Back in the groove (James Jones)

Jan/10/07 07:07 AM Filed in: James Jones
After scoring 10 or more points just once in the first 31 games of the season, James Jones continued his resurgence with his third straight game in double figures, scoring eight of his 10 points in the first half to help keep the Suns within striking distance.

“James is giving us that little bit of extra,” D’Antoni said. “With the (bench) on the floor, we’re starting to increase leads and recover leads, which is huge for us.”

Jones hit four of five shots and is now 17-for-28 over the last four games after shooting under 30 percent all season. He also played nice defense on Allen during his 14 minutes.

“You play 82 games and there are going to be nights when the starters aren’t sharp,” Jones said. “We have to be there on those nights and I think myself, LB and Kurt gave that boost.”

When Barbosa (26 points) and James Jones (25 points) combined for 51 points off the bench in Sunday’s win over Golden State, it marked the first time in 13 years that two reserves from the same team scored at least 25 points in a regulation game. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Los Angeles Laker teammates Reggie Jordan (28) and James Worthy (26) were the last duo to turn the trick on Feb. 6, 1994 against Utah.

(eastvalleytribune.com)