After a rough stretch, the Phoenix Suns have begun to turn things around recently as they have climbed back into a playoff spot. Phoenix started the season 8-1, but they then hit a major rough patch,

Kevin Durant scored 29 points and Nick Richards continued to make a stellar impression as the Phoenix Suns notched a 119-109 victory over the visiting Washington Wizards on Saturday night.

Richards - coupled with rookie stud Oso Ighodaro - will inject a very pointed surge of athleticism into the Suns' lineup. Last season Nick Richards had more dunks (120) than Nurkic and Plumlee combined (100) in 1000 fewer minutes.

The Suns traded Josh Okogie and three future second-round picks Wednesday for Richards and a second-round selection. Wearing No. 2, Richards joined the Suns (20-20) Friday in Detroit and was ready to make his debut Saturday against the Pistons (21-20) at Little Caesars Arena.

The Suns made a move to acquire Nick Richards from the Hornets, but some people are more skeptical of the move than expected.

Phoenix Suns center Nick Richards detailed the shock from playing against the Suns to then becoming a member of the Suns three days later.

The 27-year-old Richards, who is averaging 8.9 points and 7.5 rebounds per game this season, could be the Suns' new starting center.

The Phoenix Suns acquired Charlotte Hornets center Nick Richards and a 2025 NBA draft second-round pick on Wednesday in exchange for wing player Josh Okogie and three future second-round NBA draft selections. Richards is averaging 8.9 points per game and 7.5 rebounds per game this season, in 21 minutes of action per game.

The Phoenix Suns (22-21) begin their three-game homestand against the lowly Washington Wizards (6-37) on Saturday.