Memphis Grizzlies vs Phoenix Suns Match Player Stats
The memphis grizzlies vs phoenix suns match player stats from January 8, 2026, tell the story of a convincing Phoenix victory, as the Suns defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 117-98 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. Phoenix combined efficient three-point shooting, strong rebounding, and balanced scoring to secure a 19-point win on the road. Dillon Brooks led the Suns’ listed starters with 21 points, while Grayson Allen added 19 points off the bench. For Memphis, Jaren Jackson Jr. led the listed starters with 19 points, but the Grizzlies struggled to match Phoenix’s perimeter production and overall offensive efficiency.
The final score only explains part of the result. Phoenix made 22 three-pointers, recorded 31 assists, and collected 51 rebounds. Memphis made 12 three-pointers, finished with 23 assists, and committed 18 turnovers. These differences help explain why the Suns controlled the game despite Memphis scoring 30 points in the fourth quarter.
This breakdown examines the final score, individual player performances, team statistics, starting lineups, bench contributions, and the most important lessons from the matchup. All game figures and player totals discussed below are based on the supplied ESPN box-score data for January 8, 2026.
Memphis Grizzlies vs Phoenix Suns Match Player Stats: Game Overview
Phoenix established control early and maintained its advantage throughout the contest. The Suns scored at least 26 points in every quarter, while Memphis failed to reach 25 points in each of the first three periods. Although the Grizzlies improved offensively in the final quarter, the gap was already too large to overcome.
Final Score and Match Details
| Match Detail | Information |
| Game date | January 8, 2026 |
| Venue | FedExForum |
| Location | Memphis, Tennessee |
| Final score | Phoenix Suns 117, Memphis Grizzlies 98 |
| Winning team | Phoenix Suns |
| Losing team | Memphis Grizzlies |
| Winning margin | 19 points |
| Attendance | 14,268 |
| Suns’ displayed record | 22-15 overall, 10-10 away |
| Grizzlies’ displayed record | 16-21 overall, 8-10 home |
| Primary data source | ESPN box score |
Phoenix’s 117 points reflected a productive offense that created scoring opportunities through both perimeter shooting and ball movement. The Suns made 45 of 97 field-goal attempts, finishing at approximately 46%. Their 22 successful three-pointers were particularly important because they allowed Phoenix to build its lead without relying heavily on free throws.
Memphis made 39 of 92 field-goal attempts, or approximately 42%. The Grizzlies were not completely shut down, but their lower shooting percentage and limited three-point production made it harder to keep pace.
A four-percentage-point difference in overall field-goal accuracy may appear modest. However, when combined with ten additional made three-pointers for Phoenix, the impact becomes substantial.
Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring
| Quarter | Phoenix Suns | Memphis Grizzlies | Phoenix Lead |
| First quarter | 30 | 23 | 7 |
| Second quarter | 35 | 24 | 18 |
| Third quarter | 26 | 21 | 23 |
| Fourth quarter | 26 | 30 | 19 |
| Final score | 117 | 98 | 19 |
Phoenix won the first three quarters and entered the fourth with a commanding advantage. The second quarter proved particularly damaging for Memphis, as the Suns scored 35 points while limiting the Grizzlies to 24.
That 11-point second-quarter difference expanded Phoenix’s initial seven-point lead into an 18-point halftime advantage. The Suns then increased the margin to 23 points during the third quarter.
Memphis won the fourth quarter by four points, but that improvement did not change the outcome.
The key lesson is that a late scoring increase cannot always compensate for earlier offensive struggles. Memphis needed a stronger first half, especially against Phoenix’s perimeter attack, to make its fourth-quarter performance more meaningful.
Phoenix Suns Player Stats and Individual Performances
Phoenix’s offensive production came from several players rather than a single dominant scorer. Dillon Brooks led the listed starters with 21 points, while Grayson Allen provided a major scoring contribution from the bench. Devin Booker contributed as a playmaker, and Mark Williams helped Phoenix control the glass.
