RSS Suns Team Notes

[Phoenix Suns]

Suns Reacts Survey: What’s been your favorite win so far?

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Phoenix Suns fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

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The Phoenix Suns have had their handful of exciting wins amid their surprising start to the season. There’s been a few blowouts, a couple upsets and as of late, a handful of games that have come down to the wire.

What has been your favorite one so far? Here a few victories that standout to me.

11/21: Comeback Against the Timberwolves​

In this thrilling finish, the Suns were up 54-36 in the first half, but with less than a minute remaining, what was once an 18-point advantage was an eight-point deficit; but the team did not fret. With a few steals, Anthony Edwards missed free throws and clutch baskets by Jordan Goodwin, Phoenix had a chance to win the game, and Collin Gillespie did exactly that.

COLLIN GILLESPIE WINS IT FOR THE SUNS IN THE FINAL SECONDS!!!

ENDED THE GAME ON A 9-0 RUN.

PHOENIX MOVES TO 2-0 IN WEST GROUP A pic.twitter.com/4MoPXWx4fp

— NBA (@NBA) November 22, 2025

11/10: Grayson Allen’s Career Night​

Grayson Allen has had a career year in a surplus of statistical categories, most notably his scoring. He’s averaging the most points of his eight-year career on his second-best efficiency from the field. His top performance this year was not only a special one for him, but a historic one for the franchise. Earlier this month, against the New Orleans Pelicans, he set his career high with 42 points and set the franchise record for most threes made in a game with ten.

11/2: Shutting Victor Wembanyama Down​

The Suns were 4.5-point underdogs going into their matchup against the then-unbeaten San Antonio Spurs and shut down Victor Wembanyama like no team has done this season, limiting him to nine points on 4/14 shooting and six turnovers. The win ended up being just a 12-point win, but Phoenix was leading by more than 20 for much of the second half and at one point had a 31-point lead.

10/22: Opening comeback vs the Kings​

Trailing by as much as 20, Phoenix outscored the Sacramento Kings 66-45 in the second half to start the season 1-0. Devin Booker, Grayson Allen, and Dillon Brooks combined for 71 points, and the Suns out-rebounded Sacramento 51-37.

After the game, team owner Mat Ishbia sounded more than happy with the way Phoenix started the season.

Awesome start to the season! We battled and didn’t give up for 48 minutes, and consistently competed to get the Win! The Suns fans were great and helped bring the energy for our guys https://t.co/6aoptKIv5c

— Mat Ishbia (@Mishbia15) October 23, 2025

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Why did you pick the game you did? Let us know.

Source: https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/...ts-survey-whats-been-your-favorite-win-so-far

 

[Phoenix Suns]

Maluach’s G League night told its story in four pieces, one quarter at a time

We still do not know who Khaman Maluach is as a professional basketball player. The Phoenix Suns took him 10th, and since then, they have wrapped him in mystery and limited minutes. With a night off for the big club, they packed him down to Tempe and pointed him toward run with the Valley Suns.

OFFICIAL: The Suns have assigned Khaman Maluach to the Valley Suns of the NBA G League.@GLeagueSuns host the Rip City Remix tonight at 7pm at Mullett Arena.

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) November 25, 2025

So how did he look? I cleared the evening. I locked in on every possession. This was a full observation exercise. Tape by eye test. Shot by turnover. A rookie under bright lights and cold gym air.

Like a Tarantino opening scene, we will start with the end. The stat line reads like the bones of a player being built. In 28 minutes played, he scored 7 points of 3-of-7 shooting, including 0-of-2 from deep, adding 8 rebounds (1 offensive), and swatting 2 shots. He also had 5 turnovers and 5 fouls.

Here. I even made a graphic for the night.

Thoughts on he what it means will come later. First, the quarter-by-quarter journal. The second G League game of his career. A night in Tempe, and a better idea of who Maluach might become.

First Quarter: The Wheels Wobble Early​

Khaman Maluach opened the night feeling out the rhythm, and it showed. First touch of the game, he put the ball on the deck going left, lost the handle, and handed over a turnover instead of momentum. A few minutes later he tried to establish post position but couldn’t even secure the entry feed. The ball never found him cleanly, and the possession died on the vine.

His next chance came in transition, and again the mechanics weren’t smooth. He fumbled the catch, forced up a layup that didn’t fall, then compounded it with an offensive foul in the same sequence. Just a rough collision of effort and execution. Then at the 5:20 mark, he tried to settle himself with a jumper, but the ball slipped on the gather, producing yet another turnover. Every touch felt like work.

His first rebound came almost by default as it was a transition miss where nobody needed to be moved, boxed out, or bullied. He collected it, yes, but it didn’t feel earned so much as inherited. Moments later, at 4:59, he checked out and had 3 fouls to his name.

First Maluach Stint: 7:07 played, 0 points (0-of-0), 2 rebounds, 4 turnovers

— John Voita, III (@DarthVoita) November 26, 2025

Second Quarter: First Signs of Life​

Maluach opened the second with more stability, finally getting his hands on something solid.

First defensive trip, he snatched the board clean. Next time down, he didn’t grab it himself but redirected the rebound to a teammate with active hands that were present and involved. He did lose his man on a later possession, giving up inside leverage, but sheer size bailed him out as he still secured the defensive glass. Progress, even if imperfect.

Offensively, he finally settled in. From the top of the key, he threaded a sharp pass to a cutting Damion Baugh that sliced the defense and drew free throws. But defensive habits bit back: he sagged too deep into the paint on a weak-side action, and his assignment punished it with a three.

Then a spark arrived. A clean, confident block, one made for the highlight reel and destined to float across Twitter feeds. It juiced his activity, and suddenly everything had more force. He got on the board with a strong spin into the paint, finishing with a left-handed layup through contact and energy. Next possession, a give-and-go, smooth and instinctive, another two. The rhythm finally found him, not the other way around.

He closed the half with one more defensive board. It was A far better quarter for him, built on impact, tempo, and moments you can circle as growth.

Second Maluach Stint: 6:05 played, 4 points (2-of-2), 3 rebounds, 2 blocks, 0 turnovers https://t.co/n14NfHZjtg

— John Voita, III (@DarthVoita) November 26, 2025

Third Quarter: Caught in the Undertow​

The third quarter opened like a step backward. Maluach’s positioning wavered, and it cost him. He missed a rebound he could’ve attacked, then lost track of his man drifting beyond the arc, who punched it from deep. On the other end, Rip City sat in a zone and dared him to shoot. He took the open left corner three and came up short.

Next touch came from Koby Brea at about 19 feet with room, momentum, an opening. Maluach put his head down and went, but the collision went against him. Offensive foul. His fourth. And like clockwork, the pendulum swung back on defense: his assignment buried another three.

He returned to the paint looking for an answer. Drove hard, went right, spun back left. It was a good move, Maluach just didn’t finish. The effort stayed alive, though. He grabbed the offensive board and earned free throws, but missed the one-for-two attempt.

A defensive rebound followed off a blown layup, but the real story of this stretch was the run happening around him: Rip City piling on, a 19–0 flood while he floated inside the current rather than steering it.

Then finally, a spark. A lob that wasn’t clean yet he adjusted mid-air, tipped it home through contact, and earned the and-one. This time, he knocked down the free throw. A pulse in a quarter that needed one.

