Suns face tough road tests after getting momentum back at home

PHOENIX — The first test for the Suns after winning three of four was taking care of business against a very poor New York Knicks team on Wednesday.

They did so and now have a three-game winning streak.

The next test is just a bit more difficult.

They travel to the Pacific Northwest on Friday for Saturday’s clash with the 39-26 Portland Trail Blazers and then will get right back on the plane to head south and play the 44-20 Golden State Warriors.

Both of those teams will get a day off games before facing the Suns.

“I think it’ll be a good test for us,” shooting guard Devin Booker said after practice Friday. “When adversity hits, how do we respond? As of lately, we’ve been doing very well with adversity so I hope we can continue that.

“I’m sure both these games aren’t gonna be easy. There’s gonna be times in these games where teams go on runs and we’re gonna have to come together and find a way to grind out two tough games.”

If Phoenix can less so win and more so continue what they’ve been doing so well the past week in those games and then pass two more challenges at home against the Jazz and at Houston, they get New Orleans, Chicago, Detroit and Sacramento in their next four.

It’s not so bad after that, either. Following a trip to Utah, they play the Wizards, Grizzlies, Cavaliers, Jazz and Pelicans all at home.

For a talented team that can compete any night, the opportunity is in front of the Suns to grow and give some substance to their development heading into the 2019-20 season.

OKOBO TO G LEAGUE

Rookie point guard Elie Okobo was sent to the NAZ Suns on Friday. Once De’Anthony Melton took off and ran with the starting point guard spot, it was spotty minutes for Okobo since mid-December.

Jamal Crawford has held down the backup ball-handler minutes most of the season and with Tyler Johnson’s arrival, that left Crawford and Melton both vying for minutes.

Unless injuries were to occur, there’s simply nowhere for Okobo to get playing time, so the move is a plus for his growth.

“It’s really important,” Booker said of the move for Okobo. “He’s gonna get reps that he wouldn’t get up here. He’s gonna get experience playing against a lot of guys that are hungry trying to get to their spot. I think he’ll be fine. He’s really talented, he’s been competing up here every day in practice so I think that will directly translate to the game once he gets his opportunity.”

Okobo is still finding his offensive game in the NBA, which is surprising given his scoring was his biggest strength coming out of the draft. But the Frenchman is clearly prioritizing his responsibilities as a point guard, a position he only started playing a few years ago.

In 43 games and 18.1 minutes a night, Okobo is shooting 37.8 percent and averaging 5.6 points, 1.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists a game.

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