Inside The Suns

Torrey Craig: Suns X-Factor?

Torrey Craig has been a revelation for the Suns in the first three games of the Clippers series. How is he getting the job done?
Kevin Hicks|
Torrey Craig: Suns X-Factor?
Torrey Craig: Suns X-Factor?

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Phoenix Suns

Phoenix Suns forward Torrey Craig was a surprise addition to the Suns' starting lineup in Sunday's Game 1 against the Los Angeles Clippers. The move was widely believed to be matchup-based, as Craig's larger wingspan would be more useful in defending Clippers' superstar Kawhi Leonard compared to Josh Okogie. 

Craig was fantastic when essentially filling in the Jae Crowder role during Cam Johnson's extended absence during the first half of the season. However, his offensive game hit a plateau in early February and struggled quite often post-Durant trade. 

The decision to start Torrey was surprising, not only due to his slump, but also due to Okogie's ascendance. This makes his playoff rise one of the bigger surprises of this postseason so far. The most pressing questions coming off this three game stretch of incredible play are: how is this happening and is this sustainable?

The most simple explanation is that Craig is getting great looks due to the gravity both Kevin Durant and Devin Booker hold. Many teams will game plan specifically around trying to force the ball out of either star's hands and force a role player such as Craig or Okogie to beat them. 

Craig has answered that call and then some, averaging 18 points and 3 rebounds per game on an eye-popping 90% true shooting percentage according to Statmuse. This has perfectly mixed with his physical edge on defense and consistent hustle when it comes to 50-50 balls. 

Although the belief that Craig's performance is largely due to the gravity the Suns' stars provide is extremely valid, there's also more to his collective performance than meets the eye. 

Suns head coach Monty Williams echoed that sentiment in his post-game presser, stating "We love when Torrey’s knocking down shots, but we also love when he throws in the slash and the drive as well when those things present themselves... But he’s shot the ball well for us this year and cashed out opportunities. But we also feel like, not only can he make shots, but he can also attack the rim and make the right pass too. 

"And I think that’s something he doesn’t get enough credit for." 

Monty clearly notices and appreciates the little things Torrey does that get ignored by many fans. Craig has been a knock-down shooter, but also remains a willing passer coupled with being a solid slasher with a sneaky first step. These things add value to a Suns team who needs players other than Durant and Booker to consistently show up.

The last question is centered around whether Craig's performances are sustainable or not. The answer is both yes and no. Craig clearly won't continue posting a 90% true shooting slash as the playoff run progresses, but the 50 game sample he displayed from the beginning of the season to early February back up the position that he can be a reliable cog in the Suns' playoff rotation. 

He averaged eight points per game on a 46/39.5/79 splits, which was more or less what Crowder brought in earlier seasons as previously mentioned. The efficiency combined with willingness to do the little things make him a player that can continue playing at a good level. 

Craig may not consistently be the Suns' third best player this entire postseason, but he is certainly a player who can be the difference in wins and losses in playoff games that are largely reliant on performances of stars. 

 

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Kevin Hicks
KEVIN HICKS

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