PHOENIX (AP) — Chris Paul played so well in his return from a hip injury that it appeared the Phoenix Suns would have a surprise snoozer on Sunday night.
The Memphis Grizzlies had other ideas, but couldn’t quite complete a monster comeback.
Paul had 22 points and 11 assists after missing the past seven games and the Suns built a 29-point lead early in the third quarter before hanging on in the final seconds for a 112-110 win over the Grizzlies.
The Suns have been hit hard by injuries over the past couple months. Now the team is starting to get its best players back, but the chemistry is a work in progress. Paul believes the adversity will help in the long run.
The Suns grabbed a 32-18 lead by the end of the first quarter and led 72-43 with about eight minutes remaining in the third quarter.
But the Grizzlies methodically cut into that advantage and Ziaire Williams hit a 79-foot heave at the third quarter buzzer to slice the Suns’ lead to 87-72.
The Grizzlies continued to chip away and Desmond Bane’s free throws cut the margin to 110-106 with a little less than a minute left. After a Phoenix turnover, Ja Morant was fouled and made two more free throws to cut it to 110-108 with 28.6 seconds remaining.
Phoenix forward Dario Saric hit two free throws after being fouled on the ensuing possession and the Grizzlies finally ran out of time.
“We won the game, so that’s the goal,” Suns coach Monty Williams said. “If everyone could keep a 20-or 30-point lead they would, but most teams make a run. I’m proud the guys were able to withstand the moment.”
The 6-foot-10 Saric had one of his best games this season with 14 points and eight rebounds. He missed all of last season after tearing his ACL in Game 1 of the NBA Finals in 2021.
The Suns have won three straight, pushing back to .500 for the season. The Grizzlies have dropped two in a row after their 11-game winning streak was snapped by the Lakers on Friday.
Mikal Bridges led the Suns with 24 points, while Torrey Craig added a season high 20. Morant scored 27 for the Grizzlies, while Bane added 24.