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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
Runners Up:
Eric Bledsoe
Weekly Stat Averages:
Minutes: 32 Points: 18.0 FG%: 44% 3FG%: 21% Rebounds: 4.0 Assists: 3.3
Bledsoe was hot and cold this week. He started off with a horrific game against the Lakers, in which he shot only 1-9 from the field and looked out of sync. Then, he got into early foul trouble that may have stifled what looked to be a big game in the making from him against the Clippers.
However, he finally got it all to click against the Blazers, scoring 30 points in a must-win situation. He absolutley took over in the 4th quarter showing aggression and determination. Although he only scored nine baskets from the field, he made his way to the foul line frequently where he converted 11-13. He also played good perimeter defense, helping to make plays of both ends of the court. This made a huge difference for the Suns down the stretch.
This wasn't one of Bledsoe's better weeks overall, but his performance against the Blazers shows just how valuable he is to this team, and how much better the Suns are when he is engaged and contributing on both ends of the floor.
Goran Dragic
Weekly Stat Averages:
Minutes: 39 Points: 17.0 FG%: 31% 3FG%: 21% Rebounds: 2.0 Assists: 4.7
Still, he has found ways to contribute by attacking the defense and getting to the line frequently, where he converted 18/21 on the week. This just goes to show that even when Dragic is struggling in one area, he still makes positive contributions in other areas.
There's no doubt the Suns need Dragic's efficient scoring from the field to be successful, and I wouldn't count on this slump to continue much longer. Dragic has been one of the top scoring, most efficient guards in the entire league this season. The Suns will need him to return to form in these last six games of the season in order to make the playoffs.
Player of the Week:
Gerald Green
Weekly Stat Averages:
Minutes: 28 Points: 23 FG%: 49% 3FG%: 41% Rebounds: 4.3 Assists: 1.3
Gerald green had another one of those games against Portland. Not only did he make the ESPN top-10 highlights once again for his dunk-contest-esque off the backboard dunk, but he once again helped pull the Suns out from the ashes in the 3rd quarter, and light the fire that would eventually carry them to victory.
Even though Green averaged less minutes than both Bledsoe and Dragic this week, he was the leading scorer on the team, and also the most efficient as well. Although Green has been moved back to the bench with the return of Bledsoe, he is still making a huge impact for the Suns and proving to be one of the biggest difference makers on the team.
Although Bledsoe's play in the 4th quarter helped ensure a Suns win against Portland, it was Green who turned things around with his hot shooting in the second half when things were starting to look bleak. Green gets my vote for the player of the week for helping the Suns pull out a critical win and keep themselves in playoff contention.
Who do you think deserves to be named the Suns player of the week? Vote in the poll below and explain in the comments!
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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.