This balance made the Suns more difficult to defend. Memphis had to account for scoring threats across the starting lineup and the second unit, rather than focusing its defensive attention on one player.
Phoenix Suns Starting Player Stats
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
| Dillon Brooks | 21 | Not specified | Not specified |
| Royce O’Neale | 12 | 6 | 4 |
| Mark Williams | 12 | 12 | 1 |
| Devin Booker | 13 | 1 | 8 |
| Collin Gillespie | 10 | 8 | 3 |
Note: Rebounds and assists not specified for Dillon Brooks are omitted rather than estimated.
Dillon Brooks Leads Phoenix’s Listed Starters
Dillon Brooks finished with 21 points, making him the highest-scoring starter listed for Phoenix. His contribution gave the Suns an important scoring option alongside Booker and the team’s supporting players.
Brooks’ scoring output was especially valuable in a game where Phoenix spread production across multiple players. When several players can contribute consistently, the offense becomes less dependent on one player’s shooting rhythm.
His 21 points also helped establish a clear scoring benchmark for the starting group. With Allen scoring 19 points off the bench, Phoenix received substantial production from both its initial lineup and its reserves.
Devin Booker Provides Playmaking Support
Devin Booker recorded 13 points, one rebound, and eight assists. His assist total was one of the most significant individual figures in the supplied player data.
Booker’s performance demonstrates why scoring totals alone do not provide a complete picture of offensive influence. A player can help drive an offense by creating opportunities for teammates, even when another player finishes with more points.
Phoenix recorded 31 assists as a team, suggesting that ball movement played an important role in its offensive performance. Booker’s eight assists accounted for a substantial portion of that total.
His contribution was particularly relevant in a game where the Suns made 22 three-pointers. Perimeter shooting becomes more dangerous when ball handlers can consistently create open looks for teammates.
Mark Williams Controls the Rebounding Battle
Mark Williams produced 12 points, 12 rebounds, and one assist. His double-double was a notable part of Phoenix’s overall rebounding advantage.
The Suns collected 51 rebounds compared with Memphis’ 47. Although the four-rebound difference was not enormous, Phoenix also recorded 15 offensive rebounds, giving it additional opportunities to recover missed shots and extend possessions.
Williams’ 12 rebounds helped support that effort. Rebounding is especially valuable when a team attempts a high volume of three-pointers because missed long-range shots can create opportunities for offensive rebounds and second-chance points.
The available team figures do not establish how many of Phoenix’s offensive rebounds Williams collected individually. Nevertheless, his overall rebounding total highlights his contribution to the team’s work on the glass.
Royce O’Neale Supplies All-Around Production
Royce O’Neale finished with 12 points, six rebounds, and four assists. His statistical line reflects contributions across multiple areas of the game.
O’Neale did not need to lead Phoenix in scoring to provide value. His rebounds supported possession control, while his assists helped the team create opportunities for other scorers.
Players who contribute in several categories can make a lineup more flexible. They help teams maintain offensive continuity without requiring every possession to end with the primary scorer taking a shot.
Collin Gillespie Adds Rebounding and Ball Movement
Collin Gillespie recorded 10 points, eight rebounds, and three assists. His eight rebounds were particularly notable for a player whose listed role also included facilitating the offense.
Gillespie’s line added another source of production beyond Phoenix’s leading scorers. Together, Booker, O’Neale, Williams, and Gillespie combined for 47 points and 35 rebounds.
Those combined totals illustrate how Phoenix’s starters contributed in different ways. The Suns had scoring, rebounding, and playmaking options throughout the lineup, making it harder for Memphis to exploit a single weakness.
Grayson Allen Makes a Major Bench Impact
Grayson Allen scored 19 points and made five three-pointers, according to the supplied data. His performance was one of the most important bench contributions in the game.
Five successful three-pointers can change the shape of a contest. Each made three adds three points, and repeated perimeter success forces the opposing defense to extend farther from the basket.
Allen’s scoring also meant Phoenix could maintain offensive pressure beyond its starting group. When bench players convert their opportunities, opposing teams have fewer chances to recover while starters rest.
