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Jevon Carter Ties Career-Highs in First Start with the Suns

Jevon Carter Ties Career-Highs in First Start with the Suns

Christopher Hall

© Mark J. Rebilas

Phoenix Suns guard Jevon Carter registered his third career-start Saturday night. Filling in for the injured Ricky Rubio (knee), it was the first time he was in the starting lineup for the Suns. The former West Virginia point guard made the most of his opportunity, recording eight points, three rebounds and tying career highs with six assists and three steals in a win over the Los Angeles Clippers, 120-112.

That put the Phoenix Suns (2-1) atop of the Pacific Division Standings. It’s early in the season, but the Suns have caught the leagues attention as a “scrappy team” and a big reason is their defense.

They’re holding their opponents to just 41.4% from the field, good enough for fifth in the league and they have improved in every single defensive category from a year ago. However, a stat that West Virginia fans are familiar with is turnovers and it’s not coincidental that the Suns are now fourth in the NBA in forced turnovers. Some of that can be attributed to Jevon Carter.

Carter’s trademark is applying pressure in the backcourt and forcing turnovers. 

When asked about the Suns defense, Clippers head coach Doc Rivers brought up Jevon’s defense in his post-game press conference.

“I thought Carter did an amazing job, defensively,” stated Rivers. “He just put pressure on everybody… He was absolutely fabulous.” 

Carter also made one of the top plays on the night on a steal and finishing over two Clipper defenders in transition. 

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Christopher Hall
CHRISTOPHER HALL

Member of the Football Writers Association of America, U.S. Basketball Writers Association and National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association.

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