MEMPHIS – Memphis Grizzlies used a strong fourth quarter breakaway to defeat Golden State Warriors, 116-108, in the 2021-2022 NBA Season on Tuesday night (Wednesday in the Philippines) at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee.
Ja Morant top-scored with 29 points and eight assists. Ziaire Williams and Tyus Jones added 17 markers apiece.
The Grizzlies notch its 10th consecutive win for 29-14 win-loss slate. Brandon Clarke chipped in 14 points and nine rebounds. Jaren Jackson Jr. had double-double 13 points and 11 rebounds, while Desmond Bane contributed 11 points for Memphis.
The Grizzlies started strong in the fourth period with inside conversions from Jackson and Clarke and outside basket from Williams for a 103-99 advantage.
Memphis went on to create separation from Golden State with back-to-back triples from Jones and five straight points from Morant for a 116-108 edge with 28 seconds left.
Stephen Curry had triple-double 27 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists., Klay Thompson added 14 markers, while Andrew Wiggins and Gary Payton II finished with 13 points each as the Warriors dropped to 30-10.
Meanwhile, Phoenix Suns (31-9) wasted its lead before pulling off a 99-95 triumph against Toronto Raptors (28-13) at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario.
After seeing their 89-83 lead turned to a 90-89 deficit, the Suns regained the edge at 93-90 on consecutive baskets from Devin Booker and Chris Paul.
Toronto trimmed the deficit to 92-93 on a layup by OG Anunoby with 14 seconds left but free throws by Paul, Booker and Deandre Ayton secured the win for the Suns.
Jae Crowder finished with 19 points, including five three-point conversions, Booker and Ayton added 16 markers each, while Paul has 15 points, 12 assists and five steals for Phoenix.
BOX SCORE:
MEMPHIS 116 — Morant 29, Williams 17, Jones 17, Clarke 14, Jackson 13, Bane 11, Anderson 8, Konchar 3, Melton 2, Tillman 2.
GOLDEN STATE 108 — Curry 27, Thompson 14, Wiggins 13, Payton 13, Poole 12, Porter 9, Bjelica 7, Looney 6, Lee 5, Moody 2, Toscano-Anderson 0, Iguodala 0.
Quarterscores: 28-24, 59-51, 87-90, 116-108./PN
