EMPIRE OF THE SUNS

Jae Crowder receives some cheers, boos from Suns fans in Phoenix return

Mar 14, 2023, 8:07 PM | Updated: 10:58 pm

Jae Crowder #99 of the Milwaukee Bucks takes the court for player introductions prior to a game aga...

Jae Crowder #99 of the Milwaukee Bucks takes the court for player introductions prior to a game against the Brooklyn Nets at Fiserv Forum on March 09, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

PHOENIX — It wasn’t obvious what to expect as far as a reception from the crowd when Jae Crowder checked in for the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday, his first game in Phoenix since he was traded by the Suns, a 116-104 Bucks win.

Crowder and Phoenix agreed to have the veteran forward sit out and work together to find a trade partner right before training camp. Whether it was over his starting spot, a contract extension or something else going on in the locker room, the reasoning was never shared publicly and reports suggested some mix of the three.

The 56 games he did not play did not go over well with some in the fanbase, and you can understand its frustration.

Then again, there’s how instrumental Crowder was in Phoenix turning into a contender. He helped teach the younger core how to win, especially on defense. He threw the Valley-Oop in Game 2 of the 2021 Western Conference Finals. He was arguably the team’s second-best player in the 2021 NBA Finals.

And most importantly, he gave it his all every time he was out there and played with a chip while backing down to no one. That is ultimately why he turned into a fan favorite and why Suns players said they supported Crowder when asked about him during the season.

So it made sense on Tuesday to hear the crowd be a bit mixed. A few boos came during a tribute video but there were mostly solid cheers as he was shown on the big screen and waved to the crowd.

Shortly after that, he was subbed in, and it was mostly boos. I’m guessing it varied based on where you were sitting but it certainly wasn’t an overwhelming response in either direction.

“Things ended on a bad note so I appreciate the love and I appreciate the applause I got tonight,” Crowder said postgame after saying pregame he didn’t really know what to expect. He also noted how great it was to see a bunch of familiar faces around the arena, like ushers and such.

Crowder pregame declined to speak on anything from the past but did not have anything bad to say when he spoke on it during his introduction to Milwaukee shortly after the trade deadline and didn’t want to air dirty laundry.

Predictably, Crowder made an impact on Tuesday, just like he did in his first time playing against Phoenix two weeks ago. He made his first two shots, both 3s, and the second came near the Suns bench. He pointed at someone on it after the make as he made his way back down the court.

When Crowder was asked postgame who he was pointing at he paused, laughed and then said, “The bench.”

He also had a one-on-one moment defending Devin Booker at the end of the third quarter that went Booker’s way. There were words exchanged. Of course.

“It’s always fun,” Booker said of competing against Crowder. “He’s a high level competitor. Know what it is. We have experience together, I got a lot of respect for him and we just leave it on the court.”

“Training camp:  I want that matchup,” Crowder said of past battles with Booker when they were teammates. “I want him because if I can guard him I can damn near guard anybody in the league. That’s like a glorified practice what you saw. A lot of trash talking, a lot of bumping. But Devin’s a hell of a scorer and if I feel like I can make it tough on him, I can make it tough on a lot of guys.”

Crowder finished with 11 points and five rebounds in 24 minutes. He was a part of Milwaukee’s closing lineup.

Milwaukee is a seamless fit, something Crowder agreed with and said is why he pushed for a move specifically there.

“Think it fit me, I think there’s a need for what I bring to the team and it’s been great so far,” he said pregame.

The Bucks, as we know from the Finals, are a tremendous defensive team that plays a physical brand of basketball. That’s what Crowder does.

“I think he brings just a winning, competitive, high-IQ perspective,” Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer said pregame. “I think defensively and offensively, he just understands what goes into winning. Makes winning plays that may or may not show up on the stat sheet. And just a human. Guys love him, he’s fit in our locker room great. He’s got a voice, a leadership — we feel really fortunate to have him.”

Something Crowder was praised for in Phoenix was how advanced he was in regards to picking up defensive coverages. Budenholzer has already seen that in the 11 games Crowder has played.

“Sometimes he’s doing what we’re supposed to be doing (that) other guys that have been here for five years aren’t doing,” Budenholzer joked. “He’s on point, he’s sharp. The attention to detail is very much there and very much appreciated.”

Crowder, as you would expect, said he’s focused on being a sponge.

“First of all, just pay attention to what they have going on,” he said. “Obviously I played against these guys, I know their scheme a little bit and getting some terminology down. Just paying attention and watching a lot of film.”

As far as where his conditioning was at, Crowder said after his first week he felt good to go.

He confirmed he’s happy to be past everything and has moved on.

“I just flip the chapter,” Crowder said. “I just flipped and just turned to another one and enjoying the journey of whatever this one holds.”

Empire of the Suns

Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets is guarded by Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns during th...

Kellan Olson

Suns respond to season’s low point with thorough win over Nuggets

The guessing game of which Suns team shows up on which night persists. The best current version did on Wednesday in a win over the Nuggets.

1 day ago

Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns argues a call with official Pat Fraser n the first half as Jere...

Kellan Olson

Suns stumble through latest inexcusable effort, lose to shorthanded Spurs

The Phoenix Suns followed up Saturday's win over the San Antonio Spurs with Monday's offering being more of what we've come to expect.

3 days ago

Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns drives in front of Keldon Johnson #3 of the San Antonio Spurs i...

Kellan Olson

Phoenix Suns find better energy for clinical win over Spurs

The Phoenix Suns were overdue for a win like Saturday's 131-106 final over the San Antonio Spurs, taking care of business early.

5 days ago

Jusuf Nurkic #20 of the Phoenix Suns passes over Kyle Lowry #7 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the...

Kellan Olson

Suns work through typical turnover problems to defeat 76ers

The Phoenix Suns dealt with some of their usual issues while managing a comfortable win over the Philadelphia 76ers.

8 days ago

Isaiah Thomas #4 of the Charlotte Hornets looks on prior to the game against the Miami Heat at FTX ...

Kellan Olson

Isaiah Thomas returns to NBA, Suns after injuries derailed his career in its prime

Isaiah Thomas' NBA journey is a unique one. Here's how he thinks he can help the 2023-24 Phoenix Suns in a return to the league.

8 days ago

Phoenix Suns head coach Frank Vogel looks on during the second quarter against the Boston Celtics  ...

Kellan Olson

Suns in serious jeopardy of play-in tournament fate entering last month of season

You wouldn't have guessed it by watching them over the last two games but the Phoenix Suns are in a precarious position.

9 days ago

Jae Crowder receives some cheers, boos from Suns fans in Phoenix return