NBA

Suns’ Allen and O’Neale prove importance in return vs. Nuggets

by
Tanner Tortorella
March 24, 2026

Mar 24, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Royce O'Neale (00) celebrates a three point shot against the Denver Nuggets in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

PHOENIX – To win in the NBA role players are essential, and the Suns might have two of the best from beyond the arc in Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale. The two guards have been in and out of the lineup via injuries, with them missing Sunday’s game vs. the Toronto Raptors. Allen and O’Neale returned with some much-needed energy against a tough Denver Nuggets team.

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Despite the loss, the tandem’s production was mightily impressive, combining for 10 three pointers and a total of 38 points. Against one of the favorites for the NBA championship, the Suns’ role players stepped up in a major way to prove they belong amongst the league best.

Mar 10, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Grayson Allen (8) shoots in front of Milwaukee Bucks center Myles Turner (3) during the fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Allen and O’Neale dominate from beyond the arc:

When the team found itself down double digits in the third, the dynamic duo of Allen and O’Neale didn’t shine away from the moment. The two combined for five three pointer made during the period, and fueled a 10-3 run. Those 15 points were a part of a massive 36-point third quarter that kept Phoenix fighting entering the final frame.

With Devin Booker and Jalen Green on the bench, Allen took the responsibilities offensively. The 30-year-old was running the show in the pick-and-roll, dishing it to the roller in Oso Ighodaro and also absorbing the contact for the hard earned baskets at the rim. He finished with 21 points and game-leading 19 shot attempts.

Mar 5, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen (8) and forward Royce O’Neale (00) defend Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) during the fourth quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Allen’s aggressiveness on offense is almost identical for O’Neale defensively. The 32-year-old had three blocks in Tuesday’s matchup, including a massive fourth quarter block against Nikola Jokic. In his last appearance on March 17th vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves, O’Neale had three steals. For the last four games, the 6’6 guard has recorded more than two blocks+steals and continues to be a stellar head for the Suns’ defense.