Phoenix Suns: 3 Takeaways from Awkward Victory over Sacramento Kings

Phoenix Suns Takeaways: Cameron Payne is Back

Although it might not feel this way, the Suns indeed won last night’s game, warranting some more positive thinking as well. The best thing to come from this game was Cameron Payne‘s re-emergence as a premier sixth man for the team.

Finishing with 24 points, four rebounds, and three assists, Payne delivered with his finest game so far this season. The southpaw sniper also went 9-14 from the field, operating as a consistent offensive option amidst a relatively shaky night for most other players.

But behind it all, Payne’s 3-point shooting stood out as the most welcome component of his game.

Last year, Payne led the Suns from deep, shooting 44.0 percent on 2.8 attempts per game. But to start out this season, he looked like beyond lost with his outside shot, going 1-9 on triples across his first three contests.

Tonight though, Payne went 4-6 from deep. This strikes as a fantastic sign for the Suns, as their offense currently needs some extra scoring right now with Ayton absent from the lineup due to a right leg contusion.

If Payne keeps this up, watch for him to scratch his way back into the conversation for Sixth Man of the Year, which many expected him to challenge for to begin this season.