The Phoenix Suns have redeemed themselves with a crucial win after back-to-back losses to the Mavericks and the Rockets. The Los Angeles Lakers who have not lost a game with their new lineup, fell prey to the Suns, or should we say to their 7ft center? Anthony Davis has delivered monstrous two-way performances with 40+ double-doubles this season. However, Jusuf Nurkić’s impressive double-double today came at the right time. Overshadowed by a team full of superstars, Nurkic got rare appreciation from his teammate. 

Devin Booker has been the team’s highest scorer in the last few games. Yet, his dominant performances couldn’t get them a win as their 7ft star was sidelined with an ankle injury. And this is why Booker believes the Suns are not the same without him. The shooting guard believes Nurkic is, “A big part of why we won. I don’t think we’ve won a game without him this year in the four that he’s missed, so that speaks for itself.”

Nurkic dropped 18 points and 22 rebounds when guarded by Anthony Davis. Well, he had 7 assists too, and all of this helped the Suns to beat a healthy Lakers by 10 points. With Nurkic back in the team, the light is bright for the Suns!

While the 7ft star has got his due credits, Devin Booker has also constantly filled the role of his injured teammate that has kept the Suns alive this season. 

Is Bradley Beal’s injury giving Nurkic and Booker a shared role in playing point? 

Beal has been sidelined for an alarming number of games this season. But at the same time, this has given Booker a chance to regulate the ball at a high level. In the game today, he dropped 22 points and 9 assists, filling Beal’s absence. Also, Nurkic has been a great regulator, like Draymond Green to the Warriors. This side of Nurkic and Beal has come alive only because of their point guard’s injury. 

Also, this would be the perfect time to speak about the chemistry between Nurkic and Kevin Durant. The Slim Reaper has been the team’s best scorer and finding him at the right spots is what the Bosnian is best at right now. Remember KD’s double-clutch game-winner against the Chicago Bulls? Well, many did not notice the impressive assist from Nurkic amid a crowded defense. 

Read more: Disregarding Own Milestone, Kevin Durant in Anguish Over Wasting Teammate’s Big Night in Nuggets Stinger

Roles like this have kept the Suns alive and well in contention so far. When Beal is back again, the Suns can hopefully secure a playoffs spot. What are your thoughts? Share it in the comments below.