Phoenix Suns' starting center Nick Richards had 20 points and a career-high 19 rebounds in their 119-109 win over the Washington Wizards on Saturday.

Kevin Durant scored 29 points and Nick Richards continued to make a stellar impression as the Phoenix Suns notched a 119-109 victory over the visiting Washington Wizards on Saturday night.

Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal and big Jusuf Nurkic practiced Friday heading into Saturday’s rematch against the Washington Wizards at Footprint Center to begin a three-game homestand. Suns coach Mike Budenholzer is “hopeful” Beal is able to play against his former team after missing Wednesday’s win over Brooklyn with a left ankle sprain to end a five-game road trip.

Richards - coupled with rookie stud Oso Ighodaro - will inject a very pointed surge of athleticism into the Suns' lineup. Last season Nick Richards had more dunks (120) than Nurkic and Plumlee combined (100) in 1000 fewer minutes.

The Phoenix Suns acquired Charlotte Hornets center Nick Richards and a 2025 NBA draft second-round pick on Wednesday in exchange for wing player Josh Okogie and three future second-round NBA draft selections.

The Phoenix Suns' center rotation was in a dire state recently. Phoenix hopes trading for Nick Richards from the Charlotte Hornets will help ease their concerns.

There was some belief Richards the Suns just snagged their new starting center, and Arizona Sports' John Gambadoro says Richards will indeed be inserted into the lineup when ready. ESPN's Shams Charania also is reporting the same thing.

The 27-year-old Richards, who is averaging 8.9 points and 7.5 rebounds per game this season, could be the Suns' new starting center.

The Phoenix Suns (22-21) begin their three-game homestand against the lowly Washington Wizards (6-37) on Saturday.