A week ago, a report surfaced that the Phoenix Suns rejected the Washington Wizards’ trade offer for Jae Crowder, centering around 2019 first-round draft pick Rui Hachimura. The Suns want a starting-caliber player, and Phoenix doesn’t believe Hachimura fits that criteria.
On Wednesday, Hachimura matched his career-high of 30 points off the bench, leading the Wizards to a 127-102 win over the Suns. It was the Wizards’ second win over the Suns in the past week, completing the two-game season sweep.
Hachimura scored 14 points in the fourth as Washington outscored Phoenix 34-18 in the final frame. Hachimura made 11-of-13 shots from the field, including 1-of-2 from three. He also made 7-of-8 free throws and added five rebounds.
Hachimura missed 16 games with a bone bruise on his ankle. Wednesday’s game was his fourth back since being cleared a week ago.
On a night the Wizards were without Bradley Beal (hamstring), Rui Hachimura stepped up alongside Kristaps Porzingis and Kyle Kuzma. The trio combined for 74 points, as Porzingis and Kuzma each scored 22 points. Porzingis added seven rebounds. Kuzma tacked on five rebounds and seven assists.
DeAndre Ayton led the Suns with 31 points and seven rebounds. Chris Paul added 20 points and seven assists in a losing effort.
The win is Washington’s fourth in their last four games. The team also improved to 13-8 when Hachimura plays.
The Wizards won’t count on Hachimura as the main scoring threat every night, especially when Beal returns.
However, as Hachimura plays out the final year of his rookie contract, a performance like Wednesday night will boost Hachimura’s confidence. His 30-point performance is what Washington has yearned from him this season as the centerpiece off the bench.
