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Grizzlies look to end losing streak against Suns

Nov 10, 2008 - 5:21 AM Memphis (3-4) at Phoenix (5-2), 9:00pm EST

PHOENIX (Ticker) -- The Memphis Grizzlies have followed a consistent pattern of behavior over the first two weeks of the season. They opened with a loss, followed it up with a victory, and they have rotated back and forth ever since.

They will put that pattern to the test Monday as they visit the Phoenix Suns for a Western Conference clash.

The Grizzlies have remained competitive so far this campaign, getting back to the .500 mark for the third time with Friday's 109-104 road win over the Golden State Warriors. But they fell back under Sunday, suffering a setback on the road to the Denver Nuggets despite a third straight standout performance from rookie guard O.J. Mayo.

The fifth overall pick of this year's draft - acquired by Memphis in a draft-day trade that sent Kevin Love to Minnesota - Mayo collected 31 points and eight boards against Denver while hitting 11-of-21 from the field. Over the last three games, the Southern California product is averaging 26.3 points and 6.0 boards while knocking down 11 3-pointers during that span.

On Monday, he and the Grizzlies will try to snap their streak of futility against the Suns, who have beaten them eight times in a row. They are also just 1-4 on the road this season.

The Suns have gotten off to a solid start to the season. They recovered from an ugly loss to the Chicago Bulls on Friday with a 104-96 triumph over the Milwaukee Bucks the following night thanks to 29 points and 11 boards from Shaquille O'Neal.

All-Star Amare Stoudemire has gotten off to a blistering start, averaging 25.6 points on 64 percent shooting - including a 49-point showing on Wednesday in a win over the Indiana Pacers.