Hustle look to build momentum with Valley Suns rematch Monday night

SOUTHAVEN, Miss. — Fresh off a much‑needed bounce‑back win Saturday night over the Valley Suns, the Memphis Hustle return to the Landers Center on Monday night aiming to carry that momentum into a 7 p.m. rematch against the Phoenix Suns’ G-League affiliate.  

Forward Nate Hinton, who led the Hustle with 24 points in Saturday night’s 117-116 victory, said the victory was a testament to the group’s professionalism and readiness despite the long layoff.

“You never know what you’re going to get coming off a Christmas break,” Hinton said. “But guys stayed ready. We came in eager to get this new season going and get some dubs.”

It was the second time this season he has paced the Hustle in scoring, a role he embraces when the flow of the game calls for it.

“I rebound and defend — I’m the energy guy,” Hinton said. “But I do have the ability to go out there and score. It’s another level I can take into my game.”

The win also helped reset the team’s mindset after a pair of tough losses at the G League Showcase to begin the regular season portion of the schedule.  

“We know we’re a talented team,” Hinton said. “We’ve just got to keep stacking days and getting better. There’s another level we can get to, and that’s the beautiful thing.”

He added that the goal is to peak later in the season, not in December.

“It’d be great to play our best basketball early, but if we keep climbing — even with injuries and guys being out — we’re in a good spot.”

Nate also reflected on his recent stint with Team USA, which briefly disrupted his rhythm but provided invaluable experience. Hinton was part of a Team USA World Cup Qualifying Window #1 team that played and went unbeaten in a pair of games against a squad from Nicaragua. 

“It was a blessing to represent the country,” he said. “Now it’s about getting back into my routine and being consistent with the guys.”