Suns

Phoenix Suns point guard Saben Lee has provided more than most do on 10-day contracts. “He brings a lot of toughness at that position and just a spark,” ...

“At the time we got him, we were in a bit of a slump,” Landale continued. So I just go out there and play and compete and I just try to do what the coaching staff asks me to do.” “He came in and brought a little life to the group. “I think he’s been such a positive spark for the group, in the locker room, on the court. “He brings a lot of toughness at that position and just a spark,” Suns big Jock Landale said. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be here the past 20 days.

Will the Phoenix Suns make any trades before the 2023 NBA trade deadline on Feb. 9? Check out the latest speculation surrounding the team.

His lack of offensive creativity will not be an issue for the team as they have enough playmaking to compensate for it. However, those grander ideas are always more difficult to make work, and so the likelihood of Crowder being moved for a singular role player, whether it’s Eric Gordon, Josh Hart, or some other replacement wing, remains high." … Collins is one of the most talked-about names on the trade market all season; he's been connected to various teams, including the Phoenix Suns, Washington Wizards, Utah Jazz, New Orleans Pelicans, Cleveland Cavaliers, Mavericks and Clippers." [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]). … The Suns have also been linked to Fred VanVleet, but given that there has yet to be any sign from Phoenix that they want to get ahead of Chris Paul’s decline and move the 37-year-old future Hall of Famer, the Suns would be looking for a backup point guard which doesn’t fit FVV’s profile. [LeBron James trade to Suns? Michael Pina wrote: "Chris Paul, Devin Booker, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Deandre Ayton are a championship-caliber starting five. Anunoby is an upgrade over Crowder in just about every way and is capable of playing some small-ball five against teams in the West that will downsize during the postseason. The Bucks are believed to be the only team that has received permission to visit one-on-one with Crowder, those sources have also indicated. SNY first reported the Knicks’ interest last week." [Should Phoenix Suns 'blow it up'? Shams Charania wrote: "In a new development, the Suns have given permission to the Bucks to meet with Crowder, league sources tell The Athletic.

Mikal Bridges scored 29 points, Deandre Ayton added 22 points and 13 rebounds and the Phoenix Suns pulled away late to beat the Toronto Raptors 114-106 on ...

… Paul hit a 3-pointer at the first quarter buzzer to give the Suns a 32-28 lead. “We could have down a few things and shored up the rebounding, but it didn’t really bounce our way when it needed to.” Bridges had a pair of clutch jumpers before Paul made a 3-pointer to push the Suns ahead 106-102 with 1:30 left. Ayton added a tip-in with 51.4 seconds left to extend the advantage to 108-102. The Suns are on a bit of roll despite missing Booker the past several weeks. The fifth-year player is averaging 23 points per game over his last nine contests, which has coincided with a Suns revival after an extended midseason swoon.

Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder hasn't participated in an NBA game since last postseason. He's yet to suit up for the Suns this season and likely won't, ...

With some of the injuries to key players this year in Milwaukee, Crowder couldn’t come along at a better time. However, for Milwaukee, Crowder would be another piece to help them make a deep postseason run in the eastern conference. Crowder is a great role player, one of the best in the NBA at what he does. He can’t help them on the court, and it seems like the communication broke down a while ago, so Phoenix might as well get the best deal they can in place by next week. If this is the trade that happens, it won’t do much for the Suns this season. The deal Charania lays out certainly benefits the Bucks in their quest to win a second championship in three years.

Their two turnovers were another factor as the Suns were able to get just enough of their own offence – some tough, contested jumpers by Miles Bridges and a ...

With Siakam and VanVleet back on the floor to join Barnes, the Raptors were still leading with just over six minutes to play. The giveaways – four in the first 5:34 of the game -- helped the Suns jump out to a 14-8 lead and their final turnover of the quarter resulted in a three by Miles Bridges – his third on three attempts put the Suns up 28-21. Several of them were evident in the third as Toronto tidied up their turnovers and mostly pushed the pace with the ball, with VanVleet leading the way. "The issues that kept the offence behind, first and foremost, were the shooting, that’s certainly improved and a lot of that is related directly to health. In the early going the Suns followed their game plan well, and briefly, it looked the Raptors were going to be racking up big turnover totals. Prior to that the Raptors were 19th in offensive rating and generating 112.4 points per 100 possessions. They didn’t make a turnover and forced five from the Suns to take an 84-82 lead into the fourth. The Suns on the other hand were on fire, shooting 8-of-16 as Bridges went off for 23 points in the first half and pushed Phoenix's lead 62-53 to start the third quarter. Their two turnovers were another factor as the Suns were able to get just enough of their own offence – some tough, contested jumpers by Miles Bridges and a back-breaking three by He was wearing a brace or splint on it and while there was no detail given on the extent of the injury, the timeline seemed firm, though Nurse seemed to be hoping for a little more wriggle room. 30, when the short-handed Suns basically gave a win away. Especially if your opponents make their free throws in the final minutes, which the Suns did.

