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.

Phoenix addressed its size issue by adding Richards, who averaged 11.3 points on 61.7% shooting, 10.2 rebounds, 1.7 blocks and 27.2 minutes in nine starts with the Hornets. For the season, he is averaging 8.9 points on 56.1% shooting, 7.5 rebounds. 1.2 blocks and 21.0 minutes per game in 21 games with Charlotte.

The Washington Wizards young players, including its three rookies, turned in impressive games against the Kevin Durant led Suns. The Hall of Famer issued praise to the group.

Devin Booker scored the game-high 37 points and Kevin Durant added 23 as the Phoenix Suns thwarted the Washington Wizards ' late comeback for a 130-123 win Thursday. This was Booker's fourth straight game scoring 30 or more.

The Phoenix Suns avoided an upset to one of the worst teams in the league on Thursday, beating the Washington Wizards 130-123. The Suns led by as many as