 Rodney Rogers rarely missed, and scored 12 of his 18 points in the second half. Joe Murphy/NBAE/Getty Images 56k | 300k |
The Grizzlies franchise moving to Memphis has provided players from Tennessee their first opportunity to play an NBA game in their home state. Delk and Hardaway took advantage of the opportunity.
"I just think I played aggressive and did what I do best, which is bringing energy and playing good defense," Delk said. "It's always exciting whenever I get a chance to come this close (to home) and give my fans and friends an opportunity to see me play."
Delk grew up 60 miles northeast of Memphis but Hardaway has a larger connection to the city.
Hardaway played high school basketball in Memphis and went to Memphis State -- now the University of Memphis -- which played its home games at the Pyramid. His number was retired by the Tigers and hangs in the rafters of the Griizzlies' new home.
"It's fun coming back home, playing against the Grizzlies and to have the opportunity to come back and see my family," said Hardaway, who gave 100 tickets to friends and family. "Stepping back into the Pyramid brought back a lot of old memories, seeing my jersey up in the rafters and remembering the games here at the University of Memphis."
Delk made 9-of-15 shots from the floor and Hardaway made 7-of-16 as the Suns shot a season-high 57 percent (42-of-74) and made all 16 of their free throws.
Phoenix seized control in the second quarter, when it went on a 12-2 run to turn a two-point lead into a 48-36 advantage with 5:43 left. The Suns had a 46-57 halftime lead and led by double digits thereafter.
Rodney Rogers collected 18 points and nine rebounds and Stephon Marbury added 16 and eight assists as Pheonix won consecutive games for just the second time this season.
Shane Battier scored 18 points to lead Memphis and fellow rookie Pau Gasol had 18 and eight rebounds.
Memphis native Lorenzen Wright had 13 points and eight rebounds for the Grizzlies, who have lost consecutive games since posting their lone victory on Wednesday.
"I always like playing against Penny," he said. "I grew up an Anfernee Hardaway fan when I was in high school. I used to wear the wrist band like he wore and all that. But of course I wanted to get a win. But we'll get better on down the road."
Rodney Buford chipped in 11 points off the bench as the Grizzlies played without Stromile Swift, who is out with a hyperextended left elbow.
The Suns took advantage of Swift's absence and outscored Memphis, 30-12, in the paint in the first half. They also scored 11 points on the fast break while the Grizzlies failed to score on the break.
Phoenix put away the game in the third period, when it made 10-of-15 shots led by Marbury, who scored 10 points in the quarter.
The Suns had a 59-48 lead with 10:43 to go before going on 12-4 run to build a 71-52 cushion with 5:56 left.
Memphis climbed within 83-68 with 1:21 remaining, but Phoenix closed the quarter with seven consecutive points and held its largest lead, 97-76, with 5:47 left.
The Suns overcame 22 turnovers with their excellent shooting and a commanding 45-33 rebounding advantage.
"We went through a little period there where we got a little careless with the ball," Phoenix coach Scott Skiles said. "Actually the whole game we were careless with the ball. We're still feeling our way around offensively. But we're shooting the ball very well."