P.J. Tucker is synonymous with toughness and hustle.
Those indelible traits were certainly on display in the last few games where Tucker seemed to routinely come up with a big rebound or defensive stop – things that won’t necessarily show up in the box score but are invaluable to the success of any team.
Tucker discussed the impressive play of the Suns on Arizona Sports recently:
“It’s something I pride myself on,” he said. “If we make those kinds of plays, we have a chance to be in the playoffs this year – sacrificing my body for the team. At the end of the day, nothing matters but the win.”
Tucker is exactly right. At 23-18, the Suns are currently in the playoffs. They began their franchise-record eight-game homestand on Tuesday with a big win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Next up, they face the Timberwolves on Friday and Lakers on Monday at US Airways Center.
“I think it’s time to establish ourselves,” Tucker added. “We had some games at home that we should’ve won. Now that we’re going to be home [for a couple weeks], it’s time to get our swagger back at home. We can really establish ourselves. These next games are huge and would be a huge lift in our season if we can come away with a winning record [during this stretch].”
Tucker thinks that the recent acquisition of Brandan Wright will be a key piece as the Suns continue their playoff push.
“Ryan [McDonough] has done an unbelievable job of putting guys together,” Tucker said. “Adding Brandan [Wright] was huge. We used to talk about him all the time after we played Dallas. He used to kills us.”
With a healthy roster and a couple weeks at home, Tucker feels it could be a major step toward the collective success they’ve all been working incredibly hard for.
“Now it’s time for the players to step up and get it done,” he said.
Listen to the entire interview with Arizona Sports below: