Phoenix Suns - Weekly Roundup - Week 14
- Matt Elvy
- Jan 23, 2023
- 4 min read
Join us as we review the highs and lows of the last week, as well as previewing the week ahead.
Week 14: 16-22 January 2023
Week Record: 3-1
Overall Record: 24-24. 7th in the Western Conference.
Games Played and Results:
L - 106 - 136 Vs Memphis Grizzlies
W - 117 - 112 Vs Brooklyn Nets
W - 112 - 107 Vs Indiana Pacers
W - 112 - 110 Vs Memphis Grizzlies
Centre of The Sun
The Suns got back to winning ways this week with a 3-1 record, ending the week on a 3-game win streak.
The wins brought them back to .500 and up from 10th in the West last week, to 7th to end this week.
Bridges led the team, scoring over 20 points in every game, plus contributions from all over the roster.
Saben Lee making the most of his 10-day contract opportunity, averaging 12 points in 29 minutes across our first 3 games of the week. His performances earned him a second 10-day contract.
Cam Johnson is back!!!
Yes, that's right. After missing 40 games Cam returned in our win against the Nets, filling the stat sheet with 19 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 2 blocks in just under 22 minutes of action. He rested against the Pacers and played 29 minutes against Memphis. It'll take him a couple of weeks to work all the rust off, but it's great to have him back.
Speak of returns, Chris Paul was back on the court for Sunday's Grizzlies match-up. He came out on fire netting 15 points, hitting 6 of 9 in the 1st quarter, including 3 of 4 from 3. He ended the game with 22 points and 11 assists, leading us to victory.
Superstar Watch (Season stats):
Booker (Out with Injury) - 27.1 Points, 4.6 Rebounds, 5.6 Assists, 0.9 Steal, 47.7 FG%, 37.0 3PT FG% & 2.4 Turnovers
Deandre Ayton - 17.5 Points, 9.9 Rebounds, 2.1 Assists, 0.5 Steals, 0.7 Blocks, 58.3 FG%, 31.8 3PT FG% & 2.1 Turnovers
Chris Paul - 13.4 Points, 4.2 Rebounds, 8.4 Assists, 1.5 Steals, 42.7 FG%, 39.3 3PT FG% & 2.1 Turnovers
Scorching Suns:
Mikal Bridges
Mikal has carried us offensively for weeks now, but it all came together over the last week, scoring 20+ in all 4 games. He's currently on a career high 5 straight games scoring 20+ points.
His shooting % isn't flying through the roof, but without him we would have struggled to score and he made sure to get team mates involved, with 6 per game, including a career high 9 against the Nets.
His stats for the week:
23.8 Points, 3.8 Rebounds, 6.0 Assists, 1.8 Steals, 0.5 Blocks, 45.3 FG% & 39.1 3PT FG%.
Struggling Suns:
Ish Wainright
Ish is on a two-way contract, so we shouldn't be expecting too much from him, but with injuries high and the Suns needing all remaining guys to step up, Ish hasn't been playing great. He saw his minutes slashed to only 2 in our last game against Memphis.
His stats for the week:
3.3 Points, 2.3 Rebounds, 1.3 Assists, 1.0 Steal, 29.4 FG% & 21.4 3PT FG%.
Stat Line(s) of the Week:
Josh Okogie vs Indiana Pacers
Okogie had one of his most complete games as a Sun, sparking the win against the Pacers. His 11 free throws made and 15 attempted were both career highs.
Game stat line:
24 Points, 10 Rebounds, 4 Assists, 1 Steal, 4 Blocks, 6/11 FGs (54.5%), 1/2 3PT FGs (50.0%) & 11/15 FTs (73.3%).
Torrey Craig vs Memphis Grizzlies (Game 2)
Torrey's 20 points were a season high and his 4 threes ties a season high.
Game stat line:
20 Points, 4 Rebounds, 2 Steals, 2 Blocks, 7/9 FGs (77.8%) & 4/6 3PT FGs (66.7%).
Honourable mentions:
Chris Paul vs Memphis Grizzlies (Game 2)
This is dedicated to CP3's first quarter, as he cooled down the rest of the game, but he returned from injury ready to play
First Quarter stat line:
15 Points, 3 Rebounds, 2 Assists, 6/9 FGs (66.7%) & 3/4 3PT FGs (75.0%).
Dario Saric vs Memphis Grizzlies (Game 2)
Game stat line:
14 Points, 8 Rebounds, 4 Assists, 3 Steals & 4/5 FGs (80.0%).
Upcoming Games:
We have 3 games this week. We have the Hornets and Mavericks at home, then travel to San Antonio to face the Spurs.
This will be our first match-up of the season against the Hornets. They're having ab pretty bad season with only 13 wins (as of writing). Former Sun Kelly Oubre Jr is having a career year in scoring, but is out injured.
The Mavericks are sitting 5th in the West, but have only won 3 of their last 10 games. Luka is balling out as always, but the rest of their roster is lacking. If we can play with the same effort and energy we have the last few games, it could be a fun game.
The Spurs are sitting 14th in the West. They are deep into their rebuild and have Jeremy Sochan. So, if you still dislike the Spurs after all these years, at least you can see a potential win and Sochan.
Predictions:
I'm feeling optimistic after the last few games and going to say we win all 3 games!
Predictions League:
Any Other Business:
Ishbia in the House
The Suns new owner (Pending approval) was in the Footprint Center to watch the Suns vs Nets. He got to witness the return of Cam Johnson and the team pick up a W. All from Sarver's former seats 😜
Second 10-day for Saben Lee
Lee's play over his initial 6 games with the Suns has been great, especially for a guy on a 10-day contract. The Suns agree and rewarded him with a 2nd 10-day contract.
Jersey Sales
Here's one that I truly didn't think I'd see, especially in a down season, but the NBA released the top 15 selling player jerseys and the top 10 selling team jerseys.
Booker was 8th out of all players and the Suns were 9th amongst all teams.
🚨 You can also use the code 'SUNSFANSUK' on The Throwback Store to receive a 10% discount on any order you make 🚨
Comments