Mark Williams’ Return Sparks Phoenix Suns’ Momentum Against Atlanta Hawks
The Phoenix Suns are gearing up for a significant clash against the Atlanta Hawks, buoyed by the return of Mark Williams. With the former Charlotte Hornets center officially cleared from the injury report ahead of the game, the Suns are optimistic about the impact he will have on their performance.
Managing Williams’ Comeback
Williams missed the team’s previous game due to right knee injury management, marking just his second absence of the season. The Suns are exercising caution with the young big man, who has faced health challenges throughout his first three years in the league.
Suns coach Jordan Ott shared insights on Williams’ progress, stating, “We haven’t had any setbacks, so that part has been good. He feels good. He’s in a great place. He continues to progress.” Ott emphasized the importance of taking a measured approach, explaining, “Again, this is 82 games. We’re early into this. Didn’t do a ton on the court in the preseason. So we’re still early into this whole plan, but it’s been great.” The coach highlighted Williams’ positive contributions, underscoring that his input has been crucial for the team’s dynamics.
Williams’ Impact on the Court
Mark Williams has emerged as a pivotal presence for the Suns, solidifying their starting center role with an average of 11.7 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. In his absence, the Suns have relied on Oso Ighodaro and Nick Richards to fill the void. Notably, Ighodaro made a remarkable impact in the last game against the Pacers, finishing with a staggering +52 on the plus/minus chart—a statistic that left even Ott momentarily speechless.
“Not sure I’ve seen plus 52 in 26 minutes very often. I actually thought it was a typo when I saw it in the game,” Ott remarked. He praised Ighodaro’s all-around performance, highlighting his defensive efforts: “Every time he was on the floor he impacted both ends. I thought he was fantastic defensively. Best for him to switch a lot, playing on the perimeter and also be aggressive on the perimeter.”
Ighodaro’s stat line included three blocked shots, two steals, and six defensive rebounds, showcasing his ability to disrupt the opposition. Ott acknowledged the challenge of guarding against a team known for its offensive fluidity, noting Ighodaro’s versatility on the court.
Suns Riding a Wave of Momentum
While Ighodaro’s contributions have been commendable, the Suns are poised for greater stability with Williams back in the lineup. As they enter Sunday’s matchup riding a five-game winning streak and having claimed victory in seven of their last eight games, the return of Williams is seen as a vital step toward maintaining their momentum.
With the excitement surrounding Williams’ return, the Suns aim to harness this energy against the Hawks, looking to build on their recent success and solidify their position in the competitive landscape of the NBA.