His 19 points were just two fewer than Brooks’ team-leading 21. That narrow gap highlights the extent to which Phoenix received scoring from different parts of its rotation.
Jordan Goodwin Contributes Across Three Categories
Jordan Goodwin recorded 11 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. His line was one of the most balanced bench performances in the supplied statistics.
Goodwin’s six assists supported Phoenix’s team total of 31, while his eight rebounds added to the team’s possession advantage. His 11 points also provided meaningful secondary scoring.
This combination matters because a bench unit can struggle when it relies entirely on jump shots. Goodwin’s contributions across scoring, rebounding, and playmaking gave Phoenix multiple ways to sustain its performance.
Other Phoenix Bench Contributions
| Player | Points | Additional Statistics |
| Grayson Allen | 19 | Five three-pointers |
| Jordan Goodwin | 11 | 8 rebounds, 6 assists |
| Rasheer Fleming | 8 | Not specified |
| Oso Ighodaro | 5 | Not specified |
Phoenix’s listed reserves also included Isaiah Livers, Ryan Dunn, Nick Richards, Khaman Maluach, and Nigel Hayes-Davis. Their inclusion in the roster list does not establish that each player appeared in the game.
The distinction is important when interpreting box scores. A player listed as available or included on the roster should not automatically be treated as a participant in a specific matchup.
Memphis Grizzlies Player Stats and Individual Performances
Memphis finished with 98 points, 19 fewer than Phoenix. The Grizzlies had several players reach double figures, but their combined production was not enough to match the Suns’ shooting efficiency and ball movement.
Jaren Jackson Jr. led the listed starters with 19 points. Cam Spencer contributed 14 points and five assists, while bench players Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Javon Small also scored 14 points each.
These individual performances show that Memphis had several productive contributors. The bigger issue was the difference between the teams’ collective offensive results.
Memphis Grizzlies Starting Player Stats
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
| Jaren Jackson Jr. | 19 | Not specified | Not specified |
| GG Jackson | 11 | 5 | Not specified |
| Jaylen Wells | 9 | 7 | Not specified |
| Jock Landale | 0 | 8 | 4 |
| Cam Spencer | 14 | 3 | 5 |
Note: Statistics not provided in the supplied data are marked as unspecified rather than inferred.
Jaren Jackson Jr. Leads the Starting Group
Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 19 points, making him Memphis’ leading scorer among the listed starters. His output gave the Grizzlies a consistent scoring presence, but the team needed more overall offensive efficiency to challenge Phoenix.
Jackson’s 19 points were two fewer than Brooks’ 21. That comparison is useful because it places the two leading listed starters in context without suggesting that their individual performances alone determined the result.
Basketball outcomes depend on much more than the leading scorers. Supporting production, defensive stops, turnovers, and three-point shooting all influence whether a team’s best offensive players can keep the game competitive.
Memphis’ 12 made three-pointers were a major contrast with Phoenix’s 22. Even a productive scoring performance from Jackson could not fully compensate for that difference.
Cam Spencer Provides Scoring and Playmaking
Cam Spencer finished with 14 points, three rebounds, and five assists. His five assists showed that he contributed to creating scoring opportunities as well as finishing possessions.
Spencer’s combination of points and assists was one of Memphis’ more complete individual performances. His involvement helped the Grizzlies maintain some offensive flow despite the team’s broader difficulties.
However, Memphis recorded only 23 assists overall, eight fewer than Phoenix. That difference suggests the Suns generated more assisted scoring opportunities or otherwise recorded more passes leading directly to baskets.
Assists do not measure every aspect of ball movement, but they provide a useful indicator of how frequently teammates help create made field goals.
GG Jackson Adds 11 Points
GG Jackson recorded 11 points and five rebounds. His contribution provided additional scoring behind Jaren Jackson Jr. and Cam Spencer.
The Grizzlies needed contributions from players throughout the lineup to offset Phoenix’s balanced attack. GG Jackson’s double-digit scoring was useful, but the team needed more combined production and improved shooting to close the gap.