Can the Suns extend their run back into the playoff picture? Or will the Raps pull off the upset?

Over the years, the Suns have won more games than they’ve lost on Bright Side Night and that’s a blessing. The Suns have been linked to all of these players by one insider or another, so keep an eye on all the Raps tonight (though O.G. It’s Bright Side Night, so of COURSE the Suns need to win this game! Since they try constantly for steals to initiate breakaways - #1 in steals, a big part of their offense - they don’t focus on securing the rebound. But because there’s a trade deadline in 10 days and there’s rumblings of the Suns and Raptors talking, it’s possible that someone you see in a Raps uni tonight might be in a Suns uni next week. Chris Paul is playing like his All-Star self, Mikal Bridges has leveled up, Cameron Johnson looks really good and the team has won 5 of their last 6 games. With their long arms up and down the lineup, they are #1 in steals this season and generate a great deal of their offense with fast breaks off live-ball steals. Toronto has a number of nice pieces for a winning team, and they went 48-34 last year with a pair of stars — Fred VanVleet made the 2022 All-Star team and Pascal Siakam is a one-time All-Star and 2-time All-NBA forward — and the reigning Rookie of the Year, Scotty Barnes. The game of chicken has commenced. The Suns were without Devin Booker, and the Raps were without Fred VanVleet. The latter two use a formula to give extra credit for three point makes and free throws. Tonight’s game will be the last matchup between the Raptors and Suns this season.

Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that the Suns gave the Bucks permission to talk to Jae Crowder.

[Fischer added earlier this month](https://sports.yahoo.com/portland-aiming-to-extend-jerami-grant-but-open-to-moving-others-in-trade-market-212259438.html) that a big reason for their availability is the team’s history of trying to avoid crossing the luxury tax threshold, which this season is about $150 million. [According to Basketball Reference](https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DEN/2023.html), Hyland has a defensive rating of 115 when he’s on the court and is a minus-1.7 in defensive box plus-minus. [Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer reported earlier this month](https://sports.yahoo.com/portland-aiming-to-extend-jerami-grant-but-open-to-moving-others-in-trade-market-212259438.html?guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly9ob29wc2h5cGUuY29tLw&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAG5jtZFEBth1QTauqJodIgjyTYtup1TsQ9SnWVrGH3ab2w8c49xRNlgRSUtnDO5-i3T-_hr_fg85OA74Toy90EFruFe2Zoyv7xS3oeaCt_30n9Gw_jLaP82FHtGtPqPW0LS57LaRItpgENiMDX0UxmJs5NzXtRuDqO3-3FMYFvdN) that a reason the Nuggets could move on from Hyland is some clashes between him and head coach Michael Malone, who is a more old-school coach. The Jazz are in the middle of their transition from the Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell era after their two big offseason trades. [Caesars Ohio Sportsbook](https://www.cleveland.com/betting/ohio/caesars/) is open for bets now that Ohio sports betting has launched. [Shams Charania of The Athletic reported on Monday](https://theathletic.com/4136200/2023/01/30/nba-trade-deadline-rumors-raptors-bucks-suns-crowder/) that the Suns gave the Bucks permission to speak to Crowder and that the two parties met over the weekend. [ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Wednesday night](https://www.cleveland.com/cavs/2023/01/nba-trade-rumors-milwaukee-bucks-looking-for-a-third-team-to-help-facilitate-jae-crowder-trade-from-phoenix-suns.html) that the Bucks were looking for a third team to try and help facilitate a trade for Crowder, who has yet to play a game this season for Phoenix. The 22-year-old Hyland is fifth on the Nuggets in scoring, averaging 12.3 points and shooting 37.9% from beyond the arc on 5.9 attempts per game. Singer added that the Nuggets may be gaining traction on getting a first-round pick for Hyland. They’ve won four games in a row and have created separation from the Nets and Cavaliers. It’s been no secret that the Suns are looking to find a new home for Jae Crowder. He also reported the parameters of a deal that the Suns and Bucks have discussed for Crowder.

In the most recent development regarding disgruntled Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder, there was an important development and update regarding the situation ...

