The Phoenix Suns wrapped up their final game in China early Sunday morning, and for most of the night, they looked poised to leave with two wins in hand. Then came the fourth quarter. The rhythm that had
carried them faltered, and the Brooklyn Nets seized control, outscoring the Suns 30–21 to steal a 111–109 victory.
Devin Booker set the tone early, pouring in 11 of his 18 points in the first quarter, a sharp contrast to his slow-burn start in the previous matchup. It was a confident, assertive showing, the kind that reminds you why he’s the anchor of this team. He was 3-of-5 from deep, which pushes his preseason three-point percentage to 43.8%.
Dillon Brooks did Dillon Brooks things, managing 12 points before fouling out in the third quarter. Oso Ighodaro matched him with 12 of his own, while Nick Richards provided 11 off the bench, giving Phoenix productive minutes in the frontcourt.It wasn’t the ending they wanted, but it was the kind of game that reveals where the edges still need sharpening.
It was a game that felt well within the Phoenix Suns’ grasp. At least for a while. They built a 15-point lead behind crisp ball movement and confident three-point shooting. By halftime, though, that edge had thinned to 51–49, a reminder that control in basketball is rarely permanent.
The Suns caught fire again in the third, dropping 37 points and reasserting their rhythm. But as the fourth quarter unfolded, with minutes handed to rookies and newcomers, including the debut of Koby Brea, the game slipped through their fingers. A late foul by David Duke Jr. on a Tyrese Martin three-point attempt cracked the door open, and Brooklyn stepped right through it.
It wasn’t a loss that stings, but one that teaches. old the story.
Up Next
The Suns now head home on a 12-hour flight back to Phoenix before turning their attention to Tuesday’s matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers. A long trip behind them, a familiar rivalry ahead.