His five rebounds also contributed to Memphis’ overall work on the glass. Still, Phoenix finished with four more total rebounds, giving the Suns a modest advantage in an area where the teams were otherwise relatively close.
Jaylen Wells Contributes on the Glass
Jaylen Wells finished with nine points and seven rebounds. Although he did not reach double figures in scoring, his rebounding total added value beyond his points.
A player’s contribution should be assessed in relation to the role and opportunities reflected in the available data. Rebounds help determine who controls possession after missed shots, while points show only the possessions that end in scoring.
Wells’ seven rebounds were part of a team effort that produced 47 total rebounds for Memphis. The problem was that Phoenix collected 51 and also made substantially more three-pointers.
Jock Landale’s Rebounding and Playmaking
Jock Landale recorded zero points, eight rebounds, and four assists. His line illustrates why a zero in the scoring column does not mean a player made no contribution.
Landale’s eight rebounds matched the individual rebounding total recorded by Gillespie and Goodwin for Phoenix. His four assists also showed involvement in creating opportunities for teammates.
The challenge for Memphis was that those contributions did not translate into enough overall scoring. The Grizzlies shot 42% from the field and 32% from three-point range, limiting the effect of their other positive contributions.
Memphis Bench Scoring
| Player | Points | Additional Statistics |
| Kentavious Caldwell-Pope | 14 | Not specified |
| Javon Small | 14 | 3 rebounds, 7 assists |
| Olivier-Maxence Prosper | 8 | 7 rebounds |
| Santi Aldama | 7 | Not specified |
Javon Small’s seven assists were particularly notable. He recorded more assists than any listed Memphis player, while Cam Spencer added five and Landale contributed four.
Small’s 14 points and seven assists made him an important offensive contributor. His performance also shows that Memphis received playmaking from its reserves, even though the team’s total assist figure remained below Phoenix’s.
Olivier-Maxence Prosper added eight points and seven rebounds, providing support on the glass. Santi Aldama recorded seven points.
The supplied lineup information also listed Christian Koloko and Jahmai Mashack among Memphis’ reserves. John Konchar was listed as out due to left thumb surgery. Roster availability should be distinguished from actual game participation when reviewing individual statistics.
Complete Team Statistics Comparison
The clearest explanation of the final result comes from comparing the teams’ overall shooting, rebounding, assists, turnovers, and defensive statistics.
Phoenix Suns vs Memphis Grizzlies Team Stats
| Statistical Category | Phoenix Suns | Memphis Grizzlies |
| Total points | 117 | 98 |
| Field goals made | 45 | 39 |
| Field-goal attempts | 97 | 92 |
| Field-goal percentage | 46% | 42% |
| Three-pointers made | 22 | 12 |
| Three-point attempts | 56 | 37 |
| Three-point percentage | 39% | 32% |
| Free throws made | 5 | 8 |
| Free-throw attempts | 8 | 14 |
| Free-throw percentage | 63% | 57% |
| Total rebounds | 51 | 47 |
| Offensive rebounds | 15 | 15 |
| Defensive rebounds | 36 | 32 |
| Assists | 31 | 23 |
| Turnovers | 16 | 18 |
| Steals | 11 | 9 |
| Blocks | 5 | 2 |
| Personal fouls | 17 | 11 |
Percentages are shown as reported in the supplied game data and rounded to whole numbers where appropriate.
Three-Point Shooting Was the Biggest Scoring Difference
Phoenix made 22 three-pointers, while Memphis made 12. That gave the Suns a ten-basket advantage from beyond the arc.
The raw scoring value of those made three-pointers was 66 points for Phoenix and 36 for Memphis. The difference was 30 points in total three-point scoring.
This does not mean the three-point gap alone explains every aspect of the final margin, because the teams also differed in two-point baskets, free throws, and other scoring opportunities. However, it clearly identifies the largest statistical contrast between their offenses.
Phoenix attempted 56 three-pointers compared with Memphis’ 37. The Suns therefore built their offense around a much higher volume of perimeter attempts.
