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Suns look to get swagger back vs. lowly Grizzlies

Mar 26, 2007 - 3:00 PM Memphis (17-53) at Phoenix (52-17) 10:00 pm EDT

PHOENIX (Ticker) -- The Phoenix Suns look to regain some of their swagger Monday when they face the lowly Memphis Grizzlies.

Already having locked up the Pacific Division title, the Suns are just 2-3 in their last five games.

On Sunday, the Suns endured a 107-100 loss at Sacramento. Leandro Barbosa scored 27 points and Amare Stoudemire collected 23 and 11 rebounds for Phoenix.

Ignited by their up-tempo offense, the Suns have been touted as a serious championship contender because of their improved defense.

However, Phoenix has allowed 107 points per game in its last five contests, including a lackluster effort against the Kings. The Suns allowed star guard Mike Bibby to nail a franchise-record nine 3-pointers.

Phoenix's offense - the best in the league at 110 points per contest - also slowed on Sunday. The Suns scored just 20 points in the fourth quarter. As a result, Phoenix now is six games behind Dallas (58-11) for the top spot in the West and the NBA's best record.

The Grizzlies have lost three straight and will try to snap the skid when they take the court for their second contest on a six-game road trip. They suffered a 118-108 loss to Utah in the trek's opener on Saturday.

Memphis is a league-worst 5-29 away from home and has dropped eight of its last 11 visits to Phoenix.