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The NBA is all about which player and team can rule the court in the most epic fashion and Bright Side of the Sun has teamed up with Crown Royal to rank the best of the best Phoenix Suns players each and every week. Which player(s) ruled the court this week? #ReignOn
Eric Bledsoe aka "The Bled Show"
Weekly Stat Averages:
Minutes: 31 Points: 16 FG%: 41% Rebounds: 6.5 Steals: 1.5 Assists: 6.5
Eric Bledsoe's return from injury could prove to be a game changer for the suddenly slumping Suns. Although the team seemingly experienced some growing pains with Bledsoe back in the lineup over the past two games, it's easy to see just how important he is to the overall dynamic.
Bledsoe's speed, strength, and aggressive style of play are unique traits that simply cannot be replaced with anyone else in the lineup. Gerald Green did a fantastic...nay, phenomenal job of filling in for Bledsoe while he was recovering from his knee injury. But watching what Bledsoe could do on the court in only two games this week was a reminder of just how special of a player he is.
While EB was no doubt rusty after missing over 30 games in a row, his athleticism, speed, and aggression remained unchanged. He attacks the defense and pressures the opposing guards, always looking to make a play. How much better will the Suns be once he re-acclimates himself back into the starting line-up and shakes off the cobwebs?
He averaged 16 points a game coming back from an injury, and still managed to shoot 41% from the field, even though his jumper is noticeably shaky. Not to mention, he registered a double-double on points and rebounds in only his second game back in action. The Suns should only get better with the Suns' two-headed backcourt monster now back in effect.
Goran Dragic aka "One Man Fast Break"
Weekly Stat Averages:
Minutes: 38 Points: 23 FG%: 53% 3FG%: 46% Assists: 5.0 Rebounds: 1.5
Before writing this article I was under the impression that Goran had a fairly so-so week. After all, the Suns struggled from the field and missed a lot of big shots that could have turned the tide in all three of their losses, and even their win was an ugly one.
However, upon closer inspection of the Dragon's numbers, I couldn't have been more wrong. Dragic had another excellent week, averaging 23 points off a very efficient 53% shooting overall while knocking down 46% from long range.
This just goes to show how that anything less than outstanding from Goran now seems underwhelming for some reason. We are spoiled by his consistently excellent play, and have come to simply expect it at this point.
Once again, Dragic was the heart and soul of this team, and he is doing everything in his power to will this team to a victory night in and night out.
Alex Len aka "The Ukrainian Axe"
Weekly Stat Averages:
Minutes: 9 Points: 3.7 FG%: 67% Rebounds: 2.0 Assists: 0.7
Looking at Len's stats alone, it doesn't make any sense that he should be on this list. In fact, there is nothing about his play overall that would put him in the same category as Dragic and Bledsoe this week.
So why is he here? Simple. Without Len's very timely tip-in plus an and-one at the end of the game on Friday night, the Suns very well may have lost the game, and gone 0-4 on the week. Len's three-point play sealed the deal against the Celtics, and let the Suns escape with a win in their sloppiest offensive game of the year.
Is that enough to earn the Player of the week award? I'll let you decide. But getting the Suns' a much needed victory with his late game heroics at least puts him in the discussion.
So who do you think deserves to be named the "Suns' Player of the Week"? Vote in the poll below and explain your choice in the comment section.
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Made for royalty, Crown Royal offers a fine array of blended whisky products such as Crown Royal Deluxe, Crown Royal Black, Crown Royal Maple, Crown Royal Reserve and Crown Royal XR. Fit for every occasion, the Crown Royal portfolio caters to those who choose to celebrate with a whisky they can incorporate into every memorable experience.
Remember, our readers will also have a chance to receive some Crown Royal swag to help you Reign On, too, on the street, basketball court or just in your living room. More to come soon.