The Phoenix Suns played without their superstar Kevin Durant for the first time this season in tonight’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies. However, Devin Booker balled out in KD’s absence and got Phoenix the win in the in-season tournament encounter. Phoenix blew out a shorthanded Memphis Grizzlies team 110-89, and Devin Booker led the charge with an insane 40-point performance.

Tonight’s win against the Grizzlies has refueled the Suns’ in-season tournament hopes. Here are 3-key takeaways from Phoenix’s dominant victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.

1. Suns Big-3 are also great individual leaders

We are yet to see the debut of the Phoenix Suns’ Big 3 of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. All three superstars have suited up for the Suns on separate occasions, but have not stepped on the floor together during the regular season. However, Devin Booker’s insane performance shows that the Big 3 can hold their own even when the other two superstars are missing from the floor. Kevin Durant kept the Suns afloat with his MVP-level performance in Beal and Booker’s absence.

Trending

“Could Hear Jeanie Buss & Rob Pelinka Chuckling”: LeBron James Declared to Be Manipulating NBA World With Obvious Bluff

May 17, 2024 12:58 PM EDT

Countdown Starts for Charles Barkley and TNT Crew as Ernie Johnson Makes Heartfelt Confession Before Parting

May 16, 2024 06:00 AM EDT

Big Setback for Shaq, as $155 Billion Company Eyes Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith Post-TNT Era

May 17, 2024 10:54 PM EDT

Caitlin Clark in Deep Waters as Indiana Fever Shatter Embarrassing WNBA Record After Defeat Against Sabrina Ionescu and Co.

May 17, 2024 07:05 AM EDT

Exclusive: Shaquille O’Neal Has Big Plans to Dethrone Nike With Allen Iverson & Reebok, Ex-Agent Reveals

May 17, 2024 02:15 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Now, Devin Booker returned the favor as KD missed his first game due to right foot soreness. Beal, Booker, and KD have led their teams as sole superstars in the past, and that has helped them shine with the Suns this season.

2. Derrick Rose had a breakout game on return

The Memphis Grizzlies acquired veteran guard Derrick Rose this summer. The former MVP was expected to be a backup point guard during Ja Morant’s suspension and lead the Grizzlies with his veteran experience. But Rose has played only 6 games this season due to an injured knee.

Read More: Suns Injury Update: Why Kevin Durant Could Miss Tonight’s In-Season Tournament vs Grizzlies?

Rose made his return from injury tonight against the Phoenix Suns and had an instant impact on his team’s performance. The 3-time All-Star put up a breakout 17-point performance on 8 of 9 shooting. His incredible performance proves how important his availability is for the Grizzlies’ success.

3. Can the Phoenix Suns head to Las Vegas for the in-season tournament knockouts?

The Phoenix Suns played great in the group stage of the inaugural in-season tournament. They won three of their four games. Unfortunately, that was not enough to grab the top spot in their group, as LeBron James and Co. went undefeated and clinched the first spot in the knockout stages. The Phoenix Suns can still head to Las Vegas to compete in the knockout stages as a wildcard. But that will depend on the outcome of multiple games from different groups.

Kevin Durant and Co. have done their part, and now their in-season tournament future depends on New Orleans, Denver, Minnesota, and Golden State’s game results.

Watch This Story: Kevin Durant Pinpoints What Takes Suns to “Another Level”