By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: 03:11 GMT, 11 March 2025 | Updated: 03:11 GMT, 11 March 2025
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - Ja Morant had 29 points and 12 assists, and the Memphis Grizzlies rallied from an early 16-point deficit to beat the Phoenix Suns 120-118 on Monday night.
Cam Spencer, a rookie on a two-way contract, added a career-high 16 points for Memphis, including a pair of free throws with 14.4 seconds left that sealed the Grizzlies' third straight win.
Kevin Durant scored 35 points and Devin Booker added 26 for the Suns, who jumped out to a 25-9 lead that evaporated before halftime. The game was close throughout the fourth quarter and Durant missed a potential game-winning 3-pointer just before the buzzer.
Both teams were coming off victories a night earlier. The Suns' Bradley Beal was sidelined for left calf injury management, while the Grizzlies continued to play without leading scorer Jaren Jackson Jr., who missed his fourth straight game with a left ankle sprain.
Suns: Phoenix is trying to work its way up to the 10th spot in the Western Conference to make the play-in tournament. The Suns entered the game trailing the depleted Dallas Mavericks by 1 1/2 games for the final postseason spot.
Grizzlies: Eight of their last 10 games have been decided by seven points or fewer, with Memphis going 4-4 in those close contests.
Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie, left, defends against Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant, right, in the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, March 10, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Nikki Boertman)
Spencer hit a 3-pointer from the left corner in the last second of the third quarter. There were words between Spencer and Durant, who closed out on the shot. Durant then tried to leg sweep Spencer going down the court, and both players were assessed technical fouls.
Phoenix went 20 of 38 (52.6%) from 3-point range, led by Durant, who was 7 of 9.
Both teams play Wednesday. The Suns play at Houston, while the Grizzlies host Utah.
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Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane, right, loses the ball while defended by Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, second from right, in the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, March 10, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Nikki Boertman)
Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins, left, instructs guard Ja Morant (12) in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns, Monday, March 10, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Nikki Boertman)
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant reacts in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Monday, March 10, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Nikki Boertman)
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) looks to shoot while defended by Phoenix Suns forwards Kevin Durant, left, Royce O'Neal, second from right, and center Mason Plumlee, right, in the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, March 10, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Nikki Boertman)
Memphis Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr. (1) drives between the defense of Phoenix Suns forward Royce O'Neal (00) and center Mason Plumlee, right, in the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, March 10, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Nikki Boertman)
Phoenix Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer instructs his team against the Memphis Grizzlies in the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, March 10, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Nikki Boertman)