THE Memphis Grizzlies overcame a testy first half with some scorching shooting to pull away late over the Phoenix Suns, 130-112, at the FedEx Forum on Tuesday (Wednesday, Manila time).
The Grizzlies battled through an early nine-point deficit and the ejection of Vince Carter after a first quarter scuffle with Devin Booker and the Suns. Carter felt Devin Booker got too physical and retaliated with an elbow that caught the young Suns guard off balance. The Grizzlies vet was sent out with a pair of technical fouls, which also sparked the Memphis rally.
Phoenix still led by a slim margin at the break, 56-55, but Marc Gasol led the Memphis charge with 11 third quarter points to give the Grizzlies a double-digit edge, 93-85, into the fourth period. Then they broke the game wide open with seven straight points to start the final frame and extended the lead to as much as 19.
Memphis posted season-best marks in points and shooting percentage (56 percent) to win its second straight game and improve to 36-25. Mike Conley led the way with 29 points and Gasol sank all five of his triples to finish with 28 markers. Zach Randolph also added 23 points off the bench.
Eric Bledsoe had 20 points to lead Phoenix, who have lost three straight games to fall to 18-42. TJ Warren and Alex Len scored 17 and 12 markers, respectively.