The Grizzlies’ 32% accuracy from three-point range was also lower than Phoenix’s 39%. Memphis not only made fewer threes but converted a smaller share of its attempts.
For a team trying to recover from an early deficit, that combination creates a difficult problem. More three-point attempts can help a trailing team catch up quickly, but missed shots can also lead to empty possessions and additional opportunities for the opponent.
Field-Goal Efficiency Favored Phoenix
The Suns made 45 of 97 field-goal attempts, while the Grizzlies made 39 of 92. Phoenix finished approximately four percentage points ahead in overall field-goal accuracy.
The difference was not simply a matter of attempting more shots. Phoenix made six more field goals despite taking only five additional attempts.
This is a useful distinction when evaluating offense. Shot volume shows how often a team attempts to score, while shooting percentage indicates how efficiently it converts those opportunities.
Phoenix performed better in both categories, although the overall shooting gap was smaller than the three-point gap.
The combined figures point toward a straightforward conclusion: Memphis needed to make more of its attempts and limit Phoenix’s open perimeter opportunities to reduce the scoring difference.
Rebounding: A Modest but Useful Phoenix Advantage
Phoenix recorded 51 rebounds against Memphis’ 47. Both teams collected 15 offensive rebounds, while the Suns recorded 36 defensive rebounds compared with 32 for the Grizzlies.
The identical offensive-rebound totals are important. Phoenix’s advantage in total rebounds did not come from a higher number of offensive boards in the supplied figures.
Instead, the four-rebound difference appeared in defensive rebounds. Defensive rebounding helps a team end an opponent’s possession after a missed shot and transition into offense.
Rebounding alone did not decide the game, but it complemented Phoenix’s perimeter scoring. The Suns could defend, secure the ball, and continue running their offense without allowing Memphis to dominate second-chance opportunities.
Assists Showed Phoenix’s Stronger Offensive Connection
Phoenix recorded 31 assists, eight more than Memphis’ 23. This was one of the most revealing differences beyond shooting.
A high assist total can indicate that players are finding teammates in scoring positions and converting possessions through coordinated offensive action. It does not automatically prove every basket resulted from an excellent pass, but it provides evidence of how often made shots were credited to a passer.
Booker’s eight assists and Goodwin’s six were particularly important individual contributions. Memphis received seven assists from Small and five from Spencer, but the team still finished with a lower total.
The Suns’ assist advantage fits with their successful three-point shooting. Creating open perimeter attempts through passing can make a high-volume shooting strategy more effective.
Turnovers Gave Memphis Another Area to Improve
Phoenix committed 16 turnovers, compared with 18 for Memphis. The difference was only two turnovers, so it should not be overstated as the primary reason for the result.
Still, turnovers matter because they end possessions without a field-goal attempt. They can also create transition opportunities for the opposing team.
Memphis’ higher turnover count made its task more difficult, particularly while trailing. A team trying to overcome a large deficit needs to maximize scoring opportunities, and unnecessary giveaways reduce the number of chances available.
The Suns also committed 16 turnovers, meaning Phoenix was not flawless. The Grizzlies could have made the game more competitive by combining better ball security with stronger perimeter defense.
Steals and Blocks Added to Phoenix’s Defensive Output
Phoenix recorded 11 steals and five blocks. Memphis finished with nine steals and two blocks.
The Suns’ three-block advantage indicates that they recorded more credited rejections at the rim or on other shot attempts. Their two-steal advantage was smaller, but it also favored Phoenix.
These statistics should be interpreted carefully. Steals and blocks measure specific defensive events, not every successful defensive possession. A forced miss, a well-contained drive, or a defensive rotation can be valuable without producing either statistic.
Even so, Phoenix’s higher totals in both categories support the broader picture of a team that made more disruptive defensive plays during the game.
Free Throws Were Not the Deciding Factor
Memphis made eight free throws on 14 attempts, while Phoenix made five on eight attempts.
The Grizzlies scored three more points at the free-throw line. However, that advantage was much smaller than the Suns’ 30-point difference in three-point scoring.
