Phoenix Suns: 4 takeaways from a solid return win against the Wizards

The rotation felt right…almost

So much as been made of the backup point guard role, but if one game were any indication, it feels like Monty Williams has a good read on that and the rotation as a whole.

Newcomer, Cam Payne, was the first point guard off the bench to give Ricky Rubio a breather and the former lottery pick played like he plans to secure the position. He was the Suns’ most aggressive player on defense early and made several strong drives to the basket on the offensive side of the ball as well.

Payne finished with nine points, three rebounds, two assists, two steals, a block, and an unbelievable +21 in the +/- column. That is exactly what the Suns need out of him.

Jevon Carter played solid minutes as well, as he has done a good job being a defensive pesk and filling in for Booker when needed.

The only time where the Suns looked out of sorts was the end of the third quarter when Ayton, Booker, and Rubio were all on the bench. It is clear this team cannot afford for all of those guys to be out of the game at the same time. They need at least one of this trio in at all times in order to provide any real threat on offense.

The Suns started a new lineup this game (Rubio-Booker-Bridges-Johnson-Ayton) and it worked out. I actually like Dario Saric coming off the bench and providing a good combination of hustle and shooting. Saric had 16 points, six rebounds and showed no signs of ankle pain.

It is good for Williams to figure out his rotation early in this bubble season because there is no time for a lot of experimenting.