The Phoenix Suns opened their preseason with a concerning 109-107 loss to the Detroit Pistons on October 5, squandering an 18-point halftime lead. A staggering 32 turnovers, leading to 37 Pistons points, fueled a complete second-half collapse at Little Caesars Arena.
The third quarter told the whole story. Phoenix committed 13 turnovers in that period alone, sparking a 34-16 run by Detroit. The Pistons closed the quarter on a devastating 22-3 spurt. Detroit's defensive pressure forced rushed and poorly targeted passes before the Suns' offense could even get set. Ausar Thompson stole a Devin Booker pass, Paul Reed stripped Jalen Green, and John Collins intercepted Oho Ighodaro. Each uncertain decision became a transition chance the other way.
Phoenix actually shot 40 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from three-point range in the third. The collapse wasn't about missing shots. It was about never getting a shot off at all. Detroit converted those Suns turnovers into 14 third-quarter points and dominated the paint 14-6. The offense evaporated under constant harassment.
Coach Frank Vogel's second-half lineup created a revealing mismatch. Collin Gillespie, Luke Kennard, Jordan Goodwin, Rasheer Fleming, and Khaman Maluach opened the third quarter. Detroit, however, kept most of its starters on the floor. The Suns' reserves faced a unit with Duncan Robinson's shooting, Thompson's defense, Collins's size, and Reed's rim protection.
That imbalance made clean execution essential, and the bench failed the test. Jamaree Bouyea had nine points but four turnovers. Haywood Highsmith committed five. Useful pieces like Kennard (nine points) and Goodwin (seven points, six rebounds) were present. But their decision-making crumbled when Detroit took away the easy options. The group couldn't establish any half-court rhythm.
First, ball security is non-negotiable. Thirty-two turnovers in any game is a recipe for disaster. It wasted an efficient shooting night where the team hit 48.7 percent overall. Second, the bench must handle pressure better. They'll face opposing starters during the regular season, especially early in quarters. Their composure needs to improve dramatically.
Finally, the center competition got a small look. Ighodaro posted three points, five rebounds, and two assists. Maluach added six points and a block. Free throws were another glaring issue, with Phoenix making only 17 of 33 attempts. Leaving 16 points at the line in a two-point loss is a brutal self-inflicted wound.
These preseason lessons arrive as the Suns look to shake off a difficult recent run.
