Player of the Week: Josh Jackson carries the offensive load

PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 17: Josh Jackson
PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 17: Josh Jackson /
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Rookie Josh Jackson was able to carry the load offensively for the struggling Phoenix Suns in this edition of player of the week.

It’s a great sign for any rebuilding team to see their top selected rookie help carry the club’s offense for stretches during the season. The Phoenix Suns are fortunate that fourth overall pick Josh Jackson did that this past week. Jackson’s offense was essential in him earning the player of the week award for the third week in March.

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In the blowout defeat to the Utah Jazz, Jackson was the second leading scorer for the Suns coming off the bench. He finished the contest with 17 points, nine rebounds and one assist, while making 6-11 field goal attempts, his one 3-point attempt and 4-6 of his free throw attempts.

Josh Jackson had a career high in points in the Suns’ loss to the Golden State Warriors. Coming off the bench Jackson had 36 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block, while shooting 14-23 from the floor, 2-4 on 3-pointers and 6-8 from the foul line. Jackson led both teams in scoring in this contest.

The Suns continued their losing streak with another loss to the Detroit Pistons. Jackson ended the game with 15 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and one steal, while shooting a poor 6-19 from the field, 0-3 from downtown and 3-6 from the charity strip. Jackson had his fourth double-double of the season in this game.

Honorable Mention

Sharpshooter Troy Daniels had a hot hand in two out of three games this past week and the one game he didn’t light up the score board was due to a lack of playing time. Daniels averaged 12.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.0 assist and 0.7 steals, while shooting 50.0 percent from the behind the 3-point line.

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Setting a career high in points certainly helped Josh Jackson earn the player of the week award. He averaged 22.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.3 blocks and 1.0 steal. This is a positive sign for the Suns in knowing that their small forward rotation is secure with Jackson’s continued development.