The Valley Suns ended their game today with a 136-113 win after TyTy Washington Jr. and Jalen Bridges were reinstated into the starting lineup. Jaden Shackelford recently stepped into the lineup and jumped on the opportunity to show his lights-out shooting when the two were away.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Valley Suns traded their first-round pick in the 2025 NBA G League Draft to acquire the returning player Jaden Shackelford, who played three years for Alabama Crimson Tide. Shackelford, a 6-foot-3, 200-pound shooting guard nearly doubled shot attempts and went from 10.3 per game to 19 per game when Washington and Bridges were called up to the Phoenix Suns for an opportunity, while Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant were recovering from their injuries.
Shackelford points last two games:
- 41 points win vs. San Diego Clippers
- 43 points loss vs. San Diego Clippers
That is over an incredible 80 points within two games, Shackelford leaped to be a leader on the floor and showed the ability to increase efficiency with more shooting attempts while landing 11 3-point shots and then 7 3-pointers the following game. Shackelford showed up and showed out with the opportunity which undoubtedly provides more insight on a steal the team received with the trade. Now with the return of the starting duo for the Valley Suns, KD and Beal also played today, coach Mike Budenholzer spoke pregame today about managing the Phoenix Suns star’s injuries.
Phoenix Suns starting lineup vs. Brooklyn Nets
Tyus Jones
Devin Booker
Bradley Beal
Kevin Durant
Jusuf Nurkić#SunsUp #NBA #NetsWorld— Burn City Suns ☀️ (@BurnCitySuns) November 28, 2024
“I think they both were very good. Brad (Bradley Beal) made some plays, on both ends of the court. His athleticism helped us last night. So, it felt like, through the eye and a little bit on film he looked good. In that last stretch I probably kept him out for a little bit longer. He was in a good rhythm and then didn’t have to bring them back. So, his (Bradley Beal) minutes were in a good place. Kevin’s (Durant) minutes were in a good place. So, we’re hopeful, we’re expecting Kevin to play. I think we’re hopeful Bradley will as well.”
Pregame notes: Suns wrap up back-to-back against Cam Johnson, Nets
With both teams back in their regular starting order, Shackelford despite coming off the bench today still played 25 minutes, had 22 points, and maintained 50% from the three-point line 5-10.
To see the Valley Suns tickets can be purchased at TheValleySuns.com.
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Jacqline Rhodes is a writer for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on X via @JackieRhodes_
