Grizzlies overwhelmed by Suns in Winslow’s return
Justise Winslow got a nice applause at Fedexforum when he checked in with 6:29 remaining in the first quarter.
It completed a 13-month wait to resume his NBA career. But Winslow's return came alongside the Grizzlies being down four rotation players.
The Phoenix Suns scorched the shorthanded Grizzlies 128-97 on Saturday night as rookies Desmond Bane and Xavier Tillman Sr. started for the first time together.
But it was clear the game was more about getting Winslow acclimated. After four games in five days, the Grizzlies (13-13) looked ready for a break after two back-to-backs.
Winslow aggressive but rusty
It was fair to expect Winslow to struggle after not playing in 13 months and 13 days. His first shot was an open 3-pointer that was off and things got worse in the first half.
Winslow was 0-for-9 but shot better in the second half. He finished with nine points and seven rebounds in 21 minutes and also played solid defense on Suns' All-star guard Devin Booker.
It wasn't easy to evaluate him with the Grizzlies shorthanded. But if he can be a shot creator, slasher and perimeter defender, then he'll add more depth to the second unit with Tyus Jones and De'anthony Melton.
Grizzlies were down several starters
The game was already in doubt based on the injury report. Grayson Allen and Kyle Anderson sat due to rest, Brandon Clarke was out for injury maintenance and Dillon Brooks sat a second straight game with thigh soreness.
Blame it on the Grizzlies being overtaxed this week. They played lineups that lacked chemistry or rhythm and it showed with just 34 points at halftime and the Suns led by as many as 36 points.
Ja Morant had 12 points, five assists and five rebounds and Gorgui Dieng had 15 points off the bench.
Grizzlies ice cold, Suns red hot
How bad was the Grizzlies' offense? The Grizzlies started 0-for-16 on 3pointers before Tyus Jones made one with 41.4 seconds left in the second quarter.
The Grizzlies finished just 5-for-33 on 3-pointers. The Suns, meanwhile made a season-high 24 3-pointers on 52.2% as Booker made five 3-pointers on his way to a game-high 23 points