PHOENIX SUNS

Triano: Marquese Chriss enjoying success in recent Suns hot streak

Jan 2, 2018, 10:33 AM

Memphis Grizzlies guard Tyreke Evans (12) tries to get off a shot past Phoenix Suns forward Marques...

Memphis Grizzlies guard Tyreke Evans (12) tries to get off a shot past Phoenix Suns forward Marquese Chriss (0) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2017, in Phoenix. The Suns defeated the Grizzlies 99-97. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

LISTEN: Jay Triano, Suns Interim Head Coach

During the latest Suns hot streak, one player has stood out to head coach Jay Triano and its not superstar Devin Booker. The name is second-year forward Marquese Chriss.

“I think his physical conditioning is a lot better now. I think he’s working harder in the weight room, working harder in practices when we have them,” Triano said to Doug & Wolf Tuesday morning on 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station.

Over the last week Chriss is averaging 10.7 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, 1.3 steals and shooting 73.3 percent from the floor.

“We’re seeing him run the floor and get alley oops, we’re seeing him run down and get chase down blocks. Those are the energy type things we expected from him that we weren’t getting earlier,” said Triano.

During Booker’s nine-game absence due to injury, the emergence of the Suns bench carried the team to three wins, and their success may have caused reason for a minutes concern for the starters.

Their play has put the starters on notice and Chriss has responded well as the team approaches the midway point in the season.

“I think there has been a little more focus in the minutes that he’s getting. He knows that if there’s a lapse he’s going to come out,” Triano said.

Of course, having your best player back doesn’t hurt. In his three games back, Booker is averaging 30 points, 4.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists. Coincidentally, the Suns have won two of those three games.

Tuesday night, the Suns look to stay hot against the Atlanta Hawks at 7 p.m. on 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station. The Hawks currently sport the league’s worst record at 10-26.

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.
comments powered by Disqus

Phoenix Suns

Devin Booker and Kevin Durant...

Nick Borgia

Team USA’s Grant Hill delivers Olympics jerseys to Devin Booker and Kevin Durant

Suns stars Devin Booker and Kevin Durant officially accepted the invitation to compete on USA's 12-man squad for the Paris Olympics.

9 hours ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Is overconfidence the biggest concern with the Suns in their playoff series with the Timberwolves?

Having not lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves all season, Wolf & Luke wonder if the Phoenix Suns might be a little overconfident heading into their first round playoff series with them.

14 hours ago

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 10: Jusuf Nurkic #20 of the Phoenix Suns talks with Bradley Beal #3...

Kellan Olson

Bradley Beal, Jusuf Nurkic must maintain footing for Suns playoffs series vs. T-Wolves

Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkic must step up to help the Phoenix Suns' first-round playoff series against the Timberwolves.

17 hours ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Bickley Blast: Can Devin Booker and Kevin Durant have a ‘Golden Summer’

Dan Bickley askes if Kevin Durant and Devin Booker can wins a gold medal and an NBA championship in the same summer during his Bickley Blast.

17 hours ago

Victor Wembanyama defends Bradley Beal...

Kevin Zimmerman

James Jones touts Bradley Beal’s balance as Suns’ playoffs begin

Bradley Beal found a groove late in the regular season. James Jones spoke on him settling into his role before the playoffs.

2 days ago

Jontay Porter received a lifetime ban for sports betting...

Arizona Sports

NBA gives Jontay Porter lifetime ban for sports betting

The NBA levied a lifetime ban on Jontay Portay after an investigation found he disclosed confidential information to sports bettors.

2 days ago

Triano: Marquese Chriss enjoying success in recent Suns hot streak