PHOENIX -- Scoring isn't a nightly problem for the Phoenix Suns, especially with guys such as Devin Booker and Kevin Durant on the roster. Through their first three games together, they've combined for the fourth-most points by a new duo with 188.
Yet there will be some nights where others will be required to step up. Terrence Ross has proved capable of just that.
Bought out from the Orlando Magic not too long ago, Ross' ability to knock down shots has already paid dividends for the Suns. In Phoenix's win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, Ross stepped up to provide 24 points on 6-10 shooting from downtown.
On a night that could have been spoiled with Durant's injury during pregame warm-ups, Ross' performance helped to ensure fans went home with a win.
“It gives us another guy that can get his own shot but he can also space the floor and knock down some threes. He’s got a big body, he can get to the basketball and take a hit, he can finish over top of guys when he needs to but I’m trying to get him to be himself," Suns coach Monty Williams said following the game.
"Sometimes, he’ll get a rebound and he’ll look to pass it to somebody and I’m like, ‘We don’t do that. Just take off and play your game.’ And he’s just not used to that yet. I think there’s some deferment there and we are trying to get him out of that. Defensively, I think once he figures out what we do on defense and figure out the schemes and the terminology, he’ll be more settled.”
Though Booker paved the way with 44 points of his own, the superstar praised Ross and said the Suns need him to stay aggressive.
“T-Ross is just locked in. He’s staying aggressive like we are telling him to. I said it before, even the shots you take and you think somebody is contesting, he has such a high release and such great lift on every shot he takes it is almost uncontested. We need him to keep being like that and keep being aggressive and being himself.”
Ross also added two rebounds, two assists and two steals on the night.
With Durant potentially out until the postseason, the Suns may need to rely on Ross' scoring off the bench a few more times. Phoenix is confident he can come through again, if needed.
The Suns have won four in a row and will return to action Saturday against the Sacramento Kings.
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