By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
It was over one month since his last game, but Dario Saric avoided any struggles returning to action for the Phoenix Suns. His 15 points, four assists, four steals, two rebounds, and one block helped in extending the winning streak to five games and defeat the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday.
“To be finally back with this group of very talented and positive-minded players, it’s just a pleasure,” he said on his first 2020-21 NBA Regular Season appearance since January 11.
Saric, 26, recently confirmed he tested positive for coronavirus last month. An ankle sprain further pushed back him retrieving his familiar reserve role under head coach Monty Williams. He has averaged 11.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game this season coming off the bench in all of his eight appearances.
“We have a lot of very good players. We try to make plays and open space for them,” he mentioned diving into the roster of the Suns, “When every player understands his role, it gets easy to play. Sometimes players don’t accept that, but that’s how it is. I would like to push the ball and get the open lines, but obviously, with teammates like Devin Booker and Chris Paul we have to let them play their own game.”
The Phoenix team rolling has generated a 16-9 record, good enough for fourth place in the Western Conference. Plenty of games remaining, but the Suns are currently looking good for a playoff berth.
“My teammates understand their roles,” added Saric, “We are getting wins and I hope we can continue like this.”
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