Third Maluach Stint: 7:52 played, 3 points (1-of-3), 2 rebounds, 1 turnover https://t.co/HJS4s6CLTU

— John Voita, III (@DarthVoita) November 26, 2025

Fourth Quarter: Good Looks, No Landing Gear​

The fourth opened with effort that lacked teeth. Maluach attacked the glass out of a pick-and-roll setup, but the challenge stopped short of force. He reached. He didn’t impose. The rebound slipped away without real resistance. On the next defensive stand, his man drove left and beat him clean to the rim. No bump, no angle sealed, nothing to slow the momentum. It ended the only way it could: a dunk.

Meh-luach pic.twitter.com/iopdlv8u6t

— John Voita, III (@DarthVoita) November 26, 2025

Offensively, he went back to the same move he leaned on in the third, the right-hand attack, spin back left, shot up through traffic. But this time the finish just wasn’t there. The play looked rushed, maybe predetermined, and the defense swallowed it.

Then came the isolation. A guard hunted him, dragged him out into space, dribbled into rhythm, and simply blew past him for a layup. Nothing subtle about it. Just speed, angle, and a defender half a beat late.

After a short breather, he returned with another clean look as he was wide-open three from the perimeter. It had the right shape, the right process, the right moment. But it came up short again.

A quiet close to a night that flashed promise, frustration, growth, and reminders of how far he still has to climb.

Final Maluach Stint: 2:19 played, 0 points (0-of-1) https://t.co/KuIyWI1XzT

— John Voita, III (@DarthVoita) November 26, 2025

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So what does any of this mean?

Well, it does not leave you warm inside. I know that feeling. Fans fall into the idea that maybe the Suns missed on a pick. I understand it, because I live in that neighborhood too. I want Khaman to go to the G League and throw bodies around. I want dunks. I want dominance. I want the look of a player ready for the big stage.

What we are seeing instead is the case for why those NBA minutes have not come yet. You watch him, and you feel the rawness. The hands are shaky, like the ball is alive and he is trying to hold it while it squirms. Sealing inside is hit or miss, and his grip on physical space is still forming.

When I watch him, however, everything feels a fraction late. The mind trails the moment. Picture a defensive read. He locks on the ball, which could be across the quarter in the hands of an initiator. His eyes are glued to it. His assignment slips behind him or into open space. He notices a heartbeat after the window opens.

The same timing shows up when a guard drives, pulls up, and releases. Maluach reacts to rebound position after the shot has left the hand. Then he checks for his man and finds the box out angle gone. These are not large errors. They are small gaps in processing, and they matter. A split second in the G League becomes a canyon in Phoenix. His athletic ceiling sits high, yet the polish sits far away. That part is normal. He is 19. We should judge where he is at month 45, not day 45.

So why run this experiment? Because it is Tuesday night and I have nothing else competing for my attention, and because I, like many of you, want to see what this kid looks like when the ball finds him often. My conclusion? Time. More time. The story is still wet ink.

Source: https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/...view-quarter-by-quarter-development-takeaways

 

[Phoenix Suns]

No drama required as this Suns’ group takes care of what’s in front of them

Wednesday night felt like one the Suns should take home. That kind of game used to slip through fingers. Old versions of this team would sink to their opponent, drag us through two and a half hours of nail-biting, and leave the result spinning like a coin in the air. Is it heads? Tails?

This group feels different. They handle the matchups they are meant to win. They punched out a 25-point lead before the first quarter cooled.

There were wobbles. 9 missed threes in the third quarter, and Sacramento took that oxygen and ran with it. They climbed back into it. You could feel tension touch the floor again. But one or two solid possessions were all it took to push the waterline down. That surge from the Kings lost weight. Order returned. The Suns closed the door.

Sacramento kept firing. They have scorers. They live for rhythm. Their defense is soft, though, and Phoenix leaned into that truth. Mark Williams, have yourself a night! Handle your business. Collect that win. Move to the next city. Simple.

People will say it was against a team with only 5 wins. Fine. Good teams beat the ones that are drowning. No apologies. No explanations. You play what the schedule gives you, and you handle your end.

On Wednesday night, they did. And on Thanksgiving morning, I am grateful for games like that.

Bright Side Baller Season Standings​

Dillon Brooks was the tip of the spear Monday night against his former team, the kind of game where his fingerprints were on everything. He pulled in 78% of the Bright Side Baller vote, a landslide without debate. That number handed him his third award this season, putting him shoulder to shoulder with Mark Williams for second place.

Bright Side Baller Nominees​

Game 19 against the Kings. Here are your nominees:

Mark Williams
21 points (9-of-12 FG, 0-of-0 3PT, 3-of-5 FT), 16 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, 3 turnovers, 1 block, +5 +/-

Collin Gillespie
21 points (8-of-15 FG, 4-of-9 3PT, 1-of-1 FT), 3 rebounds, 9 assists, 2 steals, 4 turnovers, +7 +/-

Devin Booker
19 points (6-of-22 FG, 2-of-9 3PT, 5-of-6 FT), 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, +13 +/-

Dillon Brooks
13 points (4-of-12 FG, 1-of-4 3PT, 4-of-4 FT), 3 rebounds, 3 turnovers, +12 +/-

Jamaree Bouyea
11 points (4-of-6 FG, 3-of-5 3PT, 0-of-0 FT), 1 rebound, 0 turnovers, 0 blocks, -6 +/-

Royce O’Neale
9 points (3-of-9 FG, 3-of-9 3PT, 0-of-0 FT), 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, 2 turnovers, 1 block, +8 +/-

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Who are you thankful for?

Source: https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/...5-point-lead-handle-business-thanksgiving-win

 

[Phoenix Suns]

My thankfulness for Bright Side goes beyond the Sun

Unlike many on staff, I’m actually not a Phoenix Suns fan. I’m also the youngest person on staff, yet one of the longest tenured. I’m a journalism student at Syracuse University. I’m just a 22-year-old who is looking for every opportunity I can to work in sports media, and luckily, site manager John Voita saw, read, and responded to my 161-word DM on what was then called Twitter more than two years ago to get this gig started for me.

Since then, I’ve published 255 articles, covered double-digit NBA events in person, including multiple nationally televised games, Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant’s return games, and the NBA Draft. I’m truly lucky.

Bright Side of the Sun isn’t just a blog to me, it’s a place and symbol of the growth that I’ve experienced in my young media career. I’ve learned so many invaluable lessons, met so many inspiring people, and made the 19-year-old version of myself stunned, realizing that 22-year-old Holden has gotten to experience so many cool things much earlier than he thought could ever be possible, if it was possible.

Being able to achieve some of my dreams much younger than I anticipated gives me not only so much hope for my future, but also the belief to try and always be a go-getter, that rejection or failure are not roadblocks but rather opportunities to learn.

The first time I was at an NBA press conference, in a locker room, and talking to reporters whom I looked up to was a lesson for me. All of the stuttering, awkward standing, and fear that were in me from those times were opportunities for me to grow and be grateful, not to be scared and conceited.

This site has shown that, like New Radicals say, “we only get what we give.” First and foremost, I wouldn’t be where I am without Voita and the late great Dave King trusting a 20-year old to fly out to Philadelphia to cover Joel Embiid vs Kevin Durant, but I’ve also learned that my ability to write tight and fast on deadline, stay composed when talking to Devin Booker postgame and have the confidence to introduce myself to any reporter comes from my willingness to try things and accept that I may fail at them at times, if not most of the time.

In my personal life, I typically am very hard on myself, and when I go through my camera roll and see videos of me talking to Dylan Harper before the draft, asking Bradley Beal questions after he dropped 43 points in his return to Washington D.C., and the fact that I have NBA Press Passes that say “LR” (meaning locker room access), that always trying to do more, wanting to maximize my best self, always wired version of Holden can be put on a temporary pause. It gives me a moment to be proud of how far I’ve come and ground myself.

