Every Monday, Suns.com's Matt Petersen hands out his Suns Player of the Week award based on the previous seven-day stretch. Stats are always a good indicator, but other factors can also come into play (intangible impact, game-swinging spurts, etc.). The runner-up is also included because often, that second guy's impact was just as impressive as the first's.
Player of the Week — P.J. Tucker
Tucker didn't average the most points, rebounds, assists, steals or blocks for Phoenix last week. He was, however, the biggest reason the Suns went 3-0.
On back-to-back nights over the weekend, Tucker effectively limited an MVP candidate (James Harden) and a well-documented Suns killer (Monta Ellis) to a combined 9-of-41 from the field. His rebounding and nose for the clutch loose ball clinched games the Suns sorely needed.
And if you want stats, try this one: Tucker has made 15 of his last 26 attempts from three-point range.
Runner-Up Player of the Week — Brandan Wright
Wright Flies
Again, the stats aren't the story here. That can be found in the panicked, altered shots opponents were forced to throw up whenever Wright patrolled the lane.
More important was Wright's overall starter-quality play while Alex Len recovered from a sprained ankle. His rim protection and rebounding ensured that Phoenix didn't miss a beat, even when matched up against Houston's bigger frontline. Depending on what happens down the stretch of the season, Wright's 10.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.3 blocks last week might have saved the season.