus. Phoenix has the personnel to do that. Games like this are where habits are reinforced and confidence is restored.
Oct 29, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) against the Phoenix Suns during the first half at the Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Phoenix should be easily able to rely on its stars to get the job done. So far, Devin Booker is averaging 25.67 points along with 6.3 assists, and in the last 10 games, Dillon Brooks has been averaging 20.4 points to help give the Suns a true second star while Jalen Green is out. If the Suns treat this as a get-right opportunity, they will find themselves back in the win column, with momentum coming right back their way.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
