The King would be smiling. You did him proud.
The Phoenix Suns, after a defensively disastrous first half, rallied to secure a much-needed win on a night that was about more than basketball. It was Dave King’s Bright Side Night.
Against the Atlanta Hawks, 1,800 kids filled the Footprint Center, many experiencing their first NBA game. They didn’t just witness a game; they watched Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker all notch 20+ points in a single outing, only the second time this trio has done so this season. That moment became a core memory for those kids, a chance to feel the energy of a roaring stadium and see the Suns shine.
This is the essence of Bright Side Night. It’s not about accolades or public recognition; it’s about giving selflessly to create joy for others. For everyone in the Bright Side community who donated, thank you. Your kindness transformed an ordinary game into something extraordinary. And credit to the Suns. They delivered, ensuring those kids left with smiles as big as their dreams.
From a basketball perspective, the victory revealed both promise and flaws. The defense in the first half was leaky, leaving room for improvement, but the Suns showed resilience. With a favorable schedule ahead, this win could spark momentum. Yet, Suns fans know better than to let hope run too wild. The NBA is unforgiving, and just when optimism peaks, the Suns have a way of reminding us how grueling the journey to success truly is.
Still, for one night, the Suns gave those 1,800 kids a memory they’ll carry forever. And isn’t that what sports are all about?
Bright Side Baller Season Standings
Devin Booker won the Bright Side Baller award for his game against the Hornets, although I believe it was more out of reluctance than appreciation. He had a great game. 39 and 10. But the team struggled again.
I shoved you all into an impossible corner, didn’t I? Voting for someone when, let’s be honest, no one earned it. The tension hung heavy, like trying to name a winner at a karaoke night where every note was off-key. Mariah, where are you when we need you most? We’re lost without a diva to guide us, a voice to part the clouds and remind us what greatness sounds like.
But maybe that’s the beauty of it. The new Ms. Carey, the rightful heir to the throne, will emerge when the universe decides we’re ready. Until then, we wait, hopelessly humming off-tune and hoping for a sign.
Bright Side Baller Nominees
The stats.
Kevin Durant
23 points (9-of-15, 2-of-7 3PT), 2 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 blocks, 3 turnovers, +7 +/-
Devin Booker
20 points (9-of-21, 0-of-8 3PT), 3 rebounds, 12 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, +10 +/-
Bradley Beal
25 points (11-of-16, 2-of-5 3PT), 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, 1 block, 3 turnovers, -5 +/-
Tyus Jones
16 points (6-of-12, 4-of-7 3PT), 2 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, +6 +/-
Grayson Allen
23 points (7-of-8, 5-of-6 3PT), 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 turnovers, +3 +/-
Jusuf Nurkic
0 points, 0 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 minutes, 0 +/-
Time to make your final vote.