The Phoenix Suns found themselves in a tight spot in their recent matchup with the Sacramento Kings. The game was already intense, but things took a twist in the second half when Jusuf Nurkic, one of their main big men, had to sit out due to a sore right ankle. Without Nurkic’s defensive presence, the Suns faced a tough challenge going up against All-NBA big man Domantas Sabonis, who put up an impressive 20 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists. However, in the absence of Nurkic, Mason Plumlee, a 12-year veteran, stepped up and played one of his best games in his first season with the Suns, putting his all on the court in an effort to close the gap.
Plumlee’s performance wasn’t just notable; it was game-changing. Suns coach Mike Budenholzer highlighted Plumlee’s effort, acknowledging how he effectively worked as part of a team to contain Sabonis, particularly on the boards. "Mason did a good job stepping in, being without Nurk," Budenholzer commented. "It takes a team effort against Sabonis, but Mason’s been very good, and tonight he showed that again.” Plumlee’s contribution didn’t go unnoticed by his teammates either. Devin Booker, the Suns’ star guard, praised Plumlee’s hustle, describing him as "super high energy" and a "pleasure to be out on the floor with." Plumlee's game-high performance in rebounds and assists underscored his versatility and commitment.
Plumlee’s Playmaking Stands Out
Known for his playmaking and high basketball IQ, Plumlee showed off his skills early in the game. His standout performance included six points, a season-high 11 rebounds, six assists, and just a single turnover in 26 minutes. Even more impressive was his distribution – Plumlee's passing was key to setting up his teammates, with four of his six assists coming in the second quarter alone. He fed Bradley Beal, who had a team-high 28 points and eight rebounds, with a brilliant backdoor pass, threading the needle from the opposite wing. Later, double-teamed by Trey Lyles and De'Aaron Fox, he managed a no-look, behind-the-head pass to Ryan Dunn for a powerful dunk. The Suns’ offense thrived through Plumlee’s creative assists and control over the flow of the game.
“He’s running like the point-center position," Booker said, commending Plumlee’s court vision and awareness. "He’s making sure everybody’s in their places.” This role is a bit unconventional for a big man, but Plumlee has a reputation for being a great passer, which has proven incredibly valuable for the Suns this season. At 34, he brings not only experience but also a refreshing, fast-paced energy that’s benefiting the Suns’ younger players.
Key Contributions Beyond the Stat Sheet
Plumlee’s skill set brings benefits that aren't always visible in the stat sheet. Signed to the Suns in June on a veteran minimum deal, the former Duke player was initially valued for his rebounding, screening, and ability to push the pace. Coach Budenholzer mentioned in October that Plumlee’s playmaking off the ball has been “super impactful,” and his leadership is apparent in his every move on the court. His current averages – 4.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists – might not sound like star numbers, but it’s the efficiency and intensity with which he plays that matter most. Plumlee currently leads the team in shooting percentage, hitting 68% of his shots, and his +21 plus-minus is second only to forward Royce O'Neale.
Teammate Bradley Beal, who had a stellar game himself, highlighted how Plumlee’s unique skill set bolsters the team’s overall pace and flow. "Mason’s a guy who gets it off the boards and he’ll push it," Beal explained. "Bigs like that love to play fast. They’re open to backdoor actions and DHOs (dribble-handoffs), which is really key for us guards." Plumlee’s ability to kickstart the next play or drive a transition opportunity energizes the team’s offense, benefiting Beal, Booker, and other perimeter players.
Sabonis Showdown and Defensive Determination
Despite Sabonis notching his ninth straight double-double, Plumlee helped contain him late in the game, especially in the crucial fourth quarter. He stripped Sabonis on a post move in the third quarter, setting up a transition 3-pointer by Allen during an 8-0 run for the Suns. Plumlee also managed to convert a 3-point play off a Booker-assisted layup, bringing the Suns up 103-97 with just over four minutes to go. Although Sacramento’s DeMar DeRozan took over in the fourth quarter with 16 of his game-high 34 points, Plumlee’s defense held Sabonis to just one point, two rebounds, and no field goal attempts in the final stretch. Sabonis even fouled out, giving the Suns a critical edge as they tried to close the game.
Plumlee reflected on the challenge of guarding Sabonis, noting, “He’s a big, strong guy…he’s a position rebounder. He’s not like a leaper, so you gotta win the war on the ground.” This tactical approach reflects Plumlee’s deep understanding of positioning, making up for a lack of explosiveness with calculated moves to control space. His persistence is a big reason why the Suns were able to stay competitive in the frontcourt battle against a formidable division rival.
Building Momentum for the Suns’ Season
Although the Suns ultimately fell 127-118 in overtime, the game was a showcase of the grit and resilience that defines their team. With Nurkic sidelined, Plumlee’s impact took on added importance, emphasizing the depth and adaptability of the Suns’ roster. This matchup was just the first of four games against the Kings this season, and Plumlee’s performance has set a promising tone for what’s to come. He proved he’s more than capable of filling in and bringing an extra boost when the team needs it most, earning the respect of both teammates and fans alike.
As the season continues, Plumlee’s role on the Suns will be one to watch. Whether it’s his chemistry with the guards, his ability to play as a “point center,” or his defensive efforts against big men like Sabonis, he brings a unique dimension to the team. He’s shown he’s not just there to fill minutes; he’s making every second count, and his high basketball IQ combined with his hustle could be pivotal in tight matchups down the line. The Suns may not have won this game, but they discovered that in Plumlee, they have a versatile, high-energy veteran who’s ready to make a difference whenever he’s on the court.
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