The Memphis Grizzlies overcame the Phoenix Suns 151-148 in what turned out to be a thrilling overtime match at the FedEx Forum on February 25, 2025. Despite fighting back, the Suns are mired deep in difficulty as they've dropped eight of their last ten games, solidifying their desperate need for victories to maintain playoff hopes.
Grizzlies fan-favorite Zach Edey had a subdued performance, contributing eight points and eight rebounds during his 20 minutes on the floor. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, Edey didn't factor heavily down the stretch, as Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins opted for more experienced players. Edey checked out of the game with approximately seven minutes left in the third quarter and didn’t make his return until the dying moments of regulation.
The outcome pushes Memphis closer to securing their playoff berth, consolidates their third-place position within the Western Conference, and underlines the Suns' precarious situation as they tangle with declining form. Phoenix's performance has frequently been undermined by poor defense this season, and their historically capable star trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal is struggling, evidenced by their inability to stem opposing teams’ scoring.
Heading to the game, Memphis (37-20) approached the matchup not only as heavy favorites but also with high expectations after confirming several strategic keys to success: dominating paint, preventing second-chance points, and utilizing their rebounding advantages. Contrarily, Phoenix (27-30) was limping, having lost yet another game just days prior to their trip to Memphis—a severe 127-109 defeat at the hands of the Toronto Raptors.
“We need to find ways to get wins,” Phoenix head coach Mike Budenholzer emphasized as he reinstated Bradley Beal to the starting lineup to improve the team’s offensive flow. Beal had been instrumental in benefiting from the rebound of his performance, scoring 25 and 30 points respectively against Chicago and Toronto leading up to this clash, but has collectively glanced at the broader issues plaguing the squad. “That’s what's happening,” expressed Durant on their defense. “The rivals are attacking us and we are not recovering when they score many points consecutively.”
On the contrary, Grizzlies' Ja Morant, fresh from having notches on his back, has consistently produced against the Suns, carving out recent successes as has teammate Jaren Jackson Jr., who adjusted well against Durant’s offensive output. The Grizzlies have had recent issues with their own rebounding—especially after suffering against Cleveland, where they allowed 57 rebounds, which served as coach Jenkins’ source of concern. Keyed by Jackson’s defensive talents, Memphis aimed to leverage their size advantage as they embarked on this high-stakes encounter.
Yet as Memphis faced Phoenix, their advantage was not without its own challenges. The Suns, having formerly established dominance with their star players, were disappointed throughout this season, and need to quickly establish both defensive integrity and broader competency to regain standing. The last contest on February 11 ended similarly as Memphis clinched victory with 119-112, marking their second win against Phoenix this season.
The depth of rosters bolstered the game flow; among the reserves, Memphis had Brandon Clarke and Santi Aldama, bolstering their skillset across levels. On the other hand, Phoenix possessed seasoned names, yet poor defensive strategies consistently undermined their potential success. Experts identified this offensive duo—Durant, along with rookie additions like Nick Richards, desperately needed to synchronize play.
Critical numbers were drawn from both squads, primarily contrasting Memphis’s strong net ratings—currently sitting at +6.3—against Phoenix’s struggles, reflecting negative net ratings of -2.1. Throughout the game, the Grizzlies averaged 117.5 offensive ratings contributing toward their forward thrusts, whilst Phoenix lingered below at 113.7, reflecting the pressing struggle for points over responsibilities.
Both teams understand one simple truth: there’s no gain without pain. The Grizzlies must compensate for lapses defensively and buoy their offensive play, whereas the Suns must appease frustrations made evident over their lengthy losing stretch. They risk either cementing their playoff dream or becoming spectators if the downward spiral continues.
With no confirmed injuries reported and modest low of turnaround games on both sides, supporters will watch eagerly as the teams adjust both tactical approaches, cement identities moving forward, and prepare for future face-offs.
The Grizzlies are back on the court against the Knicks on Friday, which raises curiosity for Edey’s role against the All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns, as Memphis aims to build on this oversized victory. Phoenix looks to reclaim lost ground, and the clock is ticking!