Phoenix Suns interim head coach Earl Watson had a singular mission for his team heading into Tuesday night’s matchup against the visiting Toronto Raptors: selfless accountability.
“The communication is direct,” Watson said. “They know their roles. They know their playing time. They know exactly when they’re going to get into the game. I’m big on visualizing, so I wanted to visualize their minutes.”
Unfortunately, in a 104-97 loss, the outcome wasn’t what the team or Watson desired. But there were many encouraging signs this young squad can build upon moving forward – namely the play of Markieff Morris, Archie Goodwin, and Devin Booker.
“The energy was positive,” Watson added. “I think we have another step to go. It’s not really physical with our team; it’s more mental and mental toughness is a fragile, unique path that you have to take.
“I think for our team we have to build it slowly, build it with love, and nurturing because we have been through a lot this year.”
Morris got his first start since January 19 and recorded 30 points on 13-of-20 shooting, along with 11 rebounds and six assists. This marked his fourth 30+ point game of his career and his first double-double of the season.
“That’s part of talking about your role with this team,” Watson said about Morris. “He went out there every play and that was his role – to lead us.”
With multiple point guards injured, Archie Goodwin has elevated his level of play on a routine basis. Against the Raptors, Goodwin recorded 18 points and 12 assists, setting a new career-high in assists which bested his six-assist night last week at Philadelphia. He also recorded his first career double-double.
“He has a wire strength that reminds me a lot of Gary Payton, the way he is built,” Watson said regarding Goodwin. “He looks slim, but he is really strong so he has a lot of core strength and we’ll continue to build his confidence because Archie has a bright future.”
Devin Booker continued his phenomenal rookie season as he poured in 27 points on 9-of-19 shooting (6-for-14 from downtown). Booker’s six makes from beyond the arc tied a career high and Suns rookie record he originally set on January 19 vs. Indiana. This marked Booker’s ninth straight game scoring in double figures, which extended the longest streak by a Suns rookie since Amar’e Stoudemire (10) in 2002-03.
“It means a lot that Coach (Watson) has confidence [in us] like that,” Booker said about being a focal point in the team’s offense. “Markieff is really talented. I like playing through him also, so he’s not only a good scorer but he’s really unselfish. He gets everybody involved also. We were just out there; we changed up the offense a lot.
“We’re still learning but most importantly, we just got to come out there and play with energy.”
