This week, role players across the league had great performances that will be critical to their teams success throughout the season and heading into the playoffs. Nick Richards, Aaron Wiggins, and Christian Braun all dropped double-doubles, propelling their teams to victory.
On Friday, Nick Richards had 14 points and 16 rebounds on an efficient 6 of 8 shooting from the field in a 130-105 win over the Golden State Warriors.
Richards has been a dominant force in the paint since arriving in Phoenix on January 15th. In 8 games, he is averaging 10.1 points and 10.9 rebounds on 57.4% shooting. Richards secured his third double-double in Sun orange Friday night. As Richards continues to do well, he will find himself seeing more minutes. Richards has started in 7 of his 8 games since being traded, so the Suns coaching staff are clearly liking what they are seeing out of their newest acquisition.
On Saturday, the Oklahoma City Thunder had an offensive explosion, scoring a season-high 144 points on 53% shooting in a 34 point rout of the Sacramento Kings.
Third-year man Aaron Wiggins had a career-high 41 points and 14 rebounds, securing his first double of the season. Wiggins' offensive skill set was on full display, scoring inside and out, drilling 6 threes and slashing to the rim for tough finishes over bigs. This season, Wiggins is averaging a career-high in points with 10 per contest. When all-star forward Jalen Williams returns from injury, Wiggins will be demoted back to the bench, but I’m sure his most recent performance has definitely opened up the eyes of the Thunder coaching staff and has made them reconsider how they would use him moving forward.
On Saturday, the Denver Nuggets notched their 30th win of the season in a 107-104 victory over the Charlotte Hornets.
Christian Braun earned his second double-double of the season, dropping 24 points and 11 rebounds. The second year guard has seen a 12 minute increase from last year and has taken full advantage, averaging 14.5 points and 4.8 rebounds on 57.6% shooting. Braun is making a case for the most improved player this season, with his 7 point increase from last season. Braun also has scored in double figures in 10 straight contests, which is a career-high. The past few years, Denver has been known for having great role players. This season, Braun has added his name to that list.
Role players are critical to the success of championship teams. Let’s see how these guys will continue to impact their teams as we head into the second half of the NBA season.
Thanks for reading!
-Elias Meredith (@EAM_55)
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