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The Phoenix Suns started the Las Vegas Summer League playoffs with a win, 97-81 over the winless Utah Jazz contingent, putting them into the winner’s bracket for game five.
“Obviously it was a good win for us,” summer coach Marlon Garnett said. “To be able to sustain the lead that we had. Of course, there were some lapses. But we fought through the mental barriers and were able to finish it out.”
The Suns were led by rookies Josh Jackson (21 points, 15 rebounds, 2 blocks) and Davon Reed (15 points, 5 rebounds), while Dragan Bender had his best game of the summer with 18 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and a block.
“He’s a gamer,” Garnett said of Jackson. “He so versatile. We used him at the four position. His game is just going to continue to expand. As the confidence in his shot gets better, the sky is the limit, really, for him.”
“He’s definitely growing each and every game,” Dragan Bender said of Jackson, who took over the game late to help seal the victory. With him on the court it helps a lot, with me and Marquese, we can switch on the defensive end. Then on offense he just has to keep doing what he did.”
Jackson was humble, for his part. He talked about the defensive intensity picking up for the whole team.
“Just getting comfortable,” Jackson said. “I just tried to come out and play a complete game tonight. Defend, score, rebound and pass the ball.”
For the Jazz (0-4 in SL), exciting rookie Donovan Mitchell did not play.
Here is how the game unfolded, courtesy of Evan Sidery (on @BrightSideSun) and our Suns Film Room (on @SunsFilm).
Chriss is definitely growing into a 5-type role with his frame. McDonough said before tip both he and Bender will be interchangeable at 4/5. pic.twitter.com/nf0GsafKKe
— The Bright Side (@BrightSideSun) July 13, 2017
James caught Bender's defender looking, and he faded out to the three-point line for an easy look and make off a PnR set up by Chriss. pic.twitter.com/R8SIQOdtmf
— The Bright Side (@BrightSideSun) July 13, 2017
The Dragan Bender game has arrived, and it's glorious
— The Bright Side (@BrightSideSun) July 13, 2017
Bender has scored all 13 of his points so far in the second quarter
— The Bright Side (@BrightSideSun) July 13, 2017
Bender is making a big-time statement. Looking like the No. 4 pick in 2016. He's unconscious from the outside right now
— The Bright Side (@BrightSideSun) July 13, 2017
Josh Jackson, my goodness. Each game out here, he continues to flash special plays on the defensive end. Case in point, that swat there.
— The Bright Side (@BrightSideSun) July 13, 2017
Timing on this block is special. pic.twitter.com/fkHM7uQb3t
— Suns Film Room (@SunsFilm) July 13, 2017
Yeah, I'm all-in on Davon Reed getting 15-20+ mpg come October. Major gamer, and has been the most vocal one all week here in Vegas.
— The Bright Side (@BrightSideSun) July 13, 2017
Love how Bender forces Williams - Goss baseline and still stays in front of him. Has continued to show his defensive value throughout SL. pic.twitter.com/eTSZOcCWAm
— Suns Film Room (@SunsFilm) July 13, 2017
JJ with the block and staredown. Good push by Davon Reed for the Chriss dunk. pic.twitter.com/d7OJhKE380
— Suns Film Room (@SunsFilm) July 13, 2017
Dragan Bender out of the High Post. He showed this in Croatia, it is starting to translate to the NBA level. Needs to be more aggressive. pic.twitter.com/0RLl8jxVsR
— Suns Film Room (@SunsFilm) July 13, 2017
Davon Reed is built to be a lock down defender in the NBA. pic.twitter.com/I36La8swCU
— Suns Film Room (@SunsFilm) July 13, 2017
Again JJ out of Horns PnR he makes a good read this time. He is at his best in the half court attacking from the top of the key. Good set. pic.twitter.com/ycdYoZuSpc
— Suns Film Room (@SunsFilm) July 13, 2017
For more by Yusuf Salem, check him out on twitter: @SunsFilm