I’m a little less than six months away from graduating college, and whether I end up in Arizona, Montana, or California for my first job, I know that this site, the people running it, and the community will have played a major part in helping me, and I’m forever thankful for that.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! I hope everyone has a peaceful day filled with great food, close football games, and quality family time.

Source: https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/...-journey-syracuse-university-nba-media-career

 

[Phoenix Suns]

The scenarios that put the Suns into the NBA Cup

With their win over Sacramento on Wednesday night, the Suns moved to 3-0 in NBA Cup play. One NBA Cup game remains, Friday against Oklahoma City, and there is a real shot at playing for the Cup.

This is where I should give my public service announcement. I do not care much for the Cup nor see its value. I could drop a long explanation about the lack of real benefit, but the Suns sit in a position to advance in the early-season tournament, useless or not. That means I would be failing as managing editor if I did not lay out what needs to happen for them to qualify.

Side note. If the Suns win it and hang a banner in the Mortgage Matchup Center, that would be fucking embarrassing. You never want to see a trophy case built around something that is not an NBA title. Hanging that banner before a championship banner would feel like eating dessert for dinner, and the entire thing would come across as gross.

Maybe I am not alone in shrugging at the NBA Cup. In a competition where point differential actually matters, the Suns had every reason to pour it on last night against the Kings and did not. They walked the ball up late, held that 12-point cushion like it was enough, and let the clock breathe. That is not a team hungry for differential. That feels like a team good with the result, and maybe the thrill of racing up and down the court at the end of Cup games wore off after year one.

So here is what needs to happen for them to get in, then we can talk about why they probably should not want to.

Quick reminder. Four teams from each conference make the Cup. Three group winners, plus one wild card with the best remaining record. If records match, point differential breaks the tie.

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The Suns and Thunder both sit at 3-0. Both live in West Group A. Phoenix carries a +35. Oklahoma City sits at +71. Yikes. If the Suns win Friday against the 18-1 Thunder, they qualify without stress. They would land as a top two seed. The Lakers sit outside the group with a 3-0 mark and a +36 differential, so whether Phoenix lands one or two would depend on what Los Angeles does against Dallas, and by how much.

If the Suns lose Friday, things get messy. A loss drops Phoenix to 3-1, and the margin matters. The +35 cushion shrinks with every point given back. How low it falls becomes the story, and one specific scenario comes into play after that.

If you look at West Group C, both Denver and San Antonio sit at 2–1 in group play. They play each other Friday, meaning one team is guaranteed to finish 3–1 while the loser drops to 2–2. A 2–2 finish doesn’t beat Phoenix’s potential 4-0 or 3–1 mark.

Which means the real drama shifts to West Group B.

The Lakers have already clinched that group after knocking off both teams still fighting for the final NBA Cup spot. The other two contenders — the Clippers and the Grizzlies — also meet Friday, both sitting at 2–1, and that matchup suddenly matters a whole lot to Suns fans.

Right now, Memphis holds a +9 point differential in Cup play. The Clippers, despite the same record, sit at -15. Why does that matter? Because the wild-card comes down to point differential.

So here’s the bottom line: The odds strongly favor Phoenix making the NBA Cup. Even if the Suns lose to OKC, Memphis would need to beat the Clippers by 26 or more to jump Phoenix in differential and steal the spot. Barring that kind of blowout, the Suns are in.

Suns + Thunder both 3-0 in West Group A. PHX +35, OKC +71. Beat OKC Friday, and the Suns make the NBA Cup as a top 2 seed

If they lose, they can still get in. The key becomes LAC (-15) vs MEM (+9). It could come down to how much MEM wins by and PHX loses by on Friday

— John Voita, III (@DarthVoita) November 27, 2025

Here is where things get weird.

If Phoenix sneaks into the Cup, guess who they draw? The Oklahoma City Thunder. Again. If the Suns lose to OKC on Friday, and Memphis doesn’t run the Clippers off the floor, Phoenix ends up as the fourth seed. Fourth seed plays the top seed on December 9. The top seed is shaping up to be OKC because of that wild point differential.

So picture it. Lose to OKC on Friday. See OKC again in the quarterfinal. If they drop that one too, the follow-up would be the loser of Lakers vs Denver or San Antonio. The path stays heavy. Phoenix sees Thunder and Nuggets on back-to-back nights this weekend. The Cup could put them right back in that grind two weeks later.

Last season sits in the back of my mind. They went 3 of 1. Their +30 differential failed to catch Dallas at +46. They were the first team to miss the cut. What came next? The scheduling gods granted the Suns Utah and Portland. Two opponents who struggled in Cup play. I did not mind that outcome.

Wins matter for this group. Bank them wherever you can find them. This team entered the season with light expectations. If they want a real shot at a playoff run, you collect every winnable game. So far, they have done exactly that.

I wrote about this last season when Phoenix was in a similar scenario, having just missed the Cup. And I still agree with it 100%:

So you mean the Suns went 3-1, and their reward is playing two of the worst teams in the Western Conference? In games that count towards their schedule? Remind me…what’s the incentive for trying to win the NBA Cup? Harder competition and a hat?

Now, I know there is a contingent out there that is pro-NBA Cup. That likes the early season engagement, the bright courts, the playing to the buzzer, and the competition that ensues. My question to you is, doing my best possible Michael Scott impression, “Why are you the way that you are?”

I’m sure there are those out there saying, “John, why wouldn’t we want to see them play against the Thunder? To be the best you gotta beat the best. Why avoid playing them?” Bring on the Thunder! But let’s do it in the postseason. You know, that thing that matters.

I think back to last season, when the Suns made the In-Season Tournament but went 0-2. Imagine a world where they didn’t make it and were rewarded with easier completion. Two more wins? They could’ve been the fifth seed in the postseason instead of the sixth, and who knows what sliding door that would’ve opened.

So shucks. Darn. Drats. They didn’t make the NBA Cup.

But last night, they did what we wanted them to do, especially against a team that owned us last year. They won. And their reward? It’s better than any New Era hat. It’s a chance to improve their record against weak teams and a week off to boot. That’s right. The Suns have a back-to-back in Florida this weekend and don’t play again until Saturday the 15th. Plenty of time to rest up.

Now, what’s the point of the NBA Cup?

If you do not want the Suns in the Cup, the recipe is simple. Memphis needs a big win. Phoenix needs a big loss. If both break that way, Memphis jumps into the fourth spot, and Phoenix becomes the team that misses out.

That is your roadmap for the NBA Cup.

Source: https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/...l-qualification-okc-lakers-grizzlies-clippers

 

[Phoenix Suns]

Game Thread: Suns at Thunder

Game 20.

Let’s try not to get blown out!

Source: https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/suns-game-threads/93622/game-thread-suns-at-thunder-discussion

 

[Phoenix Suns]

Phoenix took the Thunder’s best shot and kept swinging

My expectations going into that Suns game against Oklahoma City felt like a Led Zeppelin riff. If it keeps on raining, the levee’s going to break. Third quarter hit, Thunder pour in 38, Suns put up 30, and you could hear the wood straining. One more inch and the whole thing blows.

But if there is one truth about this Phoenix squad, they do not let the levee snap. Not without a fight.

They charged into the fourth with their chin out, taking punches and returning them with interest. They lost by 4 to a team that usually flattens opponents by 16. Win or lose, the standings do not care. There are no moral victories.

