Ranking every Phoenix Suns player from season opener v Mavericks
Ranking every Phoenix Suns player from Wednesday’s comeback win against the Dallas Mavericks (1-4).
4. Mikal Bridges
Had the primary role on Luka Doncic who was the dominant presence in the game with 35 points. Not sure how much you can blame Bridges though given the way the Suns were guarding the Mavs superstar (more on this in the game report). Regardless, Phoenix were ultimately better when Doncic was on the floor anyway.
Bridges had 13 points on 5-for-10 shooting, including two impressive and important layups to close the first half. But it was his 11 rebounds that proved most impactful, including three on the offensive glass that produced some second-chance points.
3. Damion Lee
If we were basing these rankings on the first three quarters, then Lee would factor somewhere in the bottom five. His impact in the fourth was astonishing though, to the point where you could hardly expect more for the rest of the season.
Three triples proved the catalyst to the Suns comeback after being down 15 early in the fourth, before the tough fadeaway game-winner punctuated a memorable Phoenix debut. Also had his moments on defense, beside the and-1 given up to Doncic in the penultimate score of the game. The fact he knocked down the game-winner soon after shows a serious resolve.
2. Deandre Ayton
Didn’t necessarily do much to win the game late, but his third quarter was a primary reason why they had an opportunity in the first place. An 18-point, ten-rebound double-double for the big man, with eight points and four rebounds coming in the third. Ayton got into foul trouble early, before he played all but one of the final 24 minutes in a physically resilient display.
1. Devin Booker
With Paul less than his best, this was the time for Booker to deliver as the fulcrum of the offense; scoring, playmaking and everything in between. He responded like superstars do, lifting his team by empowering teammates in the process.
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Booker finished with 28 points on 50% shooting — his standard, elite level of scoring. But it was the playmaking element that could unfurl itself as a major difference-maker from last season. Nine assists and just two turnovers — continually making the right play down the stretch to bring Phoenix the victory.