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.

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker says Nick Richards has been doing "great" since the trade with Charlotte on Jan. 15.

The Suns won't waste any more time after Richards erupted for 21 points (7-8 FG, 7-9 FT), 11 rebounds, one assist and one steal over 29 minutes in his debut against the Pistons on Saturday. With Richards likely to remain in the starting lineup going forward, Mason Plumlee will retreat to the second unit.

Richards racked up 20 points (7-12 FG, 6-7 FT), 19 rebounds, one assist and one block in 34 minutes during Saturday's 119-109 victory over Washington. Richards' addition to the roster is paying off, and he's proven to be a much better option than Jusuf Nurkic and Mason Plumlee,

Bradley Beal and Nurkic were benched for the Jan. 6 game at Philadelphia. Nurkic played that game and the next against Charlotte in the second of a road back-to-back, but Suns coach Mike Budenholzer didn't play him the next two games against Atlanta and Utah.

Suns center Nick Richards scored 21 points off the bench in his on-court debut as Phoenix picked up a 125-121 win over the Detroit Pistons on Saturday.

Mason Plumlee briefly replaced Nurkic as the Suns' starting big until Richards got the nod in his second game at Cleveland. The Suns ranked 25th in rebounding, 22nd on defensive boards ...

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.

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.

Richards will come off the bench in his Phoenix debut as the backup center to Mason Plumlee. However, it wouldn't be surprising for Richards to fight for a starting job moving forward as he acclimates to his new team. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Commissioner.com is a registered trademark of CBS Interactive Inc.

The Suns recorded their fourth win in five games but one decision must be made to enhance that superb run of form

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