Sports360AZThrough 20 games, Josh Childress has only appeared in eight of them. Playing time has been a battle for the five-year veteran out of Stanford but he has continued to keep a positive attitude so that when his name is called, he would be ready.
And that he was on Monday night against Dallas.
Despite being blown out of the gym in a 122-99 loss to the Mavericks, Josh Childress came in as one of the first players off the bench for the Phoenix Suns and provided instant energy.
“It’s a good feeling. But first and foremost I want to win,” explained Childress Monday. “If I’m on the bench and we win then I’m happy about that.”
Childress was aggressive on the offensive boards, crested shots and scored nine points of his own playing a total of 18 minutes.
If were going to have twelve Josh Childress’ then were going to win the game,” said Marcin Gortat after the Suns loss to the Mavericks. “The way this guy came in after sitting for 15, 16, 17 games, he came in fully professional, he was prepared, ready, he hustled and he gave 120% percent.”
After the game Monday, Childress received credit from his coach for how he has handled himself along with his strong play against Dallas.
“The guy is a true professional,” said Suns Head Coach Alvin Gentry. “He sat over there and came everyday and worked. We gave him an opportunity and I think he responded and did a great job.”
Marcin Gortat held back some of his emotions after the game so “he would not get in trouble,” but is very frustrated with the performance of the entire team.
“I ain’t going to blame anybody,” Gortat explained. “We lose as a team so I’m just looking at myself right now to see what I can do to help this team. I look at myself first before I point at anyone else.”
Gortat on paper seems to have done all that he can, as he currently holds the longest active streak in the NBA of double digit rebound games at 12 in a row. The franchise record for that streak is 13 which was achieved by a man present at the game on Monday night, Shawn Marion back in 2001.
Notes from the Suns-Mavericks game:
-Steve Nash did not play due to a thigh bruise he suffered on the last play of Saturday’s game vs. Memphis.
-Dallas made 14 3’s (5 from Vince Carter, 5 from Delonte West) and shot 55% from the field for the game.
-Dallas outscored Phoenix 52-34 in the paint.
-25 points from Delonte West and 21 from Vince Carter are both season high’s.
-Sabastian Telfair scored a season high 13 points.
The Suns are in a bit of a tailspin as the have dropped seven of their last ten games, but next face the team with the worst record in the West, the New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday night.
For more on the Suns, follow Jared Cohen on twitter at @JaredPros2Preps.
