The role players are rolling for the Phoenix Suns

The role players have been doing their job in Phoenix.

The Phoenix Suns got a pair of much-needed wins against inferior opponents last weekend.

Their “punishment” for missing out on advancing in the NBA Cup (after going 3-1) was to get more time off and two “easier” opponents in the Jazz and Blazers. Kevin Durant’s return sure helps, but one storyline that has stood out for the past couple of weeks is the emergence of the role players.

Whether it’s Tyus Jones making good decisions, Royce O’Neale doing the dirty work or Grayson Allen making big plays, the complimentary pieces are stepping up.

Let’s take a look at the unsung heroes that are keeping the Suns (mostly) afloat. A lot of press has been on the things the stars weren’t doing, whether it was playing or stepping up.

Let’s focus on some positives for once.

Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images

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Tyus Jones

Let’s start with one of the Suns’ most important players, Tyus Jones. He is averaging a career-high 12.8 points per game, 6.9 assists (while boasting the number one AST/TO ratio), and shooting a career-best 44.1% from three.

He has connected on 14 of his last 18 shot attempts and made 13 of his last 18 three-point attempts.

He has truly been the best fit for this team. His leadership, poise, and positive attitude are infectious. Phoenix hit one out of the park last offseason when they convinced him to take a pay cut.

The floater is money, he’s leading the offense, and knocking down threes efficiently. Jones is the exact floor general you want to lead your team.

Royce O’Neale

Let’s talk about Royce O’Neale now. It’s no secret that he can be streaky offensively (especially with the shot) but you know exactly what you’re going to get defensively from him.

O’Neale is shooting a career-best 45.8% from deep this season. Royce has hit 12 of 21 three-point attempts in the past three games. He has 8 assists to just 2 turnovers during that same stretch.

His numbers are up and so is his confidence, and for good reason. He has been the glue guy for this team this season despite a rough stretch that is sandwiched between excellent weeks of play.

Players averaging 15+ PPG on 50/50/100% shooting this month:

• Tyus Jones
• Royce O’Neale

There’s no question that these two are bringing it. Not only are they making shots, but they are making winning plays.

Grayson Allen

We can’t forget about Grayson Allen, who is quietly heating up after a slow start to the season. He has scored in double figures in four of his past five games and shot 48.5% from deep in six December games.

Allen’s primary job is to knock down shots — specifically from the corner. We are starting to see him settle more into that role with the stars. We’ll chalk up the uncharacteristic shooting slump to begin the season to new dad stuff. He’s back to the Grayson Allen we all loved a season ago when he led the association in 3PT%.

Not only is the shot falling again, but his attacks at the rim are improving.

We could be seeing the added muscle pay dividends with his improved ability to finish through contact.

Suns leaders in 3PT shooting this season:

• Royce O’Neale — 45.8%
• Tyus Jones — 44.1%
• Josh Okogie — 41.7%
• Kevin Durant — 41.3%
• Grayson Allen — 38.8%
• Bradley Beal — 36.0%
• Devin Booker — 35.0%
• Monte Morris — 35.0%

The role players are doing their job from three, that is my main takeaway here.

The stars have to lead and do a better job of not wasting masterclass type games from Royce O’Neale or Tyus Jones when they get them. Kevin Durant’s return sure does make that a lot more likely.

Let’s keep it rolling.

Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images