Phoenix Suns game Friday vs. Orlando Magic in Phoenix
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Bordow on Suns’ loss to Heat | 0:48
Suns insider Scott Bordow on the Suns’ loss to Miami on Wednesday.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Triano on Suns’ loss to Heat | 1:12
Suns interim coach Jay Triano on the Suns’ loss to Miami on Wednesday,
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: Eric Bledsoe sent packing | 2:02
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Dan Bickley discuss the Suns’ trade with the Bucks and the Cardinals’ upcoming matchup with the Seahawks.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Jared Dudley after Suns’ loss to Nets | 0:55
Suns veteran Jared Dudley discusses his role in Phoenix’s loss to the Nets on Monday. Doug Haller/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Suns’ Devin Booker on loss to Spurs | 0:43
Booker: “We were getting good shots but we weren’t making them.” Scott Bordow/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Jay Triano on Suns loss to Spurs | 0:50
Triano: We had a hard time scoring in the third quarter. Scott Bordow/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Bordow on Suns loss to Spurs | 0:59
Slow start, second-half malaise dooms Suns Scott Bordow/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Triano on Suns’ loss to Knicks | 1:08
Suns interim coach Jay Triano on his team’s loss in New York on Friday.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Chandler on the Suns’ loss to Knicks | 1:01
Suns center Tyson Chandler on his team’s loss in New York on Friday.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Warren on his career night in Washington | 1:01
Suns forward T.J. Warren on his 40-point game in win over Wizards.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Triano on Suns’ win over Wizards | 1:22
Suns interim coach Jay Triano on his team’s win over Washington on Wednesday.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Bordow on Suns’ ‘stunning’ comeback win | 2:12
Suns insider Scott Bordow on the team’s thrilling come-from-behind win over the Wizards on Wednesday.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Jay Triano on Suns’ win over Nets | 0:29
Suns interim coach Jay Triano breaks down Tuesday’s win over Brooklyn.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS T.J. Warren on Suns’ win over Nets | 1:01
Suns forward T.J. Warren breaks down Tuesday’s win over Brooklyn.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Scott Bordow breaks down Suns’ win over Nets | 1:08
Suns insider Scott Bordow on the team’s win in Brooklyn.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Head coach Jay Triano on Suns’ loss to Blazers | 0:44
Triano: “We put ourselves in position on the road to win a game. I give our guys a lot of credit.” Scott Bordow/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Alex Len on Suns’ loss to Blazers | 0:38
Len: “We played the right way. We were doing the right things defensively. We had a chance a the end.” Scott Bordow/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: Phoenix Suns and ASU start to turn their seasons around. | 2:32
J.J. Hensley and Dan Bickley talk Phoenix Suns and ASU turning their season around.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Bordow on Suns’ win over the Jazz | 0:44
Suns insider Scott Bordow breaks down a win over the Jazz on Wednesday.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Triano on Suns’ win over Jazz | 1:02
Suns interim coach on his team’s win over Utah on Wednesday.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: It’s not all bad, Suns fans | 2:10
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Greg Moore talk about Phoenix Suns’ changes in our latest Shot Clock video.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Scott Bordow recaps’ Suns first win of season | 1:03
Suns insider Scott Bordow discusses Phoenix’s first win of the season in their first game under interim coach Jay Triano on Monday.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Jay Triano on Suns’ win over Kings | 1:05
Suns interim head coach Jay Triano discusses the Suns’ first win of the season on Monday against the Kings.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Marquese Chriss on Suns’ win over Kings | 0:50
Suns forward Marquese Chriss discusses starting for the first time this season in Phoenix’s win over the Kings on Monday.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Suns Eric Bledsoe sent home | 1:46
Phoenix Suns general manager Ryan McDonough explains why he sent Eric Bledsoe home and is looking to trade him. Michael Chow/azcentral.com
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Suns interim coach Jay Triano | 1:04
