The win against the Cleveland Cavaliers wasn’t simply a victory over another bad team. It was a display of promise for the young Phoenix Suns.
The Phoenix Suns beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 122 to 113 last night. I highly doubt it garnered much attention at all around the league, especially since it was fairly evident Devin Booker wasn’t going to chase another 50 point game. However, for Suns fans, it should have stood out as much more than just a 9 point victory against one of the other bottom teams in the league.
When two of the worst teams in the NBA, who have a combined 36-118 record on the season, suit up to face each other while each missing one of their best players, it’s safe to say not many eyes will be watching. However, it ended up being a good game for the Phoenix Suns.
Not only did they get another win, which at this point in the season and only having 17 entering the night, you take what you can get as a fan, but they saw a lot of good across their roster. Several players stood out and had good games. In fact, it was hard to really find a player having a bad game in the win.
Booker “only” scored 25 points but he dished out 13 assists, just one shy of tying his career high, showing off his play making to all the critics out there.
Richaun Holmes started in place of the injured Deandre Ayton. He made 6 of 7 shots, scoring 13 points and grabbing 10 rebounds while swatting 2 blocks as the starting center.
Dragan Bender had one of his best games on the season, making 6 of his 11 field goal attempts, scoring 12 points and pulling down 10 boards while also doing some rejecting, logging 2 blocks himself.
Mikal Bridges showed off his 3-and-D game, hitting 3 treys as he scored 15 points. He had 3 blocks on the night as well.
Jamal Crawford turned back the clock and showed he can still score. He went 7 for 10 from the field, netted 3 triples and put up 19 points and 5 assists. Not bad for a 39-year-old.
Jimmer Fredette made 2 of his 3 shots for a total of 6 points in 6 minutes.
Josh Jackson was a beast off the bench, making 7 of his 11 shots, swishing 2 long bombs and posting 19 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal and 5 blocks while not logging a single turnover.
The team had themselves a block party, rejecting shots left and right while posting 12 blocks on the night. They shot 55% from the field and netted 13 three pointers, showing off their offense as well.
It was a lot of fun and the Suns, missing multiple key players, showed a glimpse of what the future can hold. It wasn’t just a W over another bottom feeder, it was a showcase of what these Suns can be.