Playing most of the fourth quarter Friday, rookie Matt Janning racked up seven points and two boards. (Barry Gossage/NBAE/Getty Images)
Josh Greene, Suns.com:
With minutes always being a hot commodity for any NBA rookie, Matt Janning made the most of his in the fourth quarter of Friday’s preseason finale vs. the Nuggets.
Starting the final frame, the guard racked up seven points on 3-of-7 shooting to go along with two rebounds in just over 14 minutes of action. He also connected on his lone three-point attempt, while also making life a bit more difficult for Denver shooters on the defensive end.
“You go out and guard guys who are playing a lot of minutes,” Janning said. “It was a good test for me. I played well. I was happy with the way I played defensively. I just have to go out there and continue to do that.”
The Northeastern alum certainly seemed to get under the skin of his chief defensive assignment, Arron Afflalo. Coming off a late offensive foul, the Nuggets forward amped up the physicality with the rookie guard on the other end of the floor, prompting an impromptu life lesson from Suns Head Coach Alvin Gentry.
“Coach just said to not back down,” Janning said. “If guys see you back down, they’ll just keep coming at you. That stuff’s on film, so guys all around the league will see that. I just tried to play tough.
“As a rookie, I’m going to be tested all the time. I just have to be ready and go out there and play physical. I need to work hard every night.”