Even so, walking out of that performance, it felt like a test where the teacher expected failure, and the class confidently circled every answer in pen.

No banners hang for effort. Still, scoring 37 in the final frame against a defense built like government steel says something real. It says they refused to fold. It says they believed. Health problems persist, but so do the Suns.

I did not leave watching this game disappointed. I left charged up, like I had inhaled the spark coming off the court. No, there are no moral victories. But there are some losses that leave you encouraged.

Statement game. No excuses, no moral wins, just proof. This Suns team showed something real tonight

— John Voita, III (@DarthVoita) November 29, 2025

Bright Side Baller Season Standings​

Mark Williams and Dillon Brooks were tied for exactly one game in the Bright Side Ball standings. Big Willy Style would have none of that! After his 21 and 16 against the Kings, he’s once again in second place in the BSB standings.

Bright Side Baller Nominees​

Game 20 against the Thunder. Here are your nominees:

Collin Gillespie
24 points (9-of-16 FG, 6-of-11 3PT), 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 4 turnovers, -8 +/-

Devin Booker
21 points (5-of-13 FG, 2-of-7 3PT, 9-of-11 FT), 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, 5 turnovers, 1 block, -4 +/-

Dillon Brooks
19 points (6-of-18 FG, 2-of-9 3PT, 5-of-5 FT), 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 3 turnovers, -1 +/-

Jordan Goodwin
14 points (5-of-13 FG, 1-of-5 3PT, 3-of-4 FT), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, +6 +/-

Mark Williams
13 points (5-of-9 FG, 0-of-0 3PT, 3-of-3 FT), 14 rebounds, 4 turnovers, -10 +/-

Royce O’Neale
11 points (4-of-10 FG, 3-of-8 3PT, 0-of-0 FT), 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 1 block, -12 +/-

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And the winner is…

Source: https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/...ght-fourth-quarter-progress-encouraging-signs

 

[Phoenix Suns]

Game Thread: Nuggets (13-4) vs Suns (12-7)

The Suns are matching up with the Nuggets once again, seeking the sweet revenge they want after getting embarrassed earlier in the season. Both teams are dealing with injuries and are fighting to prove they can be the tougher team in the back-to-back. The Nuggets look to prove they are one of the top-tier teams in the West, while the Suns look to get themselves acclimated to those conversations. Who will come out on top? Let’s find out

Source: https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/...e-thread-nuggets-13-4-vs-suns-12-7-discussion

 

[Phoenix Suns]

Game Recap: Suns come up short once again, lose back to back

With another back-to-back under their belts, the Suns tried their best to hold off a top-tier Western Conference contender. Unfortunately for the Suns, the Nuggets’ interior presence was just too much, as the Nuggets are still stacked with injuries to starters. Even with two players available, it was not enough, as the team fell short 130-112 tonight. With no Mark Williams due to the back-to-back and still managing his injury, this was expected. Sadly, he has yet to play vs the Joker, which has been a massive issue for this team in both games.

Being outrebounded 40-32 wasn’t enough, as the team went cold from the three-point line in the second half. The 11 steals were impactful but not game-changing. Dillon Brooks was the leading scorer with 27 points, three rebounds, two assists, and one steal. He was very effective from mid-range, finding his opportunities and dominating where he thrives. Devin Booker also had 24 points, four rebounds, seven assists, and two steals—some struggling offensive showing for Booker tonight, who was scoreless from three (0/4).

Devin Booker came into this game 13-of-55 from 3 in his last nine games.

He's 0-of-4 tonight. Suns down 82-76 with 4:02 left in half.

Goodwin 2 changed to a 3. #Suns
#MileHighBasketball

— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) November 30, 2025

For the Nuggets, Nikola Jokic was one assist shy of his eleventh triple-double of the season. He had 26 points, nine assists, and ten boards. Jamal Murray was also big with five threes and 24 points of his own, but their best three-point scorer was Tim Hardaway Jr. He had 23 with seven total threes, which was insane to see him on this heater.

Game Flow​

First Half​

The Suns came out of the gates hot at home, starting a 9-0 run early on in the game.

Steal and score to open the game pic.twitter.com/do4qpF9dpL

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) November 30, 2025

Sadly, this would be the only quarter they got hot to start, but it was one that many did not expect. To put Denver on their toes early on and find the rhythm from three was key. The Suns had a big quarter from Collin Gillespie, who had four threes to start and was the best offensive player.

Ok now, Collin

He's up to 9 points on three triples! pic.twitter.com/K4jPqqHPK6

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) November 30, 2025

With that said, Jamal Murray matched threes and kept the Nuggets alive. That, paired with Nikola Jokic dominating the paint with no Mark Williams, made it tough for the Suns to keep it close. With the threes falling though, they only kept it within five at the end of one

After a hot start, the Suns went cold in the second half. Tim Hardaway Jr. started to find his rhythm for the Nuggets, making tough threes after tough threes, and it was getting scary.

Hardaway is on a heater. Just hit his fifth 3. He has carried the Nuggets offense in thi quarter.

— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) November 30, 2025

The Suns then had a mini run of their own with an emphatic slam from Grayson Allen, proving the quad injury that had held him back in the last contests is no longer an issue.

GRAYSON ALLEN TWO-HAND JAM pic.twitter.com/NqOuw1pqsU

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) November 30, 2025

With this team being able to be scrappy on the defensive end, forcing turnovers and getting steals, the Suns were able to stay alive even as the Nuggets traded threes back and forth to close out the quarter.

Second Half​

For the Suns in the second, the offense could not find a way to get the ball through the net. They were 0/10 from the three-point line to start the third, which was not pleasant. The Suns had some runs of their own to try and crawl back into this one, but it was just not enough.

Suns now up to 20 points off the Nuggets' 15 turnovers. They are 0-for-10 from 3 in the third quarter but still hanging around after the latest wave.

— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) November 30, 2025

With the Nuggets continuing to match the Suns’ threes on any run and finding any way to score inside even with Jokic out, it was game over. It is clear that, without Mark Williams, this team lacks some interior rim presence. Nick Richards was not holding his own on the defensive end, and in the fourth, it got out of hand. At some points, the Nuggets had a lead of 20+ points, even with this team’s late fight. We then saw late that the team had waved the white flag, taking the starters out and falling short at home.

Suns clear bench. Down 124-109 with under 3 left. #Suns

— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) November 30, 2025

Sadly, the exhaustion got to the team late, and it was evident in the lack of aggressiveness compared to the start. Denver is a top-tier team, though, and with the Suns playing to their biggest strength, they held their own. This team has yet to be evaluated at its full potential due to injuries, and coming off a back-to-back in which they fought hard, tonight’s disappointing loss is not as hurtful as in past years.

Up Next​

This team fights and will continue to show that in revenge when they play next. That game is against the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday to kick off the new month and some fun basketball before Christmas!

Source: https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/...ns-come-up-short-once-again-lose-back-to-back

 

[Phoenix Suns]

SBN Reacts: Gillespie’s game winner is Suns fans favorite win

Earlier this week, we asked Suns fans what their favorite victory has been from the team’s first quarter of the season and one game took the crown by a large margin: Phoenix’s 114-113 comeback win against the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 21st. The team was down eight with 50 seconds left but rallied back, capped off with a Collin Gillespie game-winner.

The results do not surprise me. Not only were the Suns down eight with a minute left, something that teams seldomly comeback from, but they were doing it without Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks for most of the comeback, who were leading the team in assists and points in the game respectively and both fouled out earlier in the quarter.

