Booker's 36 Fuels Suns' 131-105 Rout of Grizzlies

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Devin Booker delivered a masterclass, scoring 36 points on 16-of-24 shooting (66.7% efficiency) to lead the Phoenix Suns past the Memphis Grizzlies 131-105 on Monday night.[1][2][3] The All-Star guard needed just 26 minutes to dismantle Memphis' defense, hitting crucial shots including a third-quarter buzzer-beater that sparked an 11-0 run and a two-point lead into the fourth.[2] Jalen Green complemented Booker with 21 points, while Colin Gillespie chipped in 11 off the bench, all from deep.[1][2] The Suns' offensive explosion marked a stark turnaround from their earlier 114-113 loss to Memphis on Oct. 29, 2025, when Booker faltered late.[7] Phoenix pulled away decisively after a tight third quarter, outscoring the Grizzlies by 26 points over 48 minutes in a game that showcased their depth and firepower.[2] No Grizzlies standout could match the Suns' scoring punch, as Memphis struggled to contain Booker's rhythm.[1][4] This win moved Phoenix within 3.5 games of the Houston Rockets for the West's sixth seed, bolstering their postseason positioning as of late March 2026.[6] The victory on March 30 -- clarified amid conflicting reports -- highlighted Booker's consistency, with Green also thriving at 16-of-24 from the field and 4-of-6 from three in support.[5][2] Suns coach Mike Budenholzer praised Booker's efficiency postgame, noting the team's balanced attack overwhelmed Memphis from the outset.[1] Phoenix's 131 points underscored their offensive potency, building momentum ahead of a critical Western Conference stretch.[6] The Grizzlies, meanwhile, dropped further in the standings after the lopsided defeat.[2]