Bismack Biyombo continues to return shots from his opponents and continues his rise to near the top 100 of the NBA’s all-time block leaders.
The 12-year veteran at center for the Suns surpassed the 1,000th career block on Saturday with a 111-107 home win over the Indiana Pacers.
According to the Basketball-Reference, Biyombo had a season-best performance with 12 points (6 of 12 shooting), a game-high 16 rebounds and two assists.
“It’s a blessing. ‘When I was a kid, I wanted to be in this league and just compete and play basketball,'” Biyombo told The Republic after Saturday’s game. game understanding.
“I am always grateful to the coaches around me. “We help our teammates with timing, and blocking shots gives them a certain confidence in putting pressure on the ball, which I think works in our favor. think.”
Biyombo made his seventh start of the season, replacing DeAndre Ayton, who was sidelined due to a non-COVID illness. He changed shots from the beginning to make his presence felt on the glass.
Early in the game, Biyombo blocked Buddy Hield’s shot on the Pacers’ third possession, then scored six points from the field for a 3-of-4 with two jump hooks and a dunk to extend the Pacers’ early seven-point lead to one. reduced. The 5:04 mark before the Suns went 29-27 for second.
After Biyombo returned to the game for Michal Bridges (22 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and a game-high 4 steals), Biyombo pushed the Suns’ biggest lead to 10 with an assist from Duane Washington. Jr. 10:25. Then, on a Pacers possession, he scored his second block on a layup attempt by Benedict Maturin (his team-leading 23 points and five rebounds).
“We know what Biz does. He’s just waiting for his time and he’s a true pro,” Bridges said. Even if the coach (Monty Williams) tells him not to play, it’s hard. ”
Biyombo also said the Suns’ energy, focus and pace enabled them to go 6/8 with 12 points in the first half.
“I think it was because the team found me,” Biyombo said. Told. Getting us ready for the game, we as Bigs are operating in tight spaces from the weaker side.
Josh Okogi, who came off the Suns bench with a game-high 24 points (6 of 11 FG, 11 of 15 FT), 4 blocks, 10 rebounds and 4 assists on his stats sheet, was pointed out by Biyombo. And the three blocks influenced the Suns’ confidence and defensive grit, as well as his offensive production.
Also, when The Republic reminded him about the stats, Okogie initially didn’t believe he had more blocks than Biyombo.
“More than bis? That must be wrong,” said Okogee.
Biyombo joked that Okogee’s block feat deserves credit, including Okogee’s chasedown block on Maturin’s shot with 2:43 remaining.
“Did he have more blocks than I did? I think they’re all learning how to block from me. I’m a great teacher.”
Okogee was joined by Biyombo and other Suns big guys Dario Saric (1 point, 2 rebounds, 3 assists in 9 minutes as a starter) and Jock Landale (10 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist in 17 minutes on 4/7 FG). victory.
“I love playing with Bis. It’s the amount of tenacity with which he plays defensively. He started in the blocks, I have to help him because it’s hard not to go after him when he sees his big man who is the last line of defense going all out.”
Biyombo’s shot didn’t fall in the second half, so he relied on the rebound to help the Suns win the board 55-48 battle. Biyombo scored his rebounds in his eight defenses in the second half and stifled his points in the second chance. The Pacers scored his points with his 12-second chance against the Suns’ 14-second in the second half, but the Pacers outscored them 20-19 in that category.
“It’s like the ball doesn’t want to go in because it’s not even a difference. But defensively, I was still able to help everyone rebound the ball and limit the team to one shot.” Biyombo said.