The Rise Starts Here, Valley Suns were introduced as the Phoenix Suns’ affiliate this year, and teammates have been called to step up when star players are injured. Most recently with both Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal hurt this season the team still figured out ways to get the W with any starting lineup. The guards have been real showstoppers for the team both starting and coming off the bench, with six foot three Jaden Shackelford having back-to-back games scoring over 40 when TyTy Washington Jr. was pulled up to the Phoenix Suns for a couple of games.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The 8-3 Valley Suns are second in the league for average assists per game with 27.8, and first in points per game at 122.7 during the Tip-Off Tournament. This can be attributed to former Bulldog Paul Watson who hooped with heart, hitting 29 points, had seven rebounds, and two assists, with seven three-pointers made Thursday. Former Crimson Tide Shackelford scored all seven points for the win shutting down the Santa Cruz Warriors 121-118, making it clear the rise has started and after the six-game break, the team will be back in action to protect home court Dec 12.
PHX native @_PWJiii was HOOPIN’ ????
29 PTS, 7 REB, 2 AST, 7 3PM, 2 BLK#TheRiseStartsHere pic.twitter.com/CwUENfHcE1
— Valley Suns (@GLeagueSuns) December 6, 2024
The Valley Suns will return with back-to-back home games hosting a theme night, El Valle Night against the South Bay Lakers. A celebration of the valley’s vibrant cultures, rich history, and contributions of the Hispanic and Latinx communities combined with fast-paced energy on the hardwood Friday night Dec 13.
The Rise Stars Here squad is second in the West, in Showcase Cup Championship position, one game behind the Stockton Kings. The Lakers are sixth in the West division, with rookie Bronny James coming off a career-high of 16 points, four rebounds, and two assists win against San Diego. Now wins for the Suns G League affiliate against the Los Angeles Lakers G League could result in the Valley Suns moving upward in the standings to the top spot.
16 PTS ???? 4 REB ???? 2 AST @lakers rookie Bronny James posted a new CAREER-HIGH to help the @southbaylakers defeat the Clippers! pic.twitter.com/LUGIhcynDH
— NBA G League (@nbagleague) December 8, 2024
With a current four-game winning streak and James coming off a career high, will the Valley Suns continue to climb in the West standings?
Well, the trajectory looks positive for more wins as the tournament plays on, there surely will be some lights-out shooting guards to keep an eye on if the Valley Suns keep that point-per-game average up. James had a good game but how the 4X NBA hoopers’ son will do against the defense of the Valley Suns everyone will just have to wait.
Check back for more sports news, Valley Suns play both upcoming days showing on Arizona’s Family Sports/Suns Live at 7 p.m.
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Jacqline Rhodes is a writer for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on X via @JackieRhodes_
