Suns stun Grizzlies again, 109-100, win back to back road games for first time this season

The Phoenix Suns rode a huge third quarter burst to defeat the Memphis Grizzlies for the second time in the past two weeks, 109-100, winning back to back road games for the first time this season.

Youngsters Alex Len and Devin Booker led the way again. Len had another double double with 19 points, 16 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 blocked shots, while Booker finished with 27 points and 9 assists.

Sorry, tank advocates, the Suns are still playing to win, and showing that the twin towers starting lineup featuring Len and Tyson Chandler is effective at rebounding, interior defense, and getting easy shots in the paint. It's odd to see a Suns team doing these things, but maybe a new era is upon us.

Also encouraging was the way the Grizzlies attempted to bully the Suns, especially Lance Stephenson and Matt Barnes on Booker, and the Suns didn't back down one bit. Booker continues to show toughness and poise well beyond his years.

The Grizzlies were led by Mike Conley's 22, JaMychal Green chipped in 17 off the bench, but they're really missing injured Marc Gasol, Brandan Wright, and Tony Allen. Then they lost Chris Andersen to injury in the second quarter, leaving them thin on big men as the Suns again beat them on the boards, 47-38.

Enjoy this one. Whatever happens this last month of the season, the Suns are going to end up with a high draft pick, so don't sweat the ping pong balls. The growth of Len and Booker and, to a lesser extent, Goodwin is the most important story of this season. I only wish T.J. Warren were able to have these opportunities down the stretch, but be of good cheer. Player development is the name of the game now, and the youngsters are starting to blossom.