This is the one we know and love

Grayson Allen has returned, and it didn't last long. The Phoenix Suns guard started the season slowly, which was a bit of a concern. But after Saturday night's win over the Portland Trail Blazers, we all saw and confirmed that Allen was back to himself.

Saturday's game against the Blazers confirmed that not only were Ryan Dunn and Royce O'Neale making solid contributions off the bench, but we also got our Allen back.

As he moves to the bench and has only played his fourth of six games this year, the move from the starting XI to the bench was an issue for Allen at the start of the season, but it looks like he will be playing with limited minutes in the Coping with the season could take on a new role.

The Suns started slowly Saturday night, making just 10 total field goals in the first half and trailing the Blazers 47-43. After halftime, however, it was a different story. Bradley Beal, Devin Booker and Kevin Durant combined for 23 points on 9 of 14 shooting and brought new energy to the team. Grayson Allen joined the momentum, making all four of his shots from the field, including two three-pointers.

The crowd's cheers showed their relief as Allen found his rhythm, used his strength to contribute on the boards and defend against pressing guards in the paint, and finished the game with a career-high three blocks.

The Suns started the season 4-1, with Allen struggling or missing games due to the birth of his child. On Saturday evening, however, Allen's presence was much needed; He delivered an outstanding performance in the third quarter, helping the Suns extend their lead to as many as 22 points over the Blazers.

The move to the bench is a process Allen acknowledged after Saturday night's game.

Allen is not heartbroken about moving to the bench; In fact, the hope is that he becomes the Suns' sixth man. However, the adjustment will take some time. The fact that he scored 18 points in 18 minutes in just his fourth game is both reassuring and realistic.

We can't expect Allen to be on fire every night – it takes time to find the rhythm, and starting roles obviously give players more opportunities to get into the flow of the game and pick their spots. Now the Suns are counting on him to come off the bench right away. It can happen, but it will be an adjustment like we have seen.

In Allen's final three years as a starter with the Suns and Milwaukee Bucks, he averaged 29 minutes per game. At the end of a career year, it might be a bit of a disappointment to see how others keep his record. But this team seems focused on making sacrifices for the greater good, like Tyus Jones accepting a one-year deal. Allen seems willing to do whatever it takes to position this team as a championship contender.

Are you comfortable with Allen in this role or do you think this could become an issue as the season progresses?