© Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
TEMPE — The Valley Suns had reinforcements on Wednesday as they were able to take a 117-111 win against the Stockton Kings.
Thank you for reading this post, don’t forget to subscribe!
Dec 1, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Jamaree Bouyea (17) moves to the basket against Los Angeles Lakers forward Dalton Knecht (4) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
The Suns entered Wednesday’s matchup coming off a 113-108 loss to the Santa Cruz Warriors on Monday. With rookies Rasheer Fleming and Khaman Maluach, along with two-way player Jamaree Bouyea, assigned back to the team, the Valley hoped the trio would provide the spark needed to get back on track.
Fleming and Maluach had been traveling with the Phoenix Suns throughout the six-game road trip, earning minutes whenever the team needed them. Bouyea is coming off concussion protocol and has not played since early January.
However, Wednesday’s game allowed the rookies to flourish with increased playing time.
Oct 24, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center Yanic Konan Niederhauser (14) defends Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach (10) in the second half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
In the first half alone, Fleming posted 13 points, three rebounds and two steals. Maluach added eight points and six rebounds but dealt with foul trouble, picking up three fouls before halftime. Bouyea struggled early but found a rhythm late in the half, finishing with nine points, two rebounds, and two assists at the break.
Despite limited minutes, Bouyea’s strong finish to the first half suggested he was simply shaking off rust.
The Suns opened the second half on an 18-0 run, partly by Bouyea’s eight points. He finished the night with 27 points, while Fleming finished with 19 points and Maluach finished with 23.
Nov 24, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Rasheer Fleming (20) against the Houston Rockets at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The trio put up great numbers, as their fatigue from travel didn’t last long. Head coach Paul Jesperson acknowledged their earlier game struggles, especially Bouyea, as Wednesday was his first official night in a Valley Suns uniform.
“We knew there was probably going to be a little fatigue there and a little bit of those guys just having to feel the game out a little bit as it progressed,” he said post-game. “I think [Bouyea] did exactly that. Kind of found his spots, got comfort level [and] got a little energy to him.”
Rasheer Fleming, Khaman Maluach and Jamaree Bouyea needed quick turnarounds after traveling back to Tempe from the Phoenix Suns’ road trip.
Valley Suns head coach Paul Jesperson speaks on how they were able to overcome fatigue in the win.
🎥: @wlopezde#ValleySuns #GLeague pic.twitter.com/gdPptx9i4u
— Burn City Sports (@BurnCitySports) January 22, 2026
The Suns finish out the week with a matchup against the Texas Legends on the road on Friday, Jan. 23, at 6:30 p.m.
*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
WM Phoenix Open brings golf to streetwear with Samba shoe collab
