PHOENIX (AP) — JaVale McGee had season highs with 21 points and 15 rebounds, Chris Paul added 12 assists and the Phoenix Suns rolled to a 111-90 win over the…
PHOENIX (AP) — JaVale McGee always brings the energy. On Friday night, he also brought the buckets. The 7-footer had season highs of 21 points and 15 rebounds, Chris Paul added 12 assists and the Phoenix Suns rolled to a 111-90 win over the Boston Celtics. The Suns won for the 20th time in 21 games despite missing starters Devin Booker (hamstring) and Deandre Ayton (non-COVID illness). Booker has missed four games in a row, while Ayton was a late scratch because he didn’t feel well at the morning shootaround. McGee picked up the slack, shooting 9 of 16 from the field and even knocking down a 3-pointer, just the 11th in his 14-year career. The big man was one of Phoenix’s most important pickups during free agency, and he’s quickly become a fan favorite because of his hustle. “Big time,” Suns forward Jae Crowder said. “We’re down men right now and to get that out of him in a starting role was crucial for us tonight. He did a great job.” Coach Monty Williams said: “JaVale was the catalyst tonight.” The veteran is on pace to average more than 10 points per game for just the fourth time. “There’s a lot of things on this team that work for the center position if you’re doing it the right way,” McGee said.
