The Phoenix Suns began their preseason schedule with a 109-107 loss to the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on Monday, October 5. Phoenix built a 19-point first-half lead but ultimately fell after resting its starters for the entire second half. This game offered the first look at a new-look Suns squad aiming to move past a difficult end to the previous campaign, which saw them lose four straight games including a 122-131 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 28.
Devin Booker led the Suns with 13 points in just 16 minutes of action. Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green each added 11 points. The Suns' decision to sit Booker, Green, Brooks, Miles Bridges, and Oso Ighodaro after halftime allowed Detroit's reserves to mount a comeback. Brooks also picked up a technical foul in the first quarter after a confrontation with Pistons big man John Collins. Brooks led the NBA with 17 technicals last season, so this was an unsurprising early entry.
The preseason is a fresh start, but reversing that momentum is a clear priority.
Miles Bridges showed exactly why Phoenix traded for him, making an impact in only 14 minutes. The athletic forward posted eight points, five rebounds, and four assists. He knocked down a three-pointer and made several hustle plays on defense. His ability to push the ball in transition opens the court for his teammates, creating easy scoring opportunities. Bridges was acquired from Charlotte in a deal that sent out Grayson Allen, Royce O'Neale, and an unprotected 2033 first-round pick. His versatile skill set is expected to be a major asset.
His performance offered a glimpse of the two-way dynamism the Suns' front office was seeking. Bridges can guard multiple positions and initiate offense, which should take some pressure off Booker. Integrating him smoothly into the rotation will be a key storyline throughout the preseason and into the regular season.
The Suns continue their preseason schedule on the road against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday, October 7. Head coach will likely use that game to experiment further with rotations and give extended minutes to other players on the roster. Preseason results are secondary to evaluating talent and building chemistry, especially for a team incorporating new pieces like Bridges.
Finding the right balance between the established stars and the new additions will define their early season. The core of Booker, Green, and Brooks remains, but Bridges' role is clearly significant. Monitoring player health and avoiding any preseason injuries is also a top concern. The team's ultimate goal is to build a cohesive unit ready to compete when the regular season tips off, leaving last season's tough finish firmly in the past.
