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Nick Richards · 29 different teams could’ve potentially been on the schedule, as Nick Richards readied himself for a first-ever home game in the Phoenix Suns’ threads. Complaints were likely few and far in between, though, as he welcomed in a defense ranking among the NBA’s bottom in both pick-and-roll defense and points in the paint allowed. Already a must-notice on the box score after collecting 15 opening-half rebounds, Richards keeps his momentum flowing, timing up a rim-run just as his All-Star teammates force the Washington Wizards’ defense to pick its poison. Flying amongst the trees soon thereafter, Richards powers through traffic with a two-handed flush. Everything, save for rebound No. 20, proved to be within reach for the fourth-year big, as he finished with 20 points (on 7-of-12) shooting, 19 boards, one block, and a +7 plus-minus. Phoenix found the breakout performance to be much-needed, as they survived a competitive finish, keeping pace in a tight Western Conference Play-In race. · State of Mint