As the Suns fell behind the Nuggets 2-0 in the Western Conference Semifinals, fans were ultimately fed up with the rotation that HC Monty Williams refused to give up. Many are baffled that Monty has not given Terrence Ross or T.J. Warren basically any playing time this postseason.
The Suns signed both veterans after the Kevin Durant blockbuster trade, but, for some unknown reason, Monty refuses to play either. Warren has played a little over 5 minutes throughout seven games, while Ross has played in nine.
Remarkably, neither of the two have made a single basket so far in this playoff run.
And, considering the Suns’ lack of depth on the bench, now more than ever, the Suns need individuals with playoff experience who can bring impactful minutes while Booker or KD are resting.
After the Suns’ loss, fans just about had enough and are demanding answers for why the two veterans are not receiving any minutes off the bench.
We’ve played Landry Shamet, Damion Lee, and Jock Landale in this game but went away from Biyombo and still are not playing TJ Warren, Cam Payne, or Terrence Ross…
— Vincent (@VincentKeyes1) April 30, 2023
Damion Lee is a career reserve and just played 25 minutes in a playoff game. The result? 0 points on 0-5 shooting.
Terrence Ross has a career average of 11 ppg.
TJ Warren has a career average of 15 ppg.
simple, simple math.
— z (@ZakMarcinNBA) May 2, 2023
The Suns traded for TJ Warren along with Kevin Durant. The Suns literally called Terrence Ross & convinced him not to sign with Dallas because they’d give him more mins in Phx.
Is there any reason neither of those guys are playing? ESPECIALLY when our bench is struggling so bad?
— Brandon Awadis (@brawadis) May 2, 2023
Terrence Ross, capable of scoring 30 on any given night, never gets any meaningful minutes for the Suns. I just don't get it.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) April 30, 2023
Serious question, why is ISHMAEL WAINWRIGHT seeing the court over TJ Warren and Terrance Ross??
— ✰!+* (@LoveAdrxxn) May 2, 2023
Monty Williams is a good coach. But why is Terrance Ross or TJ Warren not playing? The offense is Devin Booker and Kevin Durant. Warren can score the basketball, and so can Ross. Courtney Lee is bricking. Josh Okogie is just out there. Cam Payne is recovering. #NBA
— Doc Louallen (@LouallenDoc) May 2, 2023
Ok, this is the type of game we have to risk something on the defensive end and get Terrance Ross in this line up to give us some firepower from the three point line.
— Aussie Suns Fans (@AussieSunsFans) April 30, 2023
Why even sign Terrance Ross if he isn’t going to play
— Kelvsoafrican (@Cool_Kev_) May 2, 2023
With Chris Paul expected to miss time with a groin injury, Monty may have no choice but to play Ross and Warren as the Suns head back home for a Game 3 matchup on Friday.
“Those are two guys that could see significantly more time.”
Monty Williams confirms Terrence Ross and T.J. Warren could get more run in Game 3 to provide more offense alongside Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, and that they’ll live with “whatever warts may come with that”: pic.twitter.com/LBuOauzGXi
— PHNX Suns (@PHNX_Suns) May 3, 2023
After all, Phoenix’s bench went a combined 3-17 in Game 2, making it almost impossible for the Suns to hold on to any consistent lead.
At this point, Monty has nothing to lose by giving Terrence Ross and T.J. Warren meaningful minutes off the bench.
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