Two days after debuting their Las Vegas Summer League schedule, the Summer Suns face off today on ESPN against the Dallas Mavericks contingent.
The Suns won their opener over the Kings, 89-85, behind strong performances from their rookies Josh Jackson and Davon Reed, as well as a workmanlike performance from Marquese Chriss and all-around goodness from Dragan Bender.
Details
- Time: 1:30 PM Arizona/Nevada time
- TV: ESPN
- Where: Thomas and Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada
The Mavericks
Today, the Suns take on a Mavericks squad featuring top draft pick Dennis Smith Jr. and second-year point guard Yogi Ferrell who had a late rookie year surge after joining the Mavericks during tankamania time.
The super-athletic DSJ had 14 points (1 of 6 on threes), 6 assists and 7 rebounds in game one in Vegas.
They also boast a pair of former ASU Sun Devils, Torian Graham and Carrick Felix, U of A player Brandon Ashley, and huge Satnam Singh.
For me, the second most interesting person to watch after DSJ is Johnathan Motley. He was at one point considered a late-first round prospect but then dropped all the way out of the draft due to a lingering knee injury that held him in pre-draft workouts. He later signed a partially guaranteed contract with the Mavericks.
The Suns
Thanks to Bright Side, you know all about the Suns.
What to watch
- Point guard defender: Last game, the Suns put Derrick Jones Jr. on the opposing point guard, #5 pick De’Aaron Fox. But today, with DSJ’s more muscular frame, I am curious whether the Suns will go back to DJJ or put someone else on the point guard.
- Point Bender: we got a small taste last game, and the coach hinted we will see more of Bender handling the ball. Maybe today, with DSJ less focused on defense than Fox, Bender will have an easier time bringing the ball up and setting up the offense. Stay tuned.
- Chriss at the 5: we saw a lot of Marquese Chriss at the center position on Friday night against Papa Johns. Today, we might see it again against Singh. The idea being that Chriss is quick enough and agile enough to be successful against a larger player.
- Chriss/Bender/Jackson front line: Until they sit Chriss down (like they did Booker a year ago after 2-3 games), it’s nice to see the threesome of Chriss, Bender and Josh Jackson on the front line. They have potential to play together during the season as well.
- Davon Reed! Can the rookie have back-to-back impactful games? Would be nice to see consistent results from one of the oldest guys on the roster. With Reed being 22 years old already, he’s mid-pack on the regular season roster let alone the Summer League edition.