Phoenix’s free-throw percentage was 63%, compared with Memphis’ 57%. Neither team was especially efficient at the line based on the supplied rounded percentages, and the Suns attempted fewer free throws.
The figures suggest that free throws were a secondary factor rather than the main explanation for Phoenix’s win.
The stronger contrast was the Suns’ ability to generate and convert perimeter shots while producing more assists and maintaining a modest rebounding advantage.
Why the Phoenix Suns Won by 19 Points
A 19-point road victory usually reflects several factors working together. In this matchup, the statistics identify four particularly important differences.
1. Phoenix Built a Lead Before the Fourth Quarter
The Suns outscored Memphis in each of the first three quarters. Their 18-point halftime advantage gave them room to absorb Memphis’ fourth-quarter improvement.
Phoenix’s 35-point second quarter was especially important. It followed a seven-point first-quarter lead and nearly doubled that margin before halftime.
Memphis did score 30 points in the fourth quarter, but the Grizzlies needed a stronger response much earlier. By the time their offense improved, Phoenix had already established a substantial cushion.
2. The Suns Converted More Three-Point Opportunities
The 22-to-12 advantage in made three-pointers was the most obvious numerical difference between the teams.
Phoenix’s 39% accuracy from beyond the arc allowed the Suns to score efficiently from long range. Memphis’ 32% conversion rate made it harder to generate enough points to stay close.
The difference in attempts also matters. Phoenix took 19 more three-point shots, showing that the teams followed different patterns in how they generated offense.
3. Phoenix Had More Balanced Scoring
Brooks scored 21 points, Allen added 19, Booker finished with 13, and several other Suns reached double figures.
This spread of production reduced Phoenix’s dependence on any single scorer. If one player had a quiet stretch, another could still contribute.
Memphis also had multiple double-digit scorers, including Jackson, Spencer, Caldwell-Pope, and Small. However, the Grizzlies’ collective production did not reach the same level of efficiency.
The difference was not a lack of individual effort from every Memphis player. It was the combined effect of shooting percentages, three-point volume, and the ability to turn possessions into points.
4. The Suns Moved the Ball More Effectively
Phoenix’s 31 assists compared with Memphis’ 23 suggest that the Suns created more assisted baskets.
Good passing can force defenders to move, open space on the perimeter, and create opportunities for players who are not the primary ball handler. That is especially important when a team takes 56 three-point attempts.
Memphis had capable playmakers, as shown by Small’s seven assists, Booker’s eight for Phoenix, and Spencer’s five for the Grizzlies. The team totals, however, favored the Suns.
Taken together, the figures show that Phoenix paired perimeter volume with more successful shooting and a greater number of assists.
Starting Lineups and Rotation Context
Starting lineups help explain how a game began, but they should not be treated as a complete record of every player’s minutes or role.
Phoenix Suns Starting Five
The supplied starting lineup was:
- Royce O’Neale, No. 00
- Dillon Brooks, No. 3
- Mark Williams, No. 15
- Devin Booker, No. 1
- Collin Gillespie, No. 12
This group included a leading scorer in Brooks, a playmaker in Booker, and a major rebounding contributor in Williams. O’Neale and Gillespie added further production across several statistical categories.
The lineup’s combined contributions helped Phoenix establish an early advantage and maintain offensive pressure.
Memphis Grizzlies Starting Five
The supplied starting lineup was:
- Jaren Jackson Jr., No. 8
- GG Jackson, No. 45
- Jaylen Wells, No. 0
- Jock Landale, No. 31
- Cam Spencer, No. 24
Jackson led the listed starters in scoring, while Spencer contributed both points and assists. Landale recorded eight rebounds and four assists despite finishing without a point.
These different roles illustrate why a starting lineup should be assessed through its combined production rather than points alone.
Why Bench Production Matters
Phoenix’s bench scoring highlights included 19 points from Allen and 11 from Goodwin. Memphis received 14 points each from Caldwell-Pope and Small.
The four listed Phoenix bench scorers in the supplied data combined for 43 points, while the four highlighted Memphis reserves combined for 43 points as well.
This comparison is particularly useful because it prevents a misleading conclusion that Phoenix won simply because its highlighted reserves scored more. Based on these listed contributors, the highlighted bench scoring totals were equal.
The broader difference came from the full statistical picture, including Phoenix’s stronger three-point production, more assists, and higher overall scoring total.
A complete bench comparison would require the full official box score, including minutes, all participating players, and every individual statistic. The supplied highlights are useful, but they should not be presented as a complete record of each team’s rotation.
What the Matchup Reveals About Offensive Efficiency
The January 8 game provides a practical example of how different offensive strengths can combine to produce a large scoring margin.
Phoenix did not rely on free throws to create its advantage. Instead, the Suns generated much of their scoring through field goals, particularly three-pointers. They also recorded more assists and collected slightly more rebounds.
Memphis’ scoring was more limited by its perimeter accuracy. The Grizzlies made 12 three-pointers from 37 attempts, while Phoenix made 22 from 56. The Suns’ higher attempt volume gave them more opportunities to benefit from successful long-range shooting.
However, high three-point volume is not automatically the best approach in every game. The value of that strategy depends on shooting quality, defensive pressure, available personnel, and how the opponent protects the perimeter.
The lesson is not that every team should attempt 56 three-pointers. It is that a team must create enough quality scoring opportunities to make its preferred offensive strategy effective.
Understanding the Difference Between Points and Efficiency
Points tell readers how much a player or team scored. Efficiency explains how effectively they converted their opportunities.
For example, Phoenix scored 117 points on 97 field-goal attempts, while Memphis scored 98 on 92 attempts. The Suns made six more field goals and ten more three-pointers.
Field-goal percentage offers a useful starting point, but it does not capture every factor that affects offensive efficiency. A deeper analysis could include true shooting percentage, offensive rating, pace, and points per possession.
Those calculations require additional data, such as complete free-throw and possession information, or a reliable official advanced-statistics source. They should not be invented from incomplete player lines.
Why the Fourth Quarter Needs Context
Memphis outscored Phoenix 30-26 in the final period. Viewed alone, that result suggests the Grizzlies performed better late in the game.
Viewed in context, however, it was not enough to threaten Phoenix’s lead. The Suns entered the fourth quarter ahead by 23 points and finished with a 19-point victory.
This distinction matters when evaluating late-game performance. A team can win the final quarter without winning the game, just as a team can lose a quarter while maintaining control of the overall contest.
The full sequence of scoring is more informative than any single period in isolation.
How to Read Plus/Minus and Other Player Statistics
The supplied data defines plus/minus as the net points scored by a player’s team while that player is on the court.
A positive plus/minus means the team outscored its opponent during those minutes. A negative figure means the opponent scored more during that player’s time on the floor.
Plus/minus can provide useful context, but it should not be treated as a complete measure of individual performance. Teammates, opponent lineups, substitutions, and game situations all affect the number.
No individual plus/minus values were included in the supplied player statistics, so assigning them to Brooks, Booker, Jackson, or other players would be inaccurate.
The same caution applies to minutes played, shooting splits by player, and advanced efficiency measures. Reliable analysis distinguishes available facts from metrics that require additional verification.
For readers comparing basketball performances, the most useful approach is to consider several categories together:
- Scoring: Points and shooting percentages show how a player contributed offensively.
- Rebounding: Offensive and defensive rebounds help explain possession control.
- Playmaking: Assists indicate credited passes leading directly to made field goals.
- Ball security: Turnovers reveal possessions lost without a shot attempt.
- Defense: Steals and blocks record specific disruptive plays.
- Game context: Minutes, substitutions, score differences, and opponent matchups help explain why statistics occurred.
Using several measures together creates a more balanced assessment than relying on a single headline number.
Season Series Context and Previous Matchups
The supplied data lists an earlier matchup on October 30, when Phoenix lost to Memphis 114-113. It also lists the January 8 result, in which Phoenix won 117-98, and a later matchup on March 31, when Phoenix won 131-105.
