Leandro Barbosa struggles in return to Phoenix Suns
Jan 9, 2014, 5:45 AM | Updated: 5:51 am
Leandro Barbosa’s first NBA game in nearly a year probably didn’t go quite like he planned.
Despite excelling in eight games in the Brazilian league (NBB) and averaging 20.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists and shooting 50 percent from 3-point range, Barbosa struggled in his return to the NBA and Phoenix Suns after tearing his left ACL while with the Boston Celtics in February.
Barbosa scored three points on 1-of-6 shooting while dishing three assists and grabbing three rebounds in Wednesday’s 104-103 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. But while Barbosa’s stat line was rather pedestrian, his health shouldn’t be a concern — he showed flashes of the speed and explosiveness that made him a fan favorite in his first go-around with Phoenix.
