Suns find a way to win even with key players out. Collin Gillespie steps up.
The Phoenix Suns went into Washington and extended their winning streak to four straight victories. The Suns depth stepped up to go 19-13 on the season with a 115-101 win over the Wizards and are now six games above .500 for the first time this season.
Phoenix played without starting center Mark Williams who was serving a one game suspension with no pay. Grayson Allen, Jarel Green and Ryan Dunn were all out as well due to injuries.
Phoenix is only two games behind the Lakers and tonight showed exactly how they have done it. The depth of the Suns has stepped up when the team needs them the most.
Tonight was Collin Gillespie going five of eight from the three-point line and putting up 25 points.
Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks were right there with Gillespie as well. Booker had 22 points and Brook put up a team high of 26 points.
The Phoenix Suns had a slow start in the first quarter but in the second quarter they took control of the game and never looked back.
Both starters and bench role players stepped up and were shooting three-pointers and dominating the boards.
Phoenix shot 17-40 on the night from three-point range, this helped the Suns maintain the lead. Washington young scorers tried to fight back but could not contain Phoenix on the perimeter.
As of recent the common denominator in the four-game winning streak Phoenix has going, is dominating the glass. The Suns finished with 20 offensive rebounds to Washington's nine.
The Suns were able to convert 26 second chance points off of those offensive rebounds.
Even at the begin of the season coach Jordan Ott made it known his goal was to have a well-balanced offense. That balanced offense was on full display as it was a collective effort that got Phoenix the victory.
Phoenix has one more road trip game before heading back home in Cleveland. If they can close out the trip with another win and extend the winning streak to five games, the Suns will be able to continue to climb in the Western Conference.