Phoenix Suns coach Jay Triano talks to the media after the Suns fired Earl Watson and named Triano the team’s interim head coach through the end of the 2017-2018 season. Michael Chow/azcentral.com
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Phoenix Suns News: Scott Bordow and Greg Moore on the latest | 2:34
The Phoenix Suns, once a proud franchise, fired head coach Earl Watson three games into the season and are preparing to trade guard Eric Bledsoe. Scott Bordow and Greg Moore from azcentral sports discuss the state of the Suns. Michael Chow/ azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Scott Bordow discusses another big Suns loss | 0:49
Suns insider Scott Bordow talks about Phoenix’s big loss to the Clippers in LA on Saturday.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Eric Bledsoe on Suns’ ’embarrassing’ loss | 1:25
Suns point guard Eric Bledsoe discusses his leadership and how surprised he is about the start of the season after a loss to the Clippers on Saturday.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Earl Watson on Suns’ loss to Clippers | 1:37
Suns coach Earl Watson discusses his team’s blowout loss to the Clippers in Los Angeles on Saturday.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Scott Bordow recaps Suns’ loss to Lakers | 1:01
Bordow breaks down the Suns’ loss to the Lakers on Friday night.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Chandler on Suns’ loss to Lakers | 1:02
Suns center Tyson Chandler talks about Friday’s loss to the Lakers.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Watson on Suns’ loss to Lakers | 0:56
Suns coach Earl Watson talks about his team’s loss to the Lakers on Friday.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Bordow, Moore on Connie Hawkins after memorial service | 1:42
azcentral sports’ Scott Bordow and Greg Moore discuss the life and memorial of Connie Hawkins after the service held at Talking Stick Arena on Friday, Oct. 20, 2017, in Phoenix. Johanna Huckeba/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Suns fans, friends, family remember Connie Hawkins | 1:11
The Phoenix Suns honored the late Connie Hawkins at Talking Stick Arena. Aydali Campa/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: Buckle up, Lonzo Ball | 1:51
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Greg Moore discuss the Lakers’ Lonzo Ball and ASU playing Utah this weekend.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: Suns opener goes horribly wrong | 2:02
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Greg Moore discuss the Phoenix Suns’ loss to the Portland Trail Blazers in the first game of the season.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Watson reacts to record-setting blowout loss in opener | 0:55
Suns coach Earl Watson on a season-opening loss to the Trail Blazers that set a franchise record for the worst loss in team history.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Bledsoe on blowout loss in opener | 1:03
Suns guard Eric Bledsoe reacts to a blowout loss to the Portland Trail Blazers in the season opener.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Bordow recaps a season-opening rout | 0:43
Scott Bordow recaps the Suns’ season-opening blowout loss to Portland.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Suns fans: What do they know? Do they know things?? Let’s find out | 3:14
azcentral sports’ Chris Cole talks to Suns fans outside of Talking Stick Resort Arena before Phoenix’s season opener on Wednesday. Yihyun Jeong/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: Suns’ opener – Josh Jackson a starter? | 1:58
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Scott Bordow discuss the season opener for the Phoenix Suns.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Earl Watson on expectations during scrimmage | 0:48
Suns coach Earl Watson on his expectations for his team ahead of a scrimmage at training camp.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Eric Bledsoe talks at Suns camp | 0:57
Suns guard Eric Bledsoe on pushing through fatigue at training camp and the team’s talent.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Suns coach Earl Watson talks at Suns camp | 0:49
Suns coach Earl Watson on camp conditioning, Dragan Bender’s play.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Earl Watson on state of Suns players at camp | 0:38
“Overall everyone seems healthy and that’s positive,” the Suns coach said.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Dragan Bender discusses his mindset at Suns camp | 0:30
The Phoenix Suns forward is eager to improve in his season NBA season.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Devin Booker on Suns training camp | 0:53
