Suns’ Chriss moves into top three in rookie race

USA TODAY Sports’ top three candidates for the NBA Rookie of the Year award ( through Week 21, from March 19 to Sunday).

Also receiving votes: Knicks’ Willy Hernangomez, 76ers’ Joel Embiid, Kings’ Buddy Hield

3. MARQUESE CHRISS, SUNS

Season statistics: 8.9 points, 4.0 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 0.8 blocks, 44.5% shooting

The silver lining to all of the losing means more minutes for players such as Chriss, who has emerged as a key contributor for Phoenix over the last month. In 14 games in March, he was averaging 13.1 points ( on 49.3% shooting), 5.9 rebounds and 1.6 blocked shots. He’s also showing his ability to spread the floor, knocking down 1.5 three- pointers per game at a 39.6% clip. According to forward Alan Williams, Chriss, 19, has benefited from being “ultraaggressive.”

2. MALCOLM BROGDON, BUCKS

Season statistics: 10.2 points, 4.1 assists, 2.8 rebounds, 1.1 steals, 45.1% shooting

Brogdon, who put together three consecutive double- digit scoring performances in Week 21, has been a key cog for Milwaukee, which has been one of the NBA’s hottest teams since March 1 ( 11- 4) and was tied for fifth in the Eastern Conference. His maturity and two- way capabilities make him a part of the Bucks’ plan for the future alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton and Jabari Parker.

1. DARIO SARIC, 76ERS Season statistics: 12.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 0.7 steals, 41.4% shooting

Continuing to benefit from heavy minutes and a high usage rate, Saric poured in a careerhigh 32 points ( on 12- for- 19 shooting) to go along with 10 rebounds in a win against the Bulls. Since teammate and former Rookie of the Year front- runner Joel Embiid played his last game before being shut down for the season with a knee injury, Saric is averaging a team- high 19.0 points ( on 45% shooting) and 7.1 rebounds. During that span, he also ranks fourth among all rookies with 3.4 assists per game, fourth with 1.7 three- pointers and second with 31.3 minutes.

BENNY SIEU, USA TODAY SPORTS In 14 games in March, Marquese Chriss was averaging 13.1 points ( on 49.3% shooting), 5.9 rebounds and 1.6 blocked shots.