It might have been the longest triple-double-clinching rebound in NBA history. A Suns miss caromed off the rim, deflected off multiple players, and bounced all the way out near the half-court line, where a spent Brandon Knight scooped it up.
Rebound number 10. Triple-double number one.
Knight’s teammates on the bench erupted with towel-waiving, hand-clapping and full-throated shouting that made the normally reserved Suns guard crack a well-earned smile after logging game-highs in minutes (41), points (30), assists (15), rebounds (10) and steals (four).
“[My teammates] gave me a cue,” Knight laughed. “I was just blessed and thankful that it was able to roll back there because I was definitely tired.”
Since being traded to Phoenix in February, Knight has wanted nothing more than to be tired from a game night’s work. The 6-3 guard found such opportunities cut short late last season, when a bothersome ankle kept him out of action and ultimately forced him to undergo offseason surgery.
The recovery has been steady, slow and thorough since. Neither he nor his head coach deem him completely healthy, a remarkable assessment given that his triple-double numbers (30/15/10/4) have only been matched or exceeded by three other players in NBA history – Pete Maravich, Magic Johnson and Russell Westbrook.
None of those numbers, however, included the key indicator that will tell Jeff Hornacek that Knight is completely back.
“I still don’t think so because he hasn’t dunked yet [this season],” Hornacek said. “We know he can. He gets in there and he can really go up there and dunk it on people. When you see that first one, you’ll probably know he’s a hundred percent.”
Already, Knight is showing more than signs that he is close. The speed and strength with which he drives to the basket is already light years ahead of opening night. His dribble moves, which involve his feet as much as his hands, are tighter and more efficient than they were two weeks ago. Just ask Marcelo Huertas, who spun a circle of futility after Knight lost him with a crossover step-back three-pointer.
“Nobody wants to have surgery, but it’s part of the game,” Knight said. “I’m open about it, but I don’t make excuses. For me, it’s just about continuing to get better, continuing to gel with my teammates and allow us to build momentum.”
Knight referred to his teammates early and often despite his individually impressive stat line. Like his foot procedure, the fifth-year guard’s long-term future is now a thing of the past. He is locked in long-term with the Suns, and now carries the benefit of a full training camp and an ever-growing familiarity with his new team.
That, Knight said, is as big a factor in his improved play as his health.
“I wouldn’t even say the basketball thing is tough right now or even at that time, getting traded,” Knight said. “I would say just the chemistry. You don’t really know guys. You don’t really know anything. Everything’s uncomfortable. Everything’s new. Just being there, having that training camp definitely helps. Just being with your guys for a while, it allows the on-court stuff to be better when you can spend time together off the court.”
Knight ensures such times last. He and rookie Devin Booker are often the last to leave the practice court, exchanges three-pointers in friendly competition. He can be seen talking with everyone, often encouraging more conversation than would otherwise take place.
That in turn has bred mutual respect, which came bursting forth when Knight’s triple-double came to be on Monday night.
“It’s great to see,” Hornacek said. “I think the chemistry of this team is pretty good right now. They’re all cheering for each other. That was an example when Brandon got that, but you saw other plays like when Alex makes a big block or a bucket, these guys are all cheering. That’s a great sign that the coaches see that they’re supporting each other.”
In his ankle and with his teammates, the support for Knight in Phoenix has never been stronger.
