ORLANDO, Fla. — Jalen Suggs’ absence from the Orlando Magic’s last two games has given R.J. Hampton a chance that he’s been relishing.
With Suggs missing Tuesday’s 102-99 home loss to the Phoenix Suns with a sprained right ankle, Hampton was once again in the starting lineup and guarding the opponent’s top guard — Suggs’ normal task.
Hampton’s defensive assignment in Saturday’s loss to the Memphis Grizzlies was All-Star guard Ja Morant. The Suns were without their All-Star guards Chris Paul (right thumb fracture) and Devin Booker (COVID-19 health and safety protocols), so Hampton started on Cameron Payne, who averaged 15 points and 10.7 assists in his previous three games.
