Everyone played their part
After the game, Eddie Johnson likened the Portland crowed to that of a theater audience. While loud, they often sit back and take everything in.
What they saw Monday night, not unlike a good Broadway show, was a Phoenix Suns team in which everyone played their role and did it very well.
The Spanish Maestro, Ricky Rubio, conducted a beautiful orchestra, doling out 13 assists and contributing 18 points, many of which came during a crucial stretch in the fourth quarter when the Suns gained and subsequently maintained the lead.
Mikal Bridges came in and played his signature stellar defense while picking up his offensive game as well, chipping in a subtle yet important 13 points.
Baynes did what he does best: body up people down low and step out high to drain a couple of 3-pointers. It led to a routine 12 point, nine board game.
Cam Johnson came in and did what he was drafted to do: make 3s. The shooter made all three of his shots, all from behind the arc, and did pretty much nothing else. But that’s okay. That’s his role, and he played it well.
Booker, well, we’ll get him in a minute. First there was someone else who had a surprise for Suns fans.