In a game without Devin Booker (left tricep strain), Josh Jackson (left knee stiffness) and T.J. Warren (low back sprain), the Suns looked to be without their usual firepower as the team faced the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday.
The Suns were missing a combined average of 56.5 points from their lineup, which is over half of their 104.4 points per game. The team had to look to their role players to step up to the challenge and that’s exactly what they got.
Shaq Harrison had his first career-start and by halftime already had a career-high 11 points as he fought to keep the Suns in the game.
The Hornets had a strong third quarter and were up by 22 heading into the final frame. All seemed lost for the Suns, but the team wasn’t going to back down quite yet.
Dragan Bender and Davon Reed stepped up when the Suns needed them most to bring them back into the game. The Suns only hit nine three-pointers in the first three quarters, but matched that total in just the final 12 minutes. Bender and Reed both hit three three-pointers in the fourth quarter alone as they helped lead the team to a season-high 18 from deep.
Troy Daniels knocked down his fifth three with 4:12 left in the game to bring the Suns to within three points. Elfrid Payton brought the deficit to just two with a little over two minutes remaining.
GAME RECAP: Hornets 122, Suns 115
Although the Suns would battle back from the 22-point deficit without three of their biggest names, the Hornets would eventually close out the game at the free throw line 122-115.
Daniels led the Suns with 17 points to go along with his four rebounds and three assists. Both Reed (16 points) and Harrison (14 points) would score career-highs in the loss.
The Suns will have a few days off to recover as the team prepares to face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Catch the action on Fox Sports Arizona.