These results suggest that the January contest was part of a season series with changing outcomes and different scoring patterns.
The October game was decided by one point, while the January game produced a 19-point Phoenix victory. The listed March result was another comfortable win for the Suns.
These differences illustrate why one head-to-head result should not be treated as a permanent measure of which team is stronger. Player availability, shooting performance, lineups, and game conditions can change between meetings.
There is also a data consistency issue worth noting: the supplied season-series status says the series was tied 1-1, which may reflect the status at a particular point in the schedule rather than the results of every listed meeting. The listed March result would change the overall record if all three games were included. Readers should verify the intended date range before using the series record in a historical summary.
For the January 8 game itself, the final score and team totals remain the central evidence for understanding Phoenix’s win.
Where to Verify the Official Game Data
The supplied figures identify ESPN as the source of the box score, team statistics, and game recap. Readers who need to confirm an individual player’s minutes, shooting splits, plus/minus, or full participation details should consult the official game record.
The ESPN box score for the Suns vs Grizzlies game is the most relevant reference for checking individual and team statistics.
A box score is the best starting point for verifying the final score and player totals. A game recap provides narrative context, while play-by-play records can help explain when scoring runs occurred and how the lead changed.
When using historical sports statistics in research or reporting, it is good practice to identify the exact game date and distinguish verified figures from interpretations. This helps prevent numbers from a previous or subsequent meeting from being accidentally attributed to the wrong contest.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who won the Memphis Grizzlies vs Phoenix Suns game on January 8, 2026?
The Phoenix Suns defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 117-98 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. Phoenix won by 19 points after leading through the first three quarters.
2. Who was the leading scorer for the Phoenix Suns?
Dillon Brooks led the listed Phoenix starters with 21 points. Grayson Allen also had an outstanding scoring performance, recording 19 points and five three-pointers off the bench.
3. Who led the Memphis Grizzlies in scoring?
Jaren Jackson Jr. led the listed Memphis starters with 19 points. Cam Spencer added 14 points, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Javon Small each scored 14 points among the highlighted bench contributors.
4. How many three-pointers did the Suns and Grizzlies make?
Phoenix made 22 three-pointers on 56 attempts, while Memphis made 12 on 37 attempts. The ten-basket difference from three-point range was a major factor in Phoenix’s victory.
5. Which team had more rebounds and assists?
Phoenix recorded 51 rebounds and 31 assists. Memphis finished with 47 rebounds and 23 assists, giving the Suns a four-rebound advantage and an eight-assist advantage.
6. Where can I find the complete player box score?
The complete game record is available through ESPN’s box score page for the January 8, 2026, matchup. It is the appropriate source for checking additional individual statistics, including minutes played, shooting details, and plus/minus where reported.
Conclusion
The Memphis Grizzlies vs Phoenix Suns matchup on January 8, 2026, ended with a 117-98 Phoenix victory built on efficient perimeter shooting, balanced scoring, and stronger ball movement. Dillon Brooks led the listed Suns starters with 21 points, Grayson Allen added 19 points and five three-pointers, and Devin Booker contributed eight assists. Mark Williams recorded 12 points and 12 rebounds, helping Phoenix maintain a modest advantage on the glass.
For Memphis, Jaren Jackson Jr. led the listed starters with 19 points, while Cam Spencer, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Javon Small each supplied valuable scoring. The Grizzlies also won the fourth quarter, but their 12 made three-pointers, 23 assists, and 18 turnovers left them unable to overcome Phoenix’s early advantage.
The central statistical takeaway is clear: Phoenix made ten more three-pointers, recorded eight more assists, and finished with a four-rebound advantage. Those differences, combined with a strong second quarter, explain why the Suns controlled the game despite Memphis’ late improvement.
For an accurate understanding of this matchup, the final score should be considered alongside individual player contributions, team shooting percentages, turnovers, rebounds, and quarter-by-quarter scoring. Together, these figures provide a more complete explanation of how Phoenix earned its road win.
