The Phoenix Suns kicked off their preseason with an impressive 118-114 come-from-behind victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, showcasing depth, resilience, and promising contributions from their bench players. In a game where both teams experimented with lineups and played their stars limited minutes, the Suns’ bench made the difference, turning a double-digit deficit into a victory in the second half. The performance was a positive sign for a team that has made significant roster changes during the offseason, hoping to build a squad capable of making a deep playoff run.
Phoenix entered the preseason with sky-high expectations after acquiring All-Star guard Bradley Beal to form a potent trio alongside Devin Booker and Kevin Durant. While the stars showed glimpses of their potential in the first half, it was the bench that stole the show, making critical plays on both ends of the court to secure the win. With key reserves like Eric Gordon, Yuta Watanabe, and Drew Eubanks stepping up, the Suns’ depth could be a major asset this season.
The game didn’t start well for the Suns, as the Lakers quickly jumped out to an early lead, powered by the veteran duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The Lakers’ starters played efficiently, with James facilitating the offense and Davis dominating the paint. At one point, Los Angeles held a 12-point lead, and it seemed like the game might slip away from Phoenix before halftime. However, Suns head coach Frank Vogel, facing his former team, made adjustments that allowed Phoenix to regain their footing.
In the second half, the Suns’ bench unit took over, bringing a burst of energy and defensive intensity that slowed down the Lakers’ offense. Eric Gordon, the veteran sharpshooter acquired in the offseason, was instrumental in the comeback, knocking down three-pointers and driving to the basket. He finished with 15 points, providing a scoring boost that helped the Suns claw back into the game. Gordon’s experience and shooting ability could prove invaluable for Phoenix this season, especially when the team needs a lift off the bench.
Yuta Watanabe, another new addition, made his presence felt on the defensive end, using his length to disrupt passing lanes and contