PHOENIX SUNS

Phoenix Suns’ Torrey Craig thrives in return to Valley vs. Magic

Feb 12, 2022, 9:08 PM | Updated: 10:19 pm

Phoenix Suns forward Torrey Craig. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)...

Phoenix Suns forward Torrey Craig. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

The Phoenix Suns beat the Orlando Magic 132-105 in forward Torrey Craig’s return to the Valley on Saturday night.

Craig played in 23 minutes and scored 14 points his first return to action for Phoenix since being acquired at the NBA trade deadline on Thursday.

He also added 6-of-9 (67%) shooting from the field, three rebounds, four assists and two steals in the win.

Although the forward missed the first 55 games with the team, it seems he did not miss a beat from last season’s NBA Finals run.

“It literally feels the exact same way it did last season just coming in and fitting right in,” Craig said after the win. “I guess it’s that easy when you play the right way, when you got a bunch of guys that play together and play to a certain standard.”

Craig averaged 7.2 points and 4.8 rebounds in 18.8 minutes over his 32-game run in Phoenix in 2020.

He adds to a long list of tough 3-and-D wings alongside Jae Crowder, Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson that can offer many matchup issues for opposing teams.

“That is what makes this team so special, so difficult to guard,” Craig said. “Different guys can play different positions offensively and defensively. Having a lot of wing guys is definitely a weapon and a value to have in this league.”

The other addition at the deadline, guard Aaron Holiday, scored 10 points in nine minutes towards the end of the game.

Phoenix moved to 46-10 on the year and have a 4.5 game lead over the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference.

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