After growing up in the Valley, first-year ASU coach Kenny Dillingham was in attendance for the Phoenix Suns’ series-clinching 136-130 victory over the Los Angeles Tuesday.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!. @ASUFootball @KennyDillingham says #Sunsin5 pic.twitter.com/EAi59hIAAu
— Mark McClune (@MarkMcClune) April 26, 2023
“Suns in five,” Dillingham said to AZ Family before the game. He added that he grew up going to Suns games with his family and has always stayed true to them and his Valley roots.
He continued in saying that he stayed up until 1 a.m. sometimes to watch them play at his various coaching stops around the country.
Suns in 5!!!! #RallyTheValley #ActivateTheValley pic.twitter.com/O6tXomQ92p
— Coach Dillingham (@KennyDillingham) April 26, 2023
The Suns and Dillingham have similar slogans and mindsets for their teams. The Suns saying is “Rally the Valley” and Dillingham coined the saying “Activate the Valley” for his ASU team.
You already know 😈@KennyDillingham is activating the valley! 🔱 pic.twitter.com/hnmBZoxQgk
— PHNX Sun Devils (@PHNX_SunDevils) April 26, 2023
“It’s awesome,” Dillingham said, alluding to the sea of orange shirts around the stadium and him wanting to accomplish something similar. “This place supports winners and right now we’re winning here in this stadium.”
Dillingham got to witness arguably Devin Booker’s best performance ever, as he posted 47 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds. His superstar teammate Kevin Durant contributed 31 points, six rebounds and four assists for the Suns.
DEVIN. BOOKER.
47 PTS
8 REB
10 AST
70% FGSuns win Game 5 and advance to the Western Conference Semifinals 🔥#NBAPlayoffs presented by Google Pixel pic.twitter.com/NqMHE1pSEX
— NBA (@NBA) April 26, 2023
“I watch it as a fan,” Dillingham said. “The only thing that my coach gets in me is when I see guys like Kevin Durant (and) Devin Booker. You see the athleticism they have and you really have a respect for, ‘Wow, this is somebody special.’
Kevin Durant. Big Bucket. pic.twitter.com/ucu6aYZ4kG
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) April 26, 2023
“Those are special, special people and this city better appreciate the fact that we have some of the best talent in the country right here and take advantage of it while we have it,” Dillingham said.
The Suns clinched their first series victory at home since 2007 with Tuesday’s victory. They advance to play the Denver Nuggets in the second round.
Here is another interview that Dillingham did with 12 News:
Talked with @ASUFootball head coach @KennyDillingham before the game. @12SportsAZ pic.twitter.com/Tntxcj70eC
— Cameron Cox (@CamCox12) April 26, 2023
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Brendan Mau is a college sports insider and general assignment reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on twitter via @Brendan_Mau
