Bradle Beal visited the Washington Wizards for the first time since the trade that sent him to Phoenix last summer. The former Washington star reflected on his experience playing against the Wizards’ faithful and former coaches and teammates. Beal ended up with 43 points as the Suns downed the Wizards 140-112.
“For me, my biggest thing is just missing them. Missing the environment. I miss being in the city, all the relationships I built people from the workers up top to the custodians down low, it’s been a thrill of 11 years of being here. Tonight was awesome,” Beal admitted via Sports Illustrated.
Beal donned a protective mask during the last several games due to a nasal fracture. He hasn’t missed any games, but his number dipped due to the issue. Beal has dealt with many injuries to start his career in Phoenix. The 3-time All-Star did all he could to down his former team after receiving a tribute video before the start of the game.
Beal started the game with 14 points in the first quarter and went on to score 29 in the next three to lead the Suns. The Suns’ superstar is the Wizards’ all-time leader in 3-pointers made with 1,514, second in career points (15,391), steals (772) and third in games played (695).
“I was blessed. I was blessed to be in a great place for 11 years. Not many players have that opportunity. So I wanted to really just embrace that. It’s kind of tough – right before game I try not to get emotional but one thing I wanted to do is just take the time and just kind of be selfish and be like, ‘you know what, B, you did something pretty cool.
Being in one city for 11 years. Having an impact both on and off the floor’ and it was a great appreciation and great love back, so I’m very grateful for it.”
The Suns rolling despite Bradley Beal’s struggles, plus franchise expected to be aggressive in trade deadline
Bradley Beal came to Phoenix with great expectations last offseason. The 3-time All-Star joined a star-studded group headlined by Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. However, injuries have prevented Beal from being himself early in the season. The latest injury in the face held off his great scoring ability.
His shooting took a hit as the Suns came away with a 4-3 record in a 7-game road trip. He shot 26.7% from beyond the arc and 45.7% from the field during the last 7 games. Playing with a protective mask costed him in his accuracy as the Suns are trying to right the ship after a slow start to the season.
Phoenix is sitting just inside the top-6 in the West donning a 29-21 record heading into the trade deadline. They have gone 7-3 in the last 10 and they are reportedly looking into potential moves that will improve their roster in the trade deadline. They are already rumors considering several wings players.
The Hornets’ forward Miles Bridges is the latest name to come up, while the Nets wing defense specialist Dorian Finney-Smith has also rumored to be among potential targets. In any case, the Suns will look to improve their depth after Beal and the rest of the star-studded crew had to miss time with injury.