While I wasn’t at the game, from the Phoenix Telecast, the Mortgage Matchup Center appeared to erupt after the final buzzer sounded. Gillespie’s game-winner went viral online, with 3.2 million views on X.

COLLIN GILLESPIE WINS IT FOR THE SUNS IN THE FINAL SECONDS!!!

ENDED THE GAME ON A 9-0 RUN.

PHOENIX MOVES TO 2-0 IN WEST GROUP A pic.twitter.com/4MoPXWx4fp

— NBA (@NBA) November 22, 2025

With forced turnovers, three-point shooting and playing with a compromised roster to end the game, the way Phoenix closed out Minnesota is what many Suns fans and media pundits have lauded them for in the first few months of the 2025-2026 campaign, where they’ve exceeded many people’s preseason expectations for them.

The frenetic and hectic ending of the game left Suns fans messing with Timberwolves fans who were messing with Suns fans earlier in the contest. This was Phoenix’s first win against Minnesota since the 2023-2024 regular season. The Timberwolves swept the Suns in the 2024 playoffs in Phoenix’s only playoff series they played with Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal and Devin Booker all on the roster. The teams have some recent history.

Book gets the last laugh https://t.co/cbleVrzzdi pic.twitter.com/4lNNgDnOZh

— Booker Muse (@DevinBookerMuse) November 22, 2025

The win was also the team’s second victory of the season against a team with a winning percentage over .500. The first one came against the San Antonio Spurs where they forced Victor Wembanyama into a 9-point, six-turnover game on 4/14 shooting. Phoenix won that contest in convincing fashion, securing the victory 130-118, but the team was leading by more than 20 for a large part of the second half. That got the second-most votes.

Phoenix’s ability to shoot the ball, (they’ve made the sixth-most threes this year at the fifth-best percentage in the league) has helped keep them in many contests like the game against Minnesota, and their ability to force turnovers, (they’re averaging the most steals per game in the league) helps them expand their leads and cut down deficits.

Did the fans get this one right? Let us know why or why not.

Source: https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/...omeback-collin-gillespie-game-winner-fan-vote

 

[Phoenix Suns]

A look ahead at the Suns schedule for the month of December

The Phoenix Suns went 10-5 in November. The squad had a five-game win streak during it and competed with some of the Western Conference’s best teams, but ended the month on a two-game losing streak. 2-4 entering the month, Phoenix is now 12-9 and are winners of six of their last ten. They find themselves slotted into the 7th seed in the Western Conference.

Here’s a peek at the team’s schedule for December.

---

Road trip against the West’s best​

• Monday, December 1st @ Los Angeles Lakers
• Friday, December 5th @ Houston Rockets
• Monday, December 8th @ Minnesota Timberwolves
• Wednesday, December 10 @ Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA Cup Game)
• TBD based on NBA Cup Game 1 results

All four of these teams are currently in the top six of the Western Conference Standings, and the four teams are on a combined 23-game winning streak, with the Thunder winning their last 11. Monday will be the team’s first look at the two-seeded Lakers, and Friday will be their first time playing against Kevin Durant since he was traded in the offseason. The Lakers are the only team the Suns have not played from their division yet.

After the Timberwolves look to get revenge on the Suns for their comeback win against them, the Suns will play the Thunder in the first round of the NBA Cup Quarterfinals. Phoenix competed with the Thunder in one of their best games of the season despite the loss on Friday.

If the Suns beat the Thunder, they will play the winner of the Lakers/Spurs Cup Game, and if they win that game, they’ll play the winner of the East Bracket in the cup championship, which will NOT count against their final standings record. If they lose to the Thunder, they’ll play the loser of the Lakers/Spurs game.

The Lakers and Timberwolves games will be on Peacock, while the contest against the Thunder will be on Amazon Prime Video.

The 2025 NBA Cup Bracket.

The Suns currently have the longest odds to win it per @FanDuel, as they sit at +5500 pic.twitter.com/Qrq5Svswfh

— John Voita, III (@DarthVoita) November 29, 2025

Divisional Tangos​

• Thursday, December 18th vs Golden State Warriors
• Saturday, December 20th @ Golden State Warriors
• Tuesday, December 23rd vs Los Angeles Lakers

Three straight games against their division, the Suns will get a chance to have a few home games and get revenge on the Warriors for beating them on November 4th. These games could be possible return dates for Jalen Green. He injured his right hamstring on November 8th against the Clippers, and it was announced on November 11th that he would be re-evaluated in 4-6 weeks. December 23rd is six weeks from November 11th. If his re-evaluation goes well, he could return to action for one of these games.

Something different about the team’s schedule around this time of year? No Christmas game. After playing four straight years on Christmas, the Suns will not be playing on the holiday after trading away Kevin Durant and projecting in the bottom half of the Western Conference standings.

Finishing 2025 across the country​

• Friday, December 26th @ New Orleans Pelicans
• Saturday, December 26th@ New Orleans Pelicans
• Monday, December 29th @ Washington Wizards
• Wednesday, December 31st @ Cleveland Cavaliers

The Suns will play their first “baseball” series of the year when they head down to Louisiana and face the Pelicans two straight times as the road team. Earlier this season, when the two teams faced off, Grayson Allen set his career-high for points with 42, and set the franchise record for most threes made in a game with 10.

After a few nights off, the Suns will head down to the Nation’s Capital, where they’ll face the NBA’s worst team, the Washington Wizards, who have the least amount of wins in the NBA. Then, to end the year, Phoenix will head to Cleveland to face the Cavaliers. After a 64-win regular season last year, the team has started 12-9 and has lost four of its last six, but remains in the East’s top half.

---

As mentioned above, the Suns went 10-5 in the month of November. Only 6.9% of voters believed that would be their record this month, with 6-9 garnering 20% of the vote. It is safe to say that Phoenix exceeded the community’s expectations.

So let’s do it again. The team will have 12 games in December (13 if they make it to the NBA Cup Finale). How do you think the Suns will do in December? How do you think they’ll do in the NBA Cup?

Source: https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/...imberwolves-thunder-nba-cup-warriors-pelicans

 

[Phoenix Suns]

Game Thread: Suns face Lakers

Game 22: Phoenix Suns at Los Angeles Lakers.

Source: https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/...-thread-suns-face-streaking-lakers-discussion

 

[Phoenix Suns]

Suns deliver one of their most composed performances of the season

Sometimes it feels like the odds stack up fast. The schedule hits weird. Injuries pile on. Players get banged up. Feelings do too. The response is what matters. Do you stay locked in and ride the wave? Or do you fold and lean on excuses that make the effort look optional?

With this Suns team, there is no excuse. Next man up might sound tired, but it’s real with this group. They live it. And it has been fun to watch. I feel like every Bright Side Baller turns into me talking about how enjoyable this team is. Can you blame me? They are.

Monday night dropped another test in their lap. Jalen Green stayed out. Grayson Allen, fresh off his return, missed the game with an illness. Devin Booker played one quarter, looked sharp, and then left with a groin issue. He looked ready to snap out of that slump that dragged through November.

Devin Booker (groin) will not return

— Bright Side of the Sun (@BrightSideSun) December 2, 2025

Facing the second seed in the West, you would not have been shocked if they slipped. They didn’t. They kept swinging. Mark Williams threw down a transition dunk that showed how much his effort in open space matters. Dillon Brooks went wild with turnaround jumpers. Collin Gillespie closed the door with three after three after three in the fourth.

