Why Did Devin Booker and Co Play in Garbage Time? Debunking Suns’ Tactical Disrespect to Grizzlies in Blowout Win

The Phoenix Suns took on the Memphis Grizzlies on a Friday night In-season Tournament game. The league scheduled these games sandwiched between the regular season games and a simple way to recognize them is the flashy court. However, following tonight’s Suns’ game, there could be another way for the fans to find out whether it’s an In-season game or not. Thanks to Devin Booker.

After a shaky start to the season, the Suns have finally found their footing with a six-game winning streak. The team is expected to be more lethal after Bradley Beal’s return from the injury. Subsequently, Booker and his men look to seize the first trophy in front of them before claiming the big one. And, their Friday night game stands tall as proof.

Why did Devin Booker & co try to score despite a blowout win?

The Suns played their first game without superstar Kevin Durant this season, and it didn’t affect the team. The Valley side went on to produce a blow-out 89-110 win against the Grizzlies. Notably, the franchise superstar Devin Booker dropped 40 points, supported by Eric Gordon’s 20 points. This helped the team to keep the pressure on the Grizzlies throughout the game. Despite their win, the team caught the NBA world’s attention for its tactical disrespect. 

Booker and his men went on attempting to score buckets even in the final few seconds of the game. Especially, D-Book dropped a three-pointer with barely 5 seconds left in the game. Importantly, he didn’t stop there. He went to defend on the other end and attempted a full-court bucket after a rebound. 

It could be a tactical move to stay afloat in the In-season Tournament points table, with respect to points differentials [PD]. PD holds an important place in determining the ranking in the In-season points table. It is calculated by simply subtracting the average points allowed by the average points scored. 

Following the four In-season games, the Suns currently stand second in the West Group A with a 34 PD. Whereas the Grizzlies have -56 PD after losing all their four games. 

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The NBA world might witness such tactical moves often in the coming days, as the teams near the In-season finale, claiming their chance at the trophy. 

Who will win the In-season tournament?

Currently, the Los Angeles Lakers have the best PD at 74, winning all their 4 games in West Group A. Meanwhile, several teams are yet to play at least 3 games in the In-season. Notably, the Dubs, Miami Heat, and the Milwaukee Bucks have played only two games so far. Even though it’s too early to predict a winner, the Boston Celtics seemed to have a higher chance at the trophy, considering their dominant average points dropped in a game. 

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What do you make of Devin Booker and his men’s approach at tonight’s game? Let us know in the comments below.