How do you like your spice? Are you into the subtle heat of Carolina? Maybe you’re a chili pepper enthusiast. Or are you all about that Nashville hot burn? Well, the spice was alive and well in Memphis last night, as the Grizzlies once again imposed their will on the Phoenix Suns. Despite a laundry list of injuries, Memphis proved once again that a culture of physicality and a locker room full of determination can lead to victories.
Last night’s 120-118 loss marks the fourth time this season the Grizzlies have served Phoenix a hot plate of defeat. A season sweep. So maybe the spice they experienced in Memphis wasn’t just fiery. It was barbecue.
That’s not to say the Suns didn’t fight. They scrapped, they clawed, and for once, that edge we’ve been begging to see all season is showing up with consistency. The problem? It might be too little, too late.
What I’ll never understand — no matter how many games I watch, no matter how many lineup rotations I try to justify — is some of the decisions Mike Budenholzer makes. Or doesn’t make.
Memphis is dying to give away this lead and Budenholzer doesn’t have the mental capacity or the wherewithal to make one simple adjustment: put in Richards!
— John Voita (@DarthVoita) March 11, 2025
Nick Richards put up a double-double in the first half. He played zero minutes in the fourth quarter. Zero. Meanwhile, Ja Morant was slicing through Phoenix’s defense like a carving knife through freshly smoked brisket, and Ryan Dunn? Collecting dust on the sideline like a forgotten ingredient in the back of the spice cabinet.
The margins in the NBA are razor-thin. The Suns lost by two. Memphis had exactly one more possession than Phoenix. That’s all it takes. And you’re telling me that a few extra minutes of Richards battling on the boards or Dunn making life hell for Morant wouldn’t have made up one extra possession? Just one?
But hey, what do I know. I’m just a guy who compares basketball to barbecue. Drop your best recipes in the comments.
Bright Side Baller Season Standings
This one was close. Kevin Durant took 25% of the vote. Devin Booker and Grayson Allen each grabbed 21%. Mason Plumlee pulled in 10%. The Suns’ win over the Mavericks was a true team effort, the kind that leaves everyone debating where to cast their ballot. But in the end, it was Durant who edged out the rest, securing his eighth BSB of the season.
He’s slowly closing the gap on Booker, stalking him like a lion eyeing its prey in the wild.
Bright Side Baller Nominees
Kevin Durant
35 points (11-of-24, 7-of-9 3PT), 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 block, -1 +/-
Devin Booker
26 points (9-of-21, 3-of-8 3PT), 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, +7 +/-
Nick Richards
10 points (5-of-9 FG), 12 rebounds, 2 assists, -2 +/-
Mason Plumlee
10 points (4-of-5 FG), 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, +6 +/-
Tyus Jones
12 points (4-of-9, 4-of-5 3PT), 3 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, -13 +/-
Royce O’Neale
9 points (3-of-6, 3-of-6 3PT), 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, -7 +/-
Who ya got?
Poll
Bright Side Baller: Suns @ Grizzlies
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Kevin Durant
(0 votes)
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Devin Booker
(0 votes)
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Nick Richards
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Mason Plumlee
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Tyus Jones
(0 votes)
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Royce O’Neale
(0 votes)
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Other (comment below)
(0 votes)
0 votes total Vote Now
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