By: Takudzwa Makoni
Goran Dragic finished with twenty points in his return from injury, and Isaiah Thomas scored 23 points, going four of five in the fourth quarter alone, as the Suns beat the Charlotte Hornets 111-106 last night.
For all the Pheonix Sun’s flash and dash, 7 seconds or less reputation, it was defense that provided the play of the day, as, with less than two minutes left in the game, Goran Dragic jumped a pick and roll and stripped Gary Neal, fast-breaking the ball to Eric Bledsoe for the lay-up and a lead they never relinquished.
The Suns, coming off a six game losing streak, continued with their three-point guard rotation of Dragic, Thomas and Bledsoe who had 15 points of his own. The dividends were clear, as they constantly utilized the extra distribution, creating easy lanes into the paint, and smart, sharp passing after penetration.

Thomas’s sterling play while welcome, will continue to fuel trade rumours, as all teams without solid point guard play will be salivating over the Sun’s guard rotation as the trade deadline approaches.
The disappointing start to the season continues for the Charlotte Bobcats. Al Jefferson, the one bright spot so far, continued his solid play, contributing 28 points and 10 boards, 18 of these points coming in the first half alone.