There is no quit. There is only fight. The Suns earned their 13th win with style, taking a 125-108 victory off a team that walked in at 15-4. It was all Phoenix once Booker left, and while thinking about the future without him feels rough, for one night in Los Angeles, it was another game you could sink into and enjoy.

Bright Side Baller Season Standings​

Dillon the Villain ended up being the only real offensive threat against the Denver Nuggets. The team shot poorly across the board, and while they played with aggression, it never turned into production. For those reasons, you overwhelmingly voted him to his fourth Bright Side Baller of the year.

Bright Side Baller Nominees​

Game 22 against the Lakers. Here are your nominees:

Dillon Brooks

33 points (15-of-26, 2-of-7 3PT, 1-of-3 FT), 2 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 4 turnovers, +22

Collin Gillespie

28 points (10-of-19, 8-of-14 3PT, 0-of-0 FT), 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, 2 turnovers, +12

Mark Williams

13 points (6-of-8, 0-of-0 3PT, 1-of-3 FT), 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 0 turnovers, +14

Jordan Goodwin

13 points (5-of-10, 3-of-7 3PT, 0-of-0 FT), 1 rebound, 5 assists, 3 steals, 1 turnover, -2

Devin Booker

11 points (4-of-7, 1-of-2 3PT, 2-of-2 FT), 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 turnover, -1

Royce O’Neale

6 points (2-of-7, 2-of-6 3PT, 0-of-0 FT), 7 rebounds, 11 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, +20

---

Another monrning, another Bright Side Baller voting opportunity.

Source: https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/...epth-steps-up-shorthanded-road-victory-lakers

 

[Phoenix Suns]

The Suns community is building something bigger than basketball

Every day that passes brings us closer to Dave King’s Bright Side Night, the annual tradition where we, with the help of the Phoenix Suns, welcome hundreds of underprivileged children into the Mortgage Matchup Center and give them a memory that lives with them forever.

It is one of the best things we do on this site.

Yes, we report on how the Suns are playing. We share opinions on transactions, rotations, front office choices, and the cap. Under all of that is a shared care for this team and this franchise. Ten years ago, Dave King tapped into that and gave us the greatest gift he could. He showed us the power of paying it forward.

Dave King’s Bright Side Night will take place on Tuesday, January 27 against the Brooklyn Nets. To everyone who has donated so far, thank you. I see the retweets. I see the comments. This matters to you. I am grateful for that, because this is the legacy Dave King left behind.

I want to share a story. A little over a year ago, the Phoenix Suns lost their iconic voice, Al McCoy. He carried generations through this game, filling our living rooms and cars with a style that was entirely his own. After he passed, @SunsUniTracker on Twitter, someone who not only updates everyone on uniforms but also creates designs and mock-ups, made a run of Al McCoy merchandise.

The Al McCoy tribute jersey is now available. Wanted to do something to honor his memory while keeping a classic feel. Fan feedback was overwhelmingly in favor of purple, which is perfect. Purple is for royalty, and that's exactly what Al is. Also wanted to ensure we had a black… pic.twitter.com/0yxJHg0sFV

— Suns Uniform Tracker (@SunsUniTracker) October 2, 2024

He could have kept the profit. He could have taken advantage of that moment. Instead, he donated every cent to Dave King’s Bright Side Night. $3,500. That is selflessness. That is paying it forward. To him, I say thank you.

And he is not alone.

We already have $4,470 donated from this community, with more on the way. To everyone who has reached into their wallet, I know it is not easy right now. Thank you. These kids will experience something they will remember forever.

This Suns team plays a brand of basketball that is tough, connected, and honest, and I am thrilled that we as a community are choosing to share that with the next generation. We are raising them right. We are showing them what this game looks like at its best.

It all starts by clicking the link below.

Source: https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/...nity-donations-al-mccoy-legacy-pay-it-forward

 

[Phoenix Suns]

The end of Chris Paul’s era and what it means for the Suns

The business of the NBA can be brutal. We were reminded of that in the quiet hours of Wednesday morning.

Chris Paul, the Point God, was sent home by the Los Angeles Clippers. A player who many would argue helped put the Clippers on the map, because they had never tasted real success before he arrived in 2011, was brought back this season to the City of Angels. It was meant to be his farewell tour. He announced he would retire at the end of the season after 21 years in the league. At 40 years old, his athleticism has faded, even though his mind remains as sharp as ever.

The problem is that the season has not gone the way the Clippers expected.

They made moves over the summer that had plenty of people picking them as a top-four team in the Western Conference. They were loaded with talent and were supposed to contend for a title, giving Chris Paul the sendoff he earned.

If there is one thing we know in Phoenix, high-priced talent does not guarantee wins. The Clippers are this season’s version of last year’s Suns. Talent? Check. Payroll? Check. Cohesiveness, competitiveness, youth? None of that. Winning basketball games? None of that either. The Clippers are 5–16 and getting run off the court on a regular basis.

And Chris Paul is having the season a 40-year-old point guard tends to have. He is averaging 2.9 points and 3.3 assists in 14.3 minutes. There is not much space for him in the rotation anymore. So rather than send off their franchise point guard the right way, the Clippers are stumbling through it in a disastrous fashion. They have opted to send him home for the season.

Breaking: The Clippers are parting ways with Chris Paul, the team announced.

The team will work with him on the next step of his career. pic.twitter.com/sYOaWT2nWd

— ESPN (@espn) December 3, 2025

He hasn’t been officially waived yet. “We are parting ways with Chris and he will no longer be with the team,” Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank informed ESPN. “We will work with him on the next step of his career.

What does this mean for Phoenix?

Well, you could talk yourself into a reunion. His deepest playoff run came here. He was the point guard who helped push the Suns into the 2021 NBA Finals, losing in six to the Milwaukee Bucks. For someone with a career full of accolades and All-Star nods, that Suns run was the furthest he had ever gone. So if you lean toward the retread reunion idea, and you know the Suns have an open roster spot, you can build a case for bringing Chris Paul back.

Would he move the needle on the court? No. Maybe he could offer guidance in the locker room to Collin Gillespie as he continues to grow. Maybe he could pass down some of the cerebral parts of the game to Jordan Goodwin. But he would not add much offensively or defensively.

Sentiment is powerful, and when you add an open roster spot and the Valley uniforms to the mix, the return can feel tempting. But the number 3 belongs to Dillon Brooks now, and that tells you how different this version of the Suns really is.

If the league wants to do right by Chris Paul, send him to the 21–1 Oklahoma City Thunder. Let him finish his career next to his protégé, Shai Gilgeous Alexander, the same player he mentored back in 2019. They do not need the help, but at least it puts the Point God in a position to chase a ring.

The NBA is a coldhearted business. Most businesses are. People get dropped in 90-second Zoom calls after years of service. We tell ourselves that is the way it works so we can stomach the cruelty. We wrap it in the idea of business, and suddenly it feels acceptable to act with no warmth at all.

So who knows what comes next for Chris Paul. Who knows where he ends up. I will always be a fan of what he brought to Phoenix. Not so much what came before or what came after. But I respect the hell out of him and hope he lands on his feet. Something tells me he will.

Coming back to Phoenix? That chapter has been written. The words have been read. The story is over.

Source: https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/...-point-god-return-okc-career-end-nba-business

 

[Phoenix Suns]

Khaman Maluach and Rasheer Fleming took their first real step in the G

Of course I take a night off from basketball while the Phoenix Suns are in between games, and I think I am going to spend my Wednesday night playing with the dog, taking out the trash, and throwing a movie on. My choice? Two for the Money. Never seen it before. Probably never watching it again.

