Valley of the Suns
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Player of the Week: Mike James steps up

By Lucas Johnson

BROOKLYN, NY - OCTOBER 31: Mike James #55 of the Phoenix Suns high fives his teammates during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on October 31, 2017 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY - OCTOBER 31: Mike James #55 of the Phoenix Suns high fives his teammates during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on October 31, 2017 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Without their star player, the Phoenix Suns have struggled mightily. However, reserve point guard Mike James helped carry the load most of the week.

Devin Booker being out with injury has really hurt the Phoenix Suns, but Mike James has helped in the scoring department. James’ two-way contract was recently converted to a regular NBA contract and he has been playing like a legit NBA point guard. James hasn’t perfect during this second week of December, but he’s been good enough to earn his first player of the week award of the season.

In a narrow loss to the San Antonio Spurs, James led the team in scoring off the bench. He finished the game 25 points, two rebounds, two assists and three steals while shooting 50 percent from the floor and 40 percent from the 3-point line. He also led the team in plus/minus with a plus five.

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James was second on the team in scoring when the Suns lost to the Sacramento Kings. He had a solid 17 points, one rebound and five assists. Jame also shot 7-12 from the field and 1-3 from behind the arc. The game was disappointing from a scoring output with the team only scoring 92 points total and T.J. Warren only outscored James by one point.

The last game of this second seven day span of the month was the most mediocre of that period. In the loss against the Toronto Raptors,  James produced seven points, four rebounds, six assists and one steal. James missed his lone 3-point attempt and only made 3-9 shots during the contest.

Honorable Mention

Tyler Ulis get his second honorable mention the month, third in a row. Ulis averaged a solid 10.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 0.7 steals. Although a starting point guard should have more assists, it appears Ulis is beginning to become more comfortable in his starting role.

Next: The Phoenix Suns need to stay clear of any Jordan trade talks

It is yet to be seen if Mike James can continue his average of16.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.3 steals for the long term. However with those averages, James has more than went beyond his duty to help keep the Phoenix Suns competitive during the Dec. 7th-14th stretch without Booker. James’ performance is the reason why he was awarded with player of the week honors for the second week of December. Agree or disagree? Comment your player of the week below.

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