In separate news, Charania also reports that the Suns are “among interested suitors for O.G. [Toronto Raptors](https://www.raptorshq.com) ( [O.G. Teams with forwards that the Suns have reportedly “had an interest in” over the last few months include the With recent reports from last week that Mat Ishbia’s purchasing of the Suns is expected to become official prior to the February 9th deadline, plenty more news and updates regarding the imminent change to the Suns roster are sure to surface. Charania also maintained that the Suns and Bucks have been engaged in “serious” talks for months now, with a current proposal surrounding Early this morning, The Athletics Shams Charania brought to the light that the Suns have “given permission” to the Anunoby,” while also making note that the suns have control of all of their first -round picks - eight in total - through 2030. There is mention that both parties have continued to search for a third team that would provide the Suns with a forward. The report also mentions that the Bucks “are believed to be the only team that has received permission to visit one-on-one with Crowder,” and reiterates that multiple teams, including the [Jordan Nwora](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/n/nworajo01.html), [George Hill](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/hillge01.html), [Serge Ibaka](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/i/ibakase01.html), and a second-round draft pick to Phoenix, for Crowder.

Ever since Jae Crowder and the Phoenix Suns agreed to go their separate ways during training camp, rumors have swirled about the veteran forward eventually ...

Crowder is earning $9.2 million this season, the last under a three-year, $29 million deal he signed with Phoenix in 2020. Other reports have suggested the Bucks offered shooting guard Grayson Allen to help land Crowder but such a deal wasn’t of interest to Phoenix while more recent reports have Milwaukee sending forward Serge Ibaka, forward Jordan Nwora and point guard George Hill along with a package of draft choices to get a deal done. Those rumors only intensified this week when the Suns reportedly granted the Bucks permission to meet with Crowder and his agent to discuss a potential deal ahead of the Feb.

Mikal Bridges scored a game-high 29 points with four coming on back-to-back buckets late in Suns 114-106 win over Raptors.

Plus whoever Phoenix brings in trade could become part of the rotation. The Suns forced three Toronto misses. [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) or contact him at 480-787-1240. They needed more physicality than skill and got it with that bench lineup. Paul gave the Damion Lee “ice water in veins” 3-ball sign hitting the 3. Craig turned the ball over on Phoenix’s first offensive possession. Bridges hit back-to-back buckets to give Phoenix a 103-100 lead with 2:28 left in Monday's win. The Suns have to sign Saben Lee the rest of the season to keep him. Next one: Paul back in for Booker or Bridges with Bridges or Booker finishing the quarter. 30 in Toronto. Saben Lee hit a tough shot in the lane to open the quarter. Phoenix and Toronto pretty much played the rest of the quarter even as the Raptors led by two going into the fourth, but the Suns had a chance to put it away — and didn’t.

Suns wing Mikal Bridges was on fire in Phoenix's 114-106 win over the Toronto Raptors on Monday night at Footprint Center.

The Suns host the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday at 8 p.m. “We had those bumps and bruises when we were losing a lot, but the thing is adversity,” Bridges said. “And when times get tough, what we do, we just stay with it. “Just staying ready, just keep getting better every day. In fact, Bridges finished the half with 23 points (a career-high in one half), 16 of which came in the first quarter — another career high for points in a quarter. [January 31, 2023]

The Phoenix Suns got back to winning in clutch time and the recent terrific play from Mikal Bridges continued.

“I think the guys are feeding him a lot of confidence but he has his own confidence because he’s putting the work in and he’s not worried about the consequences. “We’re all hoopers at the end of the day (so) you know if one play keeps working we’re going to keep going to it.” “He and Chris knew we couldn’t run the same play, then they went a different route,” Williams said of it. “Cam, I think he’s gonna be like this for a while now,” Williams said. “When we both were out, it’s a lot of responsibility on him,” Paul said. “It’s cool, man,” Paul added on the process. With 3:20 left and Phoenix down one, it chose to run the offense through Mikal Bridges, a wise choice with how masterful he was as master of closing ceremonies in Saturday’s win. But when Paul is calling that out now, he’s doing so for Bridges, a hard to believe statement. Bridges’ crunch-time heroics make it two games in a row where he’s won the game as the go-to scorer late. A 20-4 Raptors run in the first 5:04 of the second half put them up seven. Bridges’ 12-of-19 mark on the 29-point night included six assists, three steals and a block. (I would have loved to have seen Devin Booker’s reaction from the bench on the second bucket when Bridges spun back into the screen.

Prior to the game, Suns head coach Monty Williams spoke on Bridges' progression on the offensive side of the ball. “I think so. All of the experiences is not ...

A tip-in from Deandre Ayton with 51.4 seconds remaining put the Suns up by six and the Raptors were never able to fully erase the deficit. (21) led the way for Toronto. Phoenix now improves to 27-25 on the season and are winners of their last six-of-seven. Both Fred VanVleet (24) and Gary Trent Jr. It also allows their teammates to see them in those moments. Now it is just building the confidence to deal with the consequences and do it when those moments present themselves.”

Mikal Bridges, Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton led the Suns over the physical, active Raptors.