Suns guard Devin Booker talks about his goals entering his third season with the Suns as training camp begins. Scott Bordow/ azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Phoenix Suns coach Earl Watson | 0:54
Phoenix Suns coach Earl Watson talks about the team’s commitment this season, and the players who spent their off-seasons living in the Phoenix area and working out as a group. Scott Bordow/ azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Phoenix Suns training camp Day 1 | 0:32
The Phoenix Suns run the three-man weave as the team’s training camp opens in Flagstaff. Scott Bordow/ azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Phoenix Suns Devin Booker at Media Day | 1:57
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker talks about his game, his idol and hopes for this season during press conference at Phoenix Suns Media Day Talking Stick Resort Arena, Monday, September 25, 2017. Tom Tingle/ azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Suns’ Jared Dudley on reaction to President Trump | 1:38
Phoenix Suns forward Jared Dudley talks about the controversy surrounding statements made by President Trump about players not standing for the national anthem. Dudley spoke at the Suns media day at Talking Stick Resort Arena, September 25, 2017.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Greg Moore interviews Suns owner Robert Sarver | 2:09
Greg Moore of azcentral sports interviews Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver, Wednesday, September 20, 2017. || Tom Tingle/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Scott Bordow interviews Suns center Alan Williams | 2:28
Scott Bordow of azcentral sports interviews Phoenix Suns center Alan Williams, Wednesday, September 20, 2017. || Tom Tingle/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Phoenix Suns Charities donates $1 million | 1:40
Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver announces that Phoenix Suns Charities is donating $1 million to renovate 50 neighborhood basketball courts in Arizona in honor of the 50th anniversary of the NBA franchise.. || Tom Tingle/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Suns unveil ‘Statement Edition’ uniform | 0:29
Eric Bledsoe shows off the new Nike Statement Edition uniform for the Suns.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Markelle Fultz thinks Sixers are playoff bound | 0:59
No. 1 overall pick Markelle Fultz is confident his team is primed for big things this season. USA TODAY Sports
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: ASU QB fail? Suns ‘lose’ Kyrie | 2:08
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Dan Bickley weigh in on ASU’s quarterback situation and the Suns not trading for Kyrie Irving.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: LeBron-Bledsoe link may help Suns | 2:02
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Dan Bickley discuss the latest on Kyrie Irving in Cleveland and the ramifications it could hold for Phoenix.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: Jackson included in Irving rumors | 2:04
azcentral sports’ Dan Bickley and Jay Dieffenbach have different opinions on including Josh Jackson in a deal for Cavaliers’ star Kyrie Irving. They share their thoughts in our Shot Clock video.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: Kyrie Irving to Suns? | 1:58
Greg Moore and Jay Dieffenbach talk Phoenix Suns trade rumors and Cardinals camp in our Shot Clock video.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Robert Sarver discusses Suns’ arena situation | 1:40
Suns’ Robert Sarver discusses his team’s arena situation during a press conference on Wednesday at Talking Stick Resort Arena.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: NBA Summer League taking toll? | 2:02
azcentral sports’ Greg Moore and Mark Faller discuss the NBA Summer League and the Diamondbacks in our Shot Clock video.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Mike James on his 32-point performance in loss to Grizzlies | 2:32
Suns guard Mike James on his high-quality performance in a summer-league loss to Memphis.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Summer Suns coach Marlon Garnett discusses Phoenix’s win | 1:25
Suns summer league coach Marlon Garnett talks about Phoenix’s first-round win over the Jazz in the NBA Summer League tournament on Wednesday. Andrew Vailliencourt/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Josh Jackson on his increasing comfort | 2:37
Suns first-rounder Josh Jackson talks about the Suns’ first-round win in the NBA Summer League tournament in Vegas on Wednesday. Andrew Vailliencourt/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Marquese Chriss on Suns’ defensive effort | 1:55
Suns forward Marquese Chriss talks about the Suns’ first-round win over the Jazz in the NBA Summer League tournament in Vegas on Wednesday. Andrew Vailliencourt/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: Playoffs for D-Backs and Suns? | 1:54
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Sarah McLellan talk about the playoff odds for the Diamondbacks and the Suns as well as a big upcoming fight in our Shot Clock video.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Suns Davon Reed and Alec Peters talk Summer League | 1:18
Phoenix Suns draft picks Davon Reed and Alec Peters talk about the NBA Summer League as the squad prepares to depart for Las Vegas.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: Josh Jackson fits with Suns | 1:59
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Doug Haller discuss Josh Jackson and the Suns and the Diamondbacks and the Dodgers.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: How should Suns, D-Backs prioritize improvement? | 2:05
Mark Faller and Dan Bickley discuss how the Suns handled free agency in a loaded West and the Diamondbacks’ options when it comes to rolling the dice on the trade market with the Dodgers in command of the West.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Suns rookie Josh Jackson on first summer league practice | 1:21
Suns first-rounder Josh Jackson discusses Phoenix’s first summer league practice on Tuesday at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Doug Haller/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Suns’ Bender, Chriss address expectations for Summer League | 2:30
Second-year Suns players Dragan Bender and Marquese Chriss offer some insight into what the Suns’ expectations are heading into the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas after practice on Tuesday. Richard Morin/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS What to expect from Suns in NBA free agency | 1:54
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Doug Haller discuss what the Suns might do when the NBA free agency period begins Friday night.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Why did Josh Jackson not work out for Boston? | 2:20
Phoenix Suns GM Ryan McDonough and Josh Jackson discuss why the team’s No. 4 overall pick decided not to work out for the Celtics, who had the No. 3 pick.
Suns Davon Reed and Alec Peters talk Summer League
Shot Clock: Josh Jackson fits with Suns
Shot Clock: How should Suns, D-Backs prioritize improvement?
Suns rookie Josh Jackson on first summer league practice
Suns’ Bender, Chriss address expectations for Summer League
What to expect from Suns in NBA free agency
Why did Josh Jackson not work out for Boston?
Friday’s game: Magic at Suns
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Talking Stick Resort Arena.
TV/radio: FSAZ/KTAR-FM 98.7.
Update: The Suns have lost four straight games and have faced big first-quarter deficits in their past five games. The Magic are 7-4 and coming off a 13-point win over the Knicks on Wednesday. Orlando, beginning a four-game road trip, is getting a breakout season from former University of Arizona product Aaron Gordon, who’s averaging 19.3 points and 8.3 rebounds per game while shooting 57.5 percent from 3-point range. Nikola Vucevic is a presence inside for the Magic; he’s averaging 18.5 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. Tyson Chandler is out Friday night because of back spasms.
Ulis’ struggles
The rest of his teammates had sprinted up the stairs from the Suns’ practice court, eager to grab a lunch and take the rest of the day off.
Tyler Ulis remained behind, working on his shot. Three-pointers from the top of the key and the baseline, floaters and one-legged jumpers. Finally, after about 20 minutes, he handed the ball to an assistant coach, grabbed a drink and went upstairs.
When Ulis became the starting point guard for the final 15 games last season in place of the “resting” Eric Bledsoe, he opened eyes in the organization and throughout the league, averaging 16.1 points, 8.5 assists and 1.2 steals with a 3.34 assist-to-turnover ratio. He was only the third rookie since 1990-91 – Darren Collison and Damon Stoudamire were the others – to average at least 8.5 assists their rookie season with a minimum of 10 starts.
Ulis thought he would build on those numbers this season. So did the Suns. Instead, after 12 games, Ulis is searching for that magic and, most important, searching for his shot. Ulis is shooting 34.5 percent from the field this season compared with 42.1 percent in 2016-17. He’s making just 13.3 percent from 3-point range. Last season he hit 26.6 percent.
In Phoenix’s past five games – four of which have been losses – he’s shooting 24.4 percent from the field. And his assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.1 for the season is a significant drop-off.
