Phoenix’s recently concluded six-game road trip provided some growing pains. The long-term results, however, could more than make up for the immediate discomfort.
Injuries (Tyson Chandler) and a search for more sound play in general have prompted Suns Head Coach Jeff Hornacek to go to new and younger lineups, even at the end of close games. That paid off in Chicago on Monday when Alex Len (15 points, six rebounds, one block) and Devin Booker (14 points, five assists, three rebounds) played a big role in Phoenix’s two-point win over the Bulls.
Len started all six games of the road trip in place of Chandler, who is still recovering from a strained hamstring. The third-year center averaged 24.5 minutes, 10.0 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting 53.2 percent from the field.
During his weekly appearance on the Doug & Wolf Show of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM, Hornacek praised Len for his recent impact and improvement.
“Alex, the last two games, I thought he really played well,” Hornacek said. “He’s active on the glass. He’s playing with confidence. He’s in good position on his rotations. He’s doing the things that the scouting reports say. You can’t say enough about the way he’s played the last two games.”
Booker has also caught the league’s attention, and not just for this celebration after Mirza Teletovic’s game-winning shot at Chicago.
The league’s youngest player has shown maturity beyond his years and a shooting touch that defies reality. Booker has hit 15-of-21 from three-point range, far and away the best mark in the league of anyone with at least 20 attempts from beyond the arc. His shooting efficiency made him the lead option when Phoenix needed a basket late in Monday’s game.
“He’s not fearful of the moment,” Hornacek said of Booker. “Last night we draw up a play when we’re down five or six for him to get a shot off and he drills a three and gets us right back into the game.”
Billed as a shooter coming out of college, Booker has also raised eyebrows with his ability to play within the flow of the offense and keep mistakes at a minimum. In his career-high 33 minutes played on Monday, the rookie guard committed just one turnover.
“For the most part, he’s playing the game the way it’s supposed to be played,” Hornacek said. “It’s not about just jacking up the first shot you can. It’s about making a play. If it’s the right shot, take it. If it’s not, take a dribble in there and see if you can pass to someone else.”