While that bounce-back in impressive, especially considering Booker is still sidelined, the Suns record is a far cry from the 52-game mark of the last two seasons. For Mikal, who suffered along with the rest of us when the Suns went 5-17 during a stretch where almost everyone he’s used to playing with was hurt, this stretch is very rewarding. He made a pair of 16-foot pullups off DA assists to give the Suns a 103-100 lead, and the Suns never trailed again. Told you we got a lot of making up to do.” That may not seem like much on the surface, but for Mikal Bridges that’s real progress. “Cam had some open looks, he missed them, but they were taking off and DA is at the rim (under the Suns basket), we’re flat, they’re going to be in transition.” Scottie Barnes made a layup with 3:20 to go to give the Raptors a 100-99 lead. They outscored the Raptors 15-4 down the stretch. “You’re watching Mikal in those moments come through,” Williams said. “That defense carried over into the fourth quarter and we held them to 22 points.” Encouraging in the sense that Mikal Bridges (29 points, 6 assists) might want to change his name to Mikal Booker the way he’s opening and closing games these days. This is a great redemption for that second unit, who Monty blasted last home game vs.

On Monday, a group of Bright Siders and I got to spend 35 minutes in a private interview session with Phoenix Suns General Manager James Jones.

And the Suns would be spending a lot of time explaining themselves to a lot of parties from lawyers to the players’ association to the media to the Commissioner. Jones even praised inefficient scorers, saying they can get a bad rep but that they’re often inefficient because they’re willing to take the toughest shots. That means he will be officially ratified as the Suns owner at least a day, if not more, before that.] Of power forwards, he says all 30 teams want a good power forward and there aren’t that many around. There’s a lot of space between his floor and his ceiling, and that’s part of the negotiations. The winning percentage of the top 10 teams in free throws per game is 44%. Always looked me and the questioner in the eye the whole time. And restricted free agency allows a lot of negotiation time without the chance of actually losing the player. Says Jae was a great contributor for two years, but they both just decided maybe this wasn’t the right place for him this season. So if you can get them at $25 million that’s good for the team, but the players reps would rather split the difference and get something like $32 million now. Players wants to get paid the max, the team wants to pay the minimum. Jones admitted the first NBA game he attended was after he’d started college at the University of Miami, at age 19 or 20.

Wainright had seven points with three rebounds, assists and steals each in Phoenix Suns' win over his former team Toronto Raptors on Monday.

"It’s basketball, but it’s also business, and just having that in the back of your head (to) lock in and stay locked in. "When you first get to a team, get to the league, you don’t mess up. “It’s always good to have a coach and coaching staff that trusts me," Wainright said. He’s just a guy that, again, if you asked us at the beginning of the season, ‘Would we imagine ourselves relying on Ish in the meat of the game or in closing moments?’ Probably not, but he’s worked his tail off to be ready for these moments.” It is what it is, it’s business," Wainright said. Mikal Bridges caught fire (game-high 29 points, six assists, three steals, one block) in the first half, which is when Wainright made most of his impact. Wainright came in for Cam Johnson midway through the first quarter, and helped compensate for Johnson's shooting struggles (finished with four points on 1-of-9 FG, 1-of-6 from deep, three rebounds, two steals). "That was my first team that I played in the NBA with, so that city, that team, that coaching staff will always that little piece of your heart. “We look at Ish as a guy who is physical, he defends, he’s worked tirelessly on his shot," Williams said in the postgame press conference. 17, 2021, is one of their players on a two-way contract alongside Duane Washington Jr. The Suns forward told The Republic after they beat Toronto at home by eight points on Monday that he has no vendetta against his former team. Particularly their All-Star Pascal Siakam, last season's Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes, Precious Achiuwa, who are each listed at 6-foot-8 and Chris Boucher at 6-foot-9.

Devin Booker interacted with young fans while help;ing to dedicate a new basketball court at Chicanos Por La Causa in Phoenix on Tuesday.

He sat two with left hamstring tightness and three with groin soreness before this recent stretch of 18 in a row with the left groin strain. "He's been on the court a little bit. Still out with a left groin strain suffered in the first quarter at Denver on Christmas, Booker wasn’t made available for media interviews at the event . He's getting to a place where he's doing more. They're ramping up trying to get back on the floor as fast as they can." Born and raised in Los Angeles, Mister Cartoon started out as a graffiti artist and did murals but has become known for his tattoos for celebrities. "He's lifting a ton," Suns coach Monty Williams said before Monday’s win against Toronto. Booker was part of court dedication project ceremony at Chicanos Por La Causa Community Center in Phoenix. He’s been ramping up recently and participated in on-court workouts. He's going to bring us to another level. Booker graced the 2K23 video game cover. They’ve won six of their last seven heading into Wednesday’s game against Atlanta (25-26).