Rasheer Fleming, a rookie forward with the Phoenix Suns, made the most of his 21 minutes off the bench during Thursday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers, posting a career-high eight points and grabbing six rebounds. His strong performance helped the Suns rally to a crucial win, emphasizing his growing impact on the team.
Efficiency and Defensive Contributions
Fleming scored eight points for the third time this season, shooting 3-for-5 from the field, including 2-for-3 from beyond the arc. Additionally, he made a key steal against the Lakers, highlighting his defensive contributions. Fleming’s plus-minus rating of +19 was the highest of his rookie season and second only to teammate Amir Coffey’s +20, underscoring his positive influence on the court.
Defending Luka Doncic and Gaining Extra Possessions
With Dillon Brooks sidelined due to a broken hand, Fleming and second-year forward Ryan Dunn shared significant responsibilities in guarding Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic. Fleming’s ability to contest Doncic was praised as a valuable asset for the Suns, especially given his wingspan and footwork that enhance his defensive balance.
If, & I mean IF… there are 2 skills that will help as much as any with defending Luka Doncic, it’s having wingspan & good feet to stay balanced absorbing hits defensively. Those + knowing his distance of impact are in favor of Rasheer Fleming. pic.twitter.com/7C0sAJLrgt
— Stephen PridGeon-Garner 🏁, NBA Analyst
Fleming also distinguished himself by aggressively pursuing loose balls, a trait that generated extra possessions for the Suns and helped shift momentum during the game.
Appreciate Rasheer Fleming’s *multiple* efforts to gain possessions in this one. pic.twitter.com/UmT7RPPlCI
— Stephen PridGeon-Garner 🏁, NBA Analyst
Rasheer Fleming with a monster offensive rebound, creating an extra possession leading to a Grayson Allen three pic.twitter.com/xeF3g9XgJ7
— Shane Young, NBA Reporter
Impactful Shooting and Team Comeback in Third Quarter
Fleming’s scoring began midway through the third quarter when he sank his first points with a 3-pointer. He added another shot shortly after and capped the quarter with a second successful 3-pointer, totaling all eight of his points in this pivotal stretch. His scoring surge sparked the Suns’ comeback, which was finalized by Royce O’Neale’s game-winning three-pointer with just 0.9 seconds left on the clock.
s] Grayson Allen with a 3 to tie the game, Luka Doncic answers with a 3, and then Amir Coffey and Rasheer Fleming with the 3s to give the Suns the lead pic.twitter.com/bHXqcgbq9h
— r/nba_highlights, NBA Clips
After the Suns failed to score in the early moments of the third quarter, coach Jordan Ott replaced the starting lineup with bench players, allowing Fleming and Grayson Allen, who contributed 28 points and six assists, to lead a dominant scoring run. The Phoenix bench outscored Los Angeles 31-0 in that period, a key element in turning the game around.
Rasheer Fleming’s Growing Role and Future Potential
The rookie has averaged 2.8 points and 1.5 rebounds in 8.4 minutes per game over 34 contests this season, shooting 35.7% from the field. Despite these modest overall numbers, his recent performances showcase his increasing value to the Suns’ rotation and his ability to rise in critical moments.
Collin Gillespie on Rasheer Fleming: “We always tell him he has no idea how good he can be.” Gillespie said Fleming probably doesn’t know what his ceiling is and then Gillespie himself admitted he doesn’t even know what it is, either.
— Kellan Olson, Sports Journalist
As Fleming continues to develop, his defensive versatility and clutch shooting could make him a vital player for Phoenix down the stretch. With the team relying on younger players like him and Ryan Dunn to step up, his performance against a strong Lakers squad highlights prospects for his continued growth in the NBA.
If, & I mean IF… there are 2 skills that will help as much as any with defending Luka Doncic, it's having wingspan & good feet to stay balanced absorbing hits defensively.
Those + knowing his distance of impact are in favor of Rasheer Fleming. pic.twitter.com/7C0sAJLrgt
— Stephen PridGeon-Garner 🏁 (@StephenPG3) February 27, 2026
https://twitter.com/StephenPG3/status/2027219636601921911
Rasheer Fleming with a monster offensive rebound, creating an extra possession leading to a Grayson Allen three pic.twitter.com/xeF3g9XgJ7
— Shane Young (@YoungNBA) February 27, 2026
Collin Gillespie on Rasheer Fleming: “We always tell him he has no idea how good he can be.”
Gillespie said Fleming probably doesn’t know what his ceiling is and then Gillespie himself admitted he doesn’t even know what it is, either.
— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) February 27, 2026
IT'S GOOD!
Royce O'Neale's game-winning 3-pointer sinks the Lakers and snaps the Suns' two-game losing streak.
Read more: https://t.co/Vosl4ZlgFw pic.twitter.com/Gn7v9h669J
— Arizona Sports (@AZSports) February 27, 2026
s] Grayson Allen with a 3 to tie the game, Luka Doncic answers with a 3, and then Amir Coffey and Rasheer Fleming with the 3s to give the Suns the lead pic.twitter.com/bHXqcgbq9h
— r/nba_highlights (@rNBAHighlights) February 27, 2026
