Jae Crowder returns to starting lineup for Phoenix Suns vs. Warriors
May 11, 2021, 6:55 PM | Updated: 6:56 pm
Jae Crowder #99 of the Phoenix Suns reacts to a play during a game against the Toronto Raptors at Amalie Arena on March 26, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder is back in the Phoenix Suns’ starting lineup on Tuesday against the Golden State Warriors.
The veteran wing missed eight games due to a sprained ankle before returning on Friday against the New York Knicks off the bench. Crowder played 23 minutes in that game before 28 in Sunday’s loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.
In Crowder’s place was initially second-year forward Cam Johnson before midseason addition Torrey Craig started the last eight games.
Crowder has started 39 of his 57 games for the Suns and has been one of the team’s most important players.
The 30-year-old is one of the vocal leaders of the team and has been a part of the Suns becoming a top-10 defense in the NBA, consistently showing his know-how on rotations and keeping everyone else in the right structure. Offensively, Crowder’s shooting and passing have made him an ideal 0.5 player for Monty Williams’ offense.
Crowder is shooting 38.6% from three-point range this season on over six attempts a game while averaging 10.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game.
Craig moves back to the bench while Johnson will miss his third straight game due to a right wrist sprain.
