Phoenix Suns are above .500 for first time since Christmas after win over Detroit Pistons in third game of five-game road trip.

Detroit Pistons forward Tim Hardaway Jr. (8) loses the ball against defense from Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson) AP

This game marked the Suns debut for Nick Richards after he was acquired from the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday. Richards came off the bench and made a huge impact with 21 points on 7-of-8 shooting, 11 rebounds and was a team-high plus-22 in 30 minutes.

This is more than a change of scenery for new Phoenix Suns big Nick Richards. In being traded, Richards leaves a Charlotte franchise that hasn’t made the playoffs since 2016 and joins one that’s looking to compete for championship.

During Week 13, the Blazers will play four games, beginning with the Heat on Tuesday. With Mark Williams firmly entrenched as Charlotte’s starting center, Richards needed a move to have a chance of establishing his fantasy ceiling.

Nick Richards is with Phoenix Suns here in Detroit. Suns coach Mike Budenholzer said before Thursday's win at Wizards he expected Richards to play Saturday vs. Pistons. Team didn't practice today, but Budenholzer looked for Suns to start getting Richards up to speed today on…

Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer explained before Thursday's game the significance of trading for Nick Richards.

Kevin Durant scored 30 of his 36 points in the second half, Devin Booker supplied 35 points and the Phoenix Suns defeated the host Detroit Pistons 125-121 on Saturday.

Nick Richards has made an immediate impact off the bench for the Suns' with inside play in his debut. He scored 10 of his 11 points in the second quarter. He's shot a perfect 4-of-4, including two dunks, five rebounds, one assist, and has produced a game-high plus-15

New Suns center Nick Richards had a monster game in his debut following the trade with a feat never before seen.

Making his debut for his new team, Nick Richards was one of the many bright spots for the Phoenix Suns as they narrowly beat the resurgent Detroit Pistons 125-121.