Nick Richards Shines in Suns Debut with 20 Points, 19 Rebounds

PHOENIX, Ariz. — Nick Richards made a statement in his Phoenix Suns home debut, dominating the paint with 20 points and a career-high 19 rebounds in a 119-109 victory over the Washington Wizards at the Footprint Center on Saturday. The 27-year-old center, acquired in a trade with the Charlotte Hornets on Jan. 15, has quickly become a key contributor for the Suns.

“Rebounding, for sure, is one of the things that coach (Mike Budenholzer) emphasized with being on our first meeting, trying my hardest,” Richards said after the game. His 19 rebounds marked the second-most in franchise history for a new Suns player’s home debut, trailing only Charles Barkley‘s 21 rebounds in 1992.

Richards nearly matched Barkley’s record but fell short in the game’s closing seconds. As the Wizards’ Kyle Kuzma missed a deep shot with 27 seconds left, Richards tripped while boxing out rookie Alex Sarr, allowing Devin Booker to secure the loose ball and seal the win. “I tried, man,” Booker joked in the locker room. “He ain’t want it, let the ball go off his hand, falling all over the floor. He’ll get it, though.”

Since joining the Suns, Richards has averaged 13.3 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 67.7% shooting in four games, a significant improvement over his numbers with Charlotte earlier this season. His impact has been immediate, helping Phoenix improve its rebounding and second-chance points rankings. Against Washington, the Suns outrebounded the Wizards 53-37 and outscored them 23-7 in second-chance points.

“He’s got a personality where I think he just wants to be there for his teammates,” Budenholzer said. “He’s trying to learn everything quickly. His length on the glass, to get 19 (rebounds), is impressive.”

Despite his on-court success, Richards is still adjusting to life in Phoenix. “I don’t think I have the feeling of being home right now,” he said with a laugh. “I’m still living out of a suitcase in a hotel room.”

Teammates like Kevin Durant, who scored a team-high 29 points against the Wizards, have been supportive. “We’ve got to keep encouraging him,” Durant said. “Learning on the fly like this can be tough, but he’s picking up things pretty quickly.”

Richards’ arrival has addressed the Suns’ need for size and athleticism in the paint. Before the trade, Phoenix ranked 25th in rebounding and 28th in second-chance points. In Richards’ four games, the team has climbed to fifth in rebounding and eighth in second-chance points.

“I think everybody’s just making my job really easy,” Richards said. “From the jump, coach, all the players, all the staff just tell me, just be yourself. Do what you do best, and you’re going to fit in right away.”