The Phoenix Suns pulled out a gritty 106-102 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday night, a game that was as scrappy as the final score suggests. But what made the victory even more impressive?
They did it without three key starters-Devin Booker, Jalen Green, and Collin Gillespie-each sidelined with injuries. That opened the door for some lesser-used names to step into the spotlight, and two of them-Nigel Hayes-Davis and Rasheer Fleming-took full advantage of the opportunity.
Rasheer Fleming: A Glimpse of the Future
Let’s start with Rasheer Fleming. The rookie forward has shown flashes this season, and against Brooklyn, he once again hinted at why the Suns are intrigued by his long-term potential. He logged eight minutes-just above his season average across 24 games-but in those brief moments, you could see the outline of a player who might grow into a real contributor.
Fleming has the kind of physical tools that can’t be taught. He’s got length, mobility, and a willingness to pull the trigger when the ball swings his way.
That said, his three-point shot is still very much a work in progress. If he wants to carve out a consistent role in today’s NBA, that jumper will need to tighten up.
Right now, it’s more hopeful than reliable.
Defensively, though, there’s something there. His rangy frame and instincts draw comparisons to Ryan Dunn, another long wing who earned a rotation spot by buying in on defense.
Dunn made his mark by doing the dirty work-contesting shots, diving for loose balls, switching across multiple positions-and Fleming seems cut from a similar cloth. If he can follow that blueprint, he might just force the coaching staff to keep finding minutes for him.
Nigel Hayes-Davis: Fighting for One More Shot
While Fleming represents potential, Nigel Hayes-Davis represents perseverance. A veteran forward who’s bounced between the NBA and overseas stints, Hayes-Davis is in a very different phase of his career. He’s not auditioning for a long-term spot in Phoenix-he’s auditioning for one more chance somewhere in the league.
With the Suns shorthanded, Hayes-Davis saw the floor and made the most of it. He didn’t light up the box score, but he played with the kind of urgency that comes from knowing every minute counts.
That’s especially true given the current buzz that he could be heading back to Europe once the season wraps. He hasn’t been a regular part of the rotation, and it’s clear he’s not a stylistic fit for what head coach Jordan Ott wants to run.
But that doesn’t mean he can’t be useful to someone else.
If injuries linger and Phoenix needs to keep dipping into its depth, Hayes-Davis could find himself back in the mix. And while a trade before the deadline is unlikely, there’s a financial incentive for the Suns to move off his one-year deal. Performances like this-steady, professional, low-mistake-might be just enough to catch the eye of a team looking for a veteran presence at the end of the bench.
Two Paths, One Opportunity
What we saw against the Nets was a tale of two players at opposite ends of the NBA spectrum. Fleming, the rookie with upside, trying to prove he belongs.
Hayes-Davis, the journeyman, trying to prove he still does. Both stepped into unfamiliar roles and helped the Suns secure a win they had to grind out.
With the roster still banged up, there could be more chances coming. And whether it’s a young player growing into a role or a veteran trying to extend his career, these are the kinds of moments that matter.
Not every game is about stars and stat lines-sometimes it’s about the guys fighting for their place in the league. Tuesday night in Brooklyn was one of those games.