You know what I should have been watching? The Valley Suns. Why? because Khaman Maluach and Rasheer Fleming were both playing. I do not know how it happened, but I missed it. And of course, I missed great games. Now I have to go hunt them down and watch every minute.

I have been walking you through quarter-by-quarter looks at Khaman Maluach with the G League affiliate as the rookie stacks reps and grows his game. Tonight, both he and Rasheer Fleming got that runway. And from everything I have seen so far, neither one of them disappointed.

Maluach played 35 minutes and poured in 27 points on 10-of-14 from the field. Sure, he missed his only shot from deep, but he ripped down 15 rebounds, six of them on the offensive end. He swatted four shots. He chipped in one assist.

And he was not alone out there.

A TANDEM impact sequence from Khaman Maluach and Rasheer Fleming pic.twitter.com/Jfjk83gHOI

— PHNX Suns (@PHNX_Suns) December 4, 2025

Rasheer Fleming logged 43 minutes and went 11-of-18 from the field, including 4-of-9 from beyond the arc. He matched Maluach with 27 points. He pulled down 13 rebounds, six on the offensive glass. He added three steals and two assists. The real separator? Each of them had only one turnover.

Development is never a straight line. It moves in waves. And on a night when the Valley Suns picked up their first win in 8 tries this season, this felt like a step forward. These rookies are getting real minutes. They are getting comfortable.

This is the developmental plan breathing in real time. This is what it is supposed to look like.

Source: https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/...ch-rasheer-fleming-27-point-g-league-breakout

 

[Phoenix Suns]

Injury Update: Devin Booker will be reevaluated in one week after groin injury

After a stellar first quarter, Devin Booker exited the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night, and soon after, we learned a groin injury was to blame. Phoenix outscored the Lakers 95–77 from the second quarter on and cruised to a 17-point win, but they did it with Booker sitting on the sidelines in street clothes.

As for the severity, Shams Charania reported that the injury is expected to cost Booker and the Suns one week of time. At least.

Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker has sustained a right groin strain and will be re-evaluated in one week, sources tell ESPN. Best case for Booker and the Suns, who are a surprise 13-9 and in the West playoff picture so far this season.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 3, 2025

We know Devin Booker has dealt with soft tissue trouble before.

Last season, he tweaked his groin in late December, and it cost him five games. In 2023, he tweaked his hamstring, sat for two games, came back for two, then re-aggravated the injury. That setback cost him 21 games, and for a team that had won 64 games the year before, they went 10–11 without him. He eventually returned, but the team had shifted as they soon traded for Kevin Durant.

The challenge now grows heavier for the Suns. They are still without Jalen Green, who is dealing with his own muscle-based injury after logging only 30 minutes across two games. And the team is heading into a brutal stretch.

They play Houston on Friday, then the Timberwolves next Monday. After that comes the NBA Cup, where they head into Oklahoma City to face the defending champions. Based on what we know, you can see a world where Booker returns for that quarterfinal matchup.

The “reevaluation” label keeps the timeline murky. Maybe he is back for OKC. Maybe he needs more time. Whatever the case, he needs to be right. There is no reason to bring him back early. Devin rushed back in 2023 and it cost him 21 games. No one wants a repeat of that.

Source: https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/...-suns-update-return-window-lakers-okc-nba-cup

 

[Phoenix Suns]

This latest mock trade have Suns’fans puzzled

With the Phoenix Suns exceeding expectations early on, it would be smart for them to stay put. Sitting currently seventh in the West, this team is 13-9 and still has a significant piece out in Jalen Green. Not to mention the rise of role players like Dillon Brooks, Grayson Allen, Collin Gillespie, and Royce O’Neale. Having them be so influential has been key to their success.

Still, trade season does not stop around the NBA, and as we can see from Bleacher Report’s latest mock trade, the Phoenix Suns are involved.

Thoughts on this potential four-team trade that would shake up the Western Conference, by @BleacherReport

Timberwolves receive:
• James Harden
• Haywood Highsmith

Clippers receive:
• Jalen Green
• Bones Hyland

Suns receive:
• Julius Randle

Nets receive:
• Mike Conley… pic.twitter.com/QUezqSNnaT

— NBA Retweet (@RTNBA) December 3, 2025

In this trade, the Suns would receive Julius Randle from the Minnesota Timberwolves and, in return, trade Jalen Green to the Los Angeles Clippers. This very trade would shake up the Western Conference landscape and hurt this Suns team in many ways.

1. We still do not know what Jalen Green is​

The Suns have yet to see the product they acquired in the Kevin Durant trade. Arguably, the most significant piece, and he has played one complete game due to injuries. Now, that is the reason he should be traded.

“He was healthy in Houston, now he is hurt, let’s move him” is the sentiment some people feel, but I am indifferent. Not just because it is Julius Randle (who has been fantastic this year, and is a notorious Suns killer), but because Green’s role here remains a mystery.

In his first game, he was terrific, leading the scoring. He was finding his way to attack in this new offense, and it was fun to watch. I am not willing to throw that away because he has not been available, plays the same position as Devin Booker, or because we have other guards on this team.

Jalen Green Suns debut

29-3-3-2 (10/20 FG, 6/13 3P), +30 in 23 MP pic.twitter.com/haZWMouduQ

— Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) November 7, 2025

2. The Suns are getting younger and contract situation​

The Suns wanted this season to get younger and faster. They did so in two ways: by adding younger players and playing them more than in previous seasons, and by adding a new head coach, Jordan Ott. His scheme and system are moving at a faster pace than in the past, which has led to this team’s success.

So why would the team trade a 23-year-old on his first contract after his rookie extension to get a 31-year-old who just signed an extension? It does not make any sense, especially where the Suns are currently placed. Even if they are doing better than expected, seventh in a stacked West is nothing early on in the season. If they added Randle, it would definitely help them, but at what cost? Not one of making the WCF or NBA Finals, so is it worth it? Why give up on a young asset, one you could either mold or get a bigger return on later down the line, now at one high point in the beginning of the retool?

Yes, some people say Jalen Green is not worth the money he is paid, but it’s better for this roster. The extension he signed with the Rockets kicked in this year, and he makes $106 million over three years. He does have a player option in the last year, which he can pick up or decline if he’s playing better than he’s paid.

Julius Randle’s contract is very similar to Green’s, as he makes $100 million over three years and also has the player option on his last year as well. Once again, the contract does not make sense to pay someone who is getting older when you have someone making just a bit more who can continue to improve.

3. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it​

The classic saying everyone knows, but it remains so true about this team. After so many years of trying to chase a ring and stars, this team shot itself in the foot multiple times. Yet the minute we see success, they should jump back in and do it again?

These role players have been stepping up and delivering, and as someone who has tried to trade them on this site since I started writing here, it may be time to stop. They have been giving the Suns exactly what they need and have delivered on both ends. Why should we reward them by shortening their minutes in the rotation? It just does not make sense to me.

Final Thoughts​

This article was not written to rip apart Julius Randle. Personally, I loved him on those young Lakers teams and always hoped the best for him after the Knicks. He truly has found that in Minnesota, and even though he would make the Suns better on paper, I do not know how much this would help this team now. In the long run, I do not know how much this would help this team.

I also do not want to give up on Jalen Green for nothing. He is still 23 years old and can still blossom into a young star, even if it’s not the number one option he was drafted to be. That type of player can find success here in the Valley. Small sample size or not, I don’t think it’s smart to rush this rebuild into making this trade!