“Obviously I have to play a lot better,” Ulis said.
The offseason knee surgery that sidelined Alan Williams affected Ulis more than any other player on the Suns’ roster. The two developed a special chemistry in the pick-and-roll last season. As opposed to Tyson Chandler and Alex Len, who sprint to the rim for lobs, Williams was a half-roll big man who would slide into an open space in the paint and wait for Ulis’ pocket passes.
“Big Al just has a real good knack of sliding and knowing where to go, a familiarity with Tyler that maybe some other guys don’t have yet,” interim coach Jay Triano said.
“We understood each other’s game,” Ulis said. “That’s a big reason why I had the assist average I had as a starter. He knew where I wanted him. That’s just something I have to get used to with Alex and Tyson.”
Ulis’ shooting woes have little to do with Williams’ loss, though. Ulis said he’s getting to same the spots he did last season and taking the same shots. They’re just not going in.
“I don’t see any difference in his shot selection,” Triano said.
Ulis watched video of his shot compared with last season to determine if there was a mechanical flaw in his release but he didn’t see any difference. Instead, he wondered if the rim shots are playing with his confidence.
“Maybe I’m a little more hesitant just because I’m missing,” he said. “I just have to stay aggressive and stay on the attack. You have to let it fly.”
Defenses are forcing Ulis to become a shooter. Guards are running under screens so Ulis can’t get into the lane and either get off his 12-foot floater or draw a double-team and find an open Len or Chandler.
“You want to set guys up, but if teams are going to play you as a pass-first point guard you have to let the ball go and make them pay for it,” Ulis said. “But that’s just me not being able to shoot the ball well right now. That’s why I’ve been in the gym working on my shot.
“It’s nothing I’m really worried about. I’m just worried about the rhythm and the flow our (second) unit gets. I’m going to have to step up and lead my unit. Obviously I have to play a lot better because I feel our group goes as I go.”
Picked on?
An ongoing problem for center Alex Len surfaced again in Wednesday’s loss to the Miami Heat when he was called for two illegal screens before five minutes were gone in the game. Triano, however, believes Len is being held to a different standard than other NBA big men.
“I think the way he sets screens is not different than the way a whole lot of guys set screens,” Triano said. “He’s an easy target. If he moves his hips he’s going to get called. It’s not like that isn’t illegal. He gives a little bit of a hip to try to get his teammates open. He has to learn to be still but it’s not unlike what every ‘big’ in the NBA does as far as last second little movement to try to create space.”
Len will get his second straight start against Orlando because center Tyson Chandler is sidelined with back spasms.
Magic man
Devin Booker has a mental checklist of the 12 teams that passed on him before the Suns made him the 13th overall pick in the 2015 draft and admitted there’s extra incentive to “bust” those teams.
But he would like to dispel the myth that he was upset the Magic didn’t take him with the fifth pick that year. Instead, Orlando chose swingman Mario Hezonja.
The DeVos family, which owns the Magic, is from Grand Rapids, Mich., where Booker grew up, and he’s friends with three of Rich and Helen DeVos’ grandchildren.
“I’m close with the family but I wasn’t projected to be a top five pick,” he said. “They went the route they went. I’m happy with where I’m at.”
Note
The Suns recalled Derrick Jones Jr. He will be available for Friday night’s game against Orlando Magic.
Update: The Timberwolves are 7-4 and will have had two days off after losing to Golden State on Wednesday. Phoenix will have its hands full dealing with Minnesota’s Big Three. Center Karl-Anthony Towns is averaging 21.3 points and 11 rebounds per game; offseason acquisition Jimmy Butler is averaging 14.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.1 assists; and Andrew Wiggins is scoring 19.6 points per contest. Butler’s intensity has rubbed off on his teammates; Minnesota leads the league in 8.1 loose balls recovered per game. The Timberwolves also take advantage of opponents’ miscues; they’re tied for ninth in league with 18.5 points per contest off turnovers.