Phoenix Suns: Player Grades From NBA Finals First Two Games

Phoenix Suns – Jae Crowder NBA Finals Grade: C+

As the only player with NBA Finals experience to take the floor Tuesday, most expected a big night from Suns swingman Jae Crowder. But although head coach Monty Williams certainly looked to get him involved, things played out somewhat poorly, with Crowder missing all his attempts from the field during Game 1.

He ended up scoring only one point, as he split a pair at the charity stripe with roughly 24 seconds left in the game. Oddly enough though, Crowder finished with plus-minus rating at +19, the highest mark amongst all Suns.

Whether offensively or not, Crowder’s presence undoubtedly helped the team win their first game, allowing his grade to rise higher than what his initial stats might let on.

During Game 2 though, he added 11 points, snatched 10 rebounds, and even mixed in three assists for an all-around more robust evening. Crowder’s ceiling for this series still remains untouched, and barely even visible at this point, but you cannot discredit his positive influence on the team. For that reason, his grade tips slightly above neutral.