Valley of the Suns
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Shining Star: Tyler Ulis

By Matthew Daniels

Mar 5, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Tyler Ulis greets fans following the game against the Boston Celtics at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the Celtics 109-106. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Tyler Ulis greets fans following the game against the Boston Celtics at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the Celtics 109-106. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tyler Ulis has been playing at a very high level coming off the bench during the Suns current win streak.

The Celtic Killer

In the nail-biting finish against the Boston Celtics, Tyler Ulis came into his own. Ending with 20 points in 30 minutes of play (both career-highs) and a game winner.

Remembering Ulis’ performance should not be based on the game-winner alone. His 17 points prior provided a key push off the bench. He was a great distributor and kept the offense flowing with  five assists as well. Being able to put in 20 off the bench was a huge factor in the victory. In a down-to-the-wire-game, the Suns needed every point, and without him, Phoenix would have lost. The play of Ulis recently had already put enough confidence in Suns Head Coach Earl Watson to leave him in the game during crunch time, which as you know paid off very well.

Stellar Performance

Over Phoenix’s current three-game winning streak, Tyler Ulis has been playing great basketball. When you have a point guard coming off the bench, you want effective scoring and passing. Ulis has been going above and beyond expectations. During the past three games, Ulis has averaged 14 points and 6.6 assists in 25.3 minutes per game. Over the same stretch, starting point guards have averaged 16.5 points and 6 assists. Coming off the bench, Ulis has been playing at a starters’ level.

Mar 2, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Tyler Ulis (8) steals the ball from Charlotte Hornets guard Brian Roberts (22) in the first quarter at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Tyler Ulis (8) steals the ball from Charlotte Hornets guard Brian Roberts (22) in the first quarter at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Offense isn’t the only area Tyler Ulis has been performing well in. Ulis is providing a boost on the defensive end as well, taking six steals over the last three games. Ulis has been a pest on defense and has not made it easy on whoever he’s guarding. Most players love having a bench player covering them, it provides a chance to pad their numbers. Tyler Ulis has taken that advantage away from his opponents.

Rotation

Tyler Ulis has not only been playing well, but has slowly found his was into a key role in the Suns’ rotation. Ulis’ has gone from garbage time minutes, to playing 25 a game, and growing. Solid play and a great work ethic has rewarded Ulis with minutes. With Brandon Knight benched, a focal point of many trade rumors, Tyler Ulis needs to continue to play at a high level and be the General of the bench. With a solid backup point, Bledsoe and Booker can be swapped out for a break with no stop in team production.

Mar 5, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Tyler Ulis (left) controls the ball against Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas in the second half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the Celtics 109-106. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Tyler Ulis (left) controls the ball against Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas in the second half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the Celtics 109-106. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

With a disappointing season coming to a close, Ulis is giving fans a reason to watch late, with no chance for the playoffs, with his great play converting him from a fan hopeful, to a fan favorite. Personally I am very excited for the future of Tyler Ulis and believe one day he can rival Isaiah Thomas for role of the NBA’s “Best Little Man.”

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