Warrick plays well as Suns down Mavs

When Phoenix Suns forward Hakim Warrick checked in during
the third quarter against the Dallas Mavericks, many in
attendance at US Airways Center had to be thinking,
“what’s he doing in the game!”

The seven-year pro has been left out of the rotation
lately after leading the team in scoring early in the
season. Warrick had only played 16 minutes in the teams’
last 16 games, including a DNP-coach’s decision in 13 of
those games.

However, Warrick made an impact in the Suns’ 96-94 win
over the
defending champion Dallas Mavericks Thursday. Warrick
scored nine points and grabbed four rebounds in only 17
minutes after being inserted in the third
quarter, instead of struggling rookie Markieff Morris.

“Just to come in and try to be a game-changer,” Warrick
said about coming off the bench after not playing very
much. “Always got to be ready no matter what when your
number is called, and I was able to go in, get to the line
and get some easy buckets.”

Warrick was a shot of adrenaline in the Suns’ third
quarter
comeback, helping Phoenix, who was down by 12, go on a 31-
8 run that extended into the fourth quarter.

“We had a couple good stops,” Suns center Marcin Gortat
said. “We had a lot
of energy. Hakim came in and gave us a boost of energy
and he played well. So it was a chance for us to come back
and take the lead.”

Phoenix shot a blistering 73.7% in the third quarter,
going 14-
19 from the floor.

The Suns have now won six of their last eight games,
and are only 2.5 games out of the eighth and final Western
Conference playoff spot.

Follow @AZSports