Practice battles with P.J. Tucker helped Suns guard Devin Booker grow
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Bordow on Suns’ win over Lakers | 1:02
Suns insider Scott Bordow on a rebound win over the Lakers.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Len on strong effort in win over Lakers | 0:52
Suns center Alex Len on his play in a win over the Lakers.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Triano on Suns’ win over Lakers | 0:42
Suns interim coach Jay Triano on a win over the Lakers on Friday night.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Bordow on Suns’ historically bad half against Rockets | 1:09
The Suns have a franchise-worst half as the Rockets pull away for an easy win.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Triano on Suns’ ugly loss to Rockets | 1:22
Suns interim coach Jay Triano on an ugly game against the Rockets.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Greg Monroe on loss to Rockets in debut | 0:56
Suns center Greg Monroe on his debut in Phoenix, a loss to the Rockets.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: Lakers bait Booker; Gabbert a starter? | 2:06
azcentral sports’ Dan Bickley discuss the Suns and Cardinals in our latest Shot Clock video.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Scott Bordow recaps Suns’ loss to Lakers | 0:55
Suns insider Scott Bordow discusses what went wrong in Phoenix’s loss to the Lakers at Talking Stick Resort Arena on Monday.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Devin Booker on incident with Lakers coach | 0:32
Devin Booker discusses an incident with a Lakers coach late in Monday’s loss to Los Angeles.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Jay Triano on Suns’ loss to Lakers | 0:59
Suns interim head coach Jay Triano discusses Phoenix’s loss to the Lakers at home on Monday.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Devin Booker on Suns’ loss to Lakers | 1:37
Suns guard Devin Booker discusses Phoenix’s loss to the Lakers on Monday night.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Marquese Chriss on Suns win | 0:40
Chriss on what he was thinking on his spectacular block on Andrew Wiggins: “We all know he makes highlights. I wasn’t going to be one of them.” Scott Bordow/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Jay Triano on Devin Booker | 1:23
Triano on Booker: “He’s been buying in at at the defensive end. He’s had a couple games where he wasn’t quite as good, but tonight he was right back on track.” Scott Bordow/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Bordow on Suns surprising win over T-Wolves | 0:56
Bordow discusses Devin Booker’s big stat line that helped the Suns beat the Timberwolves. Scott Bordow/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Bordow breaks down Suns’ loss to Magic | 0:46
Suns insider Scott Bordow on the the team’s loss to Orlando.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Josh Jackson on Suns’ loss to Magic | 0:54
Suns forward Josh Jackson on loss to Orlando
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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?
LOS ANGELES – P.J. Tucker got down into his defensive stance and looked into the eyes of Devin Booker. The Houston Rockets were blowing out the Suns Thursday but Tucker wasn’t about to take it easy on Booker.
That’s not how their relationship works.
For a season and a half, until the Suns traded Tucker to the Toronto Raptors last February, Booker and Tucker went at it every day in practice. Tucker, the defensive-minded veteran with the body of a fridge and the need to impose his will, against Booker, the enormously gifted shooting guard trying to find his place in the NBA.
The big brother putting the little brother in his place.
There were days Booker hated Tucker. Hated the grabbing and the pushing and Tucker’s in-your-face-and-get-inside-your-head defense. When the Suns were in Mexico City for two games in January 2017, the two almost came to blows during a practice.
“Yeah, it got real in Mexico,” Tucker said. “It got really real in Mexico.”
But from within those confrontations a mutual respect was built. Tucker loved the fact that Booker never backed down. And Booker knew what Tucker was doing, teaching a boy that the NBA is a man’s league.
It’s why, before the Suns played the Rockets, Booker called Tucker “one of my vets.”
“He helped me a lot,” Booker said. “Lot of fights, lot of pushing, lot of arguing but it’s all out of love. He used to always tell me, ‘I’m here to push you. I’m here to get you to play to the best of your ability.’ That’s what he did. He’s a great vet. He taught me a lot of things on and off the court.”
Tucker could see early on that Booker had a chance to be a special player and one day might be a target for opposing defenses. So he took it upon himself to prepare Booker, to rough him up and toughen him up.
“I knew I could be a person to push him and back then just try to make him better for the sake of our team,” Tucker said. “He was a kid. Kids have to understand how tough and physical this league could be at times. It’s not gonna come easy. He was getting a lot of easy stuff. People just letting him do what he wanted. So, you know, I would take liberties and – I would play mind games with him.
“He was a kid, so I would just mess with him a lot. He would get frustrated. He knew he couldn’t beat me up. So, he would get frustrated and push or whatever, but, you know, he had heart.”
Their battles came to a head that day in Mexico City. The Suns had lost to the Dallas Mavericks the night before and Tucker decided the time was right to really go after Booker. So he did.
“I was denying him the ball, just beasting him out, manhandling him,” Tucker said. “He didn’t make any shots in practice. He was frustrated and he got to the point where he’d had enough.”
The following night, Booker scored 39 points and the Suns beat the Spurs.
“I think P.J. did a great job of helping Book establish who he was going to be in his career because he had to face a great defender every single day in practice,” interim coach Jay Triano said.
Booker laughs now, recalling those days when it was hard to remember through the shoving and the grabbing and the stiff forearms to the lower back that Tucker was trying to teach him something valuable.
“When he’s fouling you and being extra physical you’re not thinking about that,” he said.
But he thinks about it now. And he’ll appreciate it always.
“That’s a relationship,” Booker said, “that will last forever.”
Point taken
Devin Booker had a double-double (18 points, 10 assists) Thursday against the Rockets, and he was playing point guard in the second quarter when Troy Daniels tied a franchise record with six 3-pointers in the quarter.
That connection didn’t go unnoticed by interim coach Jay Triano.
“He’s (Booker) got an ability to make plays. He reads games well and he saw where Troy was,” Triano said. “He knew Troy was hot and he knew where to get him a shot. The other thing Troy does is he’s such a threat he spreads the floor and makes it easier for T.J. (Warren) to get into the lane and our bigs to roll because you have to respect the fact that he’s standing on the 3-point line.”
Still, Triano is reluctant to give too much of the ball-handling responsibility to Booker over concerns that he might wear down not just during the season but in games as well.
“I think good point guards we pick them up and try to wear them down so their effectiveness in the fourth quarter might not be what it normally would be if they get to walk it up,” Triano said. “I think how much he handles and how much you require of him is a factor within a game, for sure.”
Happy birthday
Second-year forward Dragan Bender turned 20 on Friday so for the first time in two years, the Suns don’t have a teenager on their roster.
Peters in L.A.
Forward Alec Peters, who is on a two-way contract, traveled with the Suns to Los Angeles for Saturday’s game. Triano said the Suns needed bodies with just 11 healthy players available.
Update: The Suns have lost seven of their past eight games and will be without center Tyson Chandler (illness), who didn’t make the trip. Greg Monroe is expected to get his second straight start in Chandler’s place. The Lakers are 6-9 and two of those wins have come against the Suns. Point guard Lonzo Ball hasn’t played in the fourth quarter in either of Los Angeles’ past two games. He’s shooting 30 percent from the field and 23 percent from 3-point range. Devin Booker had 10 assists against the Rockets Friday – one short of his career high – and interim coach Jay Triano said Booker might take on more of the ball-handling responsibility.