Source: https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/...n-julius-randle-debate-roster-future-analysis

 

[Phoenix Suns]

Game Preview: A shorthanded Suns team steps into a measuring stick game in Houston

Who: Phoenix Suns (13-9) vs. Houston Rockets (14-5)

When: 6:00pm Arizona Time

Where: Toyota Center — Houston, Texas

Watch: Arizona’s Family 3TV, Arizona’s Family Sports, NBATV

Listen: KMVP 98.7

---

Both teams are coming off strong performances. The Suns just dominated the Lakers from start to finish, probably delivering their cleanest and most efficient game of the season (35 assists for only 11 turnovers with a 65.8 eFG%). Phoenix will try to beat the Texas squad for the first time since March 2024.

As for the Rockets, they fell to a very good Utah team before bouncing back by beating Sacramento. It’s also our chance to see our dear Kevin Durant again, since he missed our first matchup for personal reasons.

---

Probable Starters​

---

Injury Report​

Suns​

Jalen Green — OUT (Right Hamstring Strain)

Devin Booker — OUT (Groin Strain)

Isaiah Livers — QUESTIONABLE (Right Hip Strain)

Rockets​

Fred VanVleet — OUT (Torn ACL)

Dorian Finney-Smith — OUT (Ankle Sprain)

Tari Eason — OUT (Oblique Strain)

---

What to Watch For​

First, the storytelling.

We get reunions with Kevin Durant, Josh Okogie, and Aaron Holiday. On the flip side, Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks return to their old home crowd. That alone makes the matchup worth clicking on. Prestige, reunions, revenge, this one has all the ingredients for a high-level game, almost a derby between two near-neighbor states.

And of course, we’re hoping to finally break that losing streak against them. The Suns lead the all-time series 118-116, but Houston has won the last 5 meetings. It’s a clash of styles I can’t wait to watch.

It’s also the Suns’ first game without Booker this season.

Defensively, Phoenix will be fine, but I’m curious to see what happens on the other end: which role player steps up (I’m calling a statement game from Royce), and whether Collin Gillespie keeps riding this insane hot streak. As for Dillon Brooks taking 25 shots and picking up a technical? Vegas should put odds on that.

Plenty of reasons for Suns fans to tune in, even if the last one doesn’t exactly scream “dream scenario.”

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Key to a Suns Win​

Collin Gillespie is in the best stretch of his Suns career. Since mid-November, he’s turned into a real catalyst for Phoenix: stringing together strong games, hitting the 20-point mark, and knocking down threes at nearly 47%. What stands out isn’t just the numbers. It’s how he takes over in clutch moments. His game-winner against Minnesota made noise, and his monster outing vs. OKC proved he can carry the offense when needed.

With the team missing its franchise player, I’m hoping Gillespie brings energy, confidence, and real stability at point guard to help us keep up with this strong Rockets squad.

Houston has the second-best offense in the league this season, largely thanks to their range of profiles: Kevin Durant as a three-level scorer, Amen Thompson as a slashing creator, Alperen Sengun as a floor general, plus shooters all around. But even with all that, they aren’t some unstoppable efficiency machine: 21st in midrange accuracy and 19th at the rim. Their offense is talented and deadly from three (40%), but it relies heavily on offensive rebounding, where they lead the league.

So the key is simple: either limit their threes and force them inside, or gamble and let them fire from deep (best percentage in the league, but they take the fewest threes) so we can load the paint and crash the boards. Phoenix has had three days to prep for this one. Time to put that to use.

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Prediction​

It should be a tight game, a clash of contrasting styles and profiles. But I don’t see us holding on for 48 minutes against the Rockets’ talent and intensity. The game probably swings in the fourth, and we’ll run out of gas trying to match their pace.

Houston 121, Suns 112

Source: https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/...nt-reunion-gillespie-toyota-center-prediction

 

[Phoenix Suns]

Game Recap: Suns fall in painful defeat to Rockets, 117-98

The Suns never really found their rhythm against a supremely sharp Houston team, and despite some solid individual efforts, the Suns fall 117-98. Offensively, the numbers speak for themselves: 39% overall shooting and just 14% from deep, with 15 offensive rebounds that never translated into second-chance points. Ball movement was far from fluid, too, with only 14 assists. Meanwhile, 21 turnovers and 12 steals forced by Phoenix highlighted the relentless defensive pressure.

Individually, Dillon Brooks led the way with 23 points, supported by Bouyea’s 18, but it wasn’t enough to match Houston’s firepower. Kevin Durant scored 28 points, while Amen Thompson was unstoppable with 31, showcasing just how difficult it was to contain their versatile attack.

The final score, 98–117, reflects Houston’s dominance. Phoenix fought hard, but offensive inefficiency and turnovers made the difference, keeping the Suns below 100 points and struggling to stay in the rhythm of a game that quickly slipped away.

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Game Flow​

First Half​

As if by fate, Dillon Brooks and Josh Okogie hit the first two baskets. Both teams quickly locked in: physical, intense, attacks on point, defenses not backing down. After four minutes, it was still neck-and-neck, 8–8.

With five minutes left, nothing had changed. No easy baskets, every contact audible, every shot contested, every rebound fought for. Pure, intense basketball. Suns stayed ahead, 17–15.

Meanwhile, Brooks looked determined not to lose again against his former team: 14 points in the opening quarter. The quarter ended as it began — impactful and intense — but the bench energy, especially Ryan Dunn with 4 rebounds and 2 steals, gave Phoenix a boost. Suns led by seven: 31–24.

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Early in Q2, Jamaree Bouyea, Collin Gillespie, and Nigel Hayes-Davis created a small cushion with three layups for the first two, an interception for Nigel, and Phoenix jumped to +9. Udoka had to call a timeout; his second unit was struggling, and in such a high-intensity game, nine points started to feel heavy.

Still, a Bouyea (7 points) vs Durant (11 points) duel emerged. Our number 17 kept the line steady while Houston accelerated. After six minutes, the Rockets regained control, 46–44.

Things got worse fast. The Suns called another timeout in just two minutes. They were giving up points too easily. Houston shot 13/17; the defense disappeared, and Phoenix struggled to score. A 17–4 run later, the Rockets led by eight, 54–46. Kevin Durant dropped 17 points in the quarter, and Houston shot an absurd 60% overall, 55% from three. Entering halftime, the Suns were down by 10, and honestly, they almost survived.

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Second Half​

Houston kept up the pressure. Amen Thompson found too many open dunks. Jordan Ott called a timeout immediately after a 6–0 run at the start of the second half. Rockets pulled away, 74–58.

Devin Booker’s absence was felt. Shots weren’t falling, options were limited, yet Phoenix wasn’t playing badly. Just unlucky—especially from deep: 3/20 at one point. Still, the Suns stayed in it, albeit barely, 11 points down after five minutes.

Possessions repeated and failed: good ball movement, smart plays, shots bouncing off the rim. Houston surged. 82–65. Three-point shooting at 12%. Durant extended the lead beyond 20, then 25. Heading into Q4, it was 97–72.

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Bouyea remained a bright spot. He was dynamic, fearless, taking responsibility in a tough game, 11 points in just ten minutes. Thompson hit 30+ points, with both his season-highs against Phoenix. With eight minutes left, the score was 110–80, garbage time officially underway.

Suns battled with effort and heart, but sub-40% shooting against this level of opposition is a mountain too steep.

Final Score: 98–117

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Up Next​

After this tough loss, the Suns will have the weekend to reset before facing a revenge-minded Wolves squad in Minneapolis this Monday.

Source: https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/...8-14-percent-3pt-21-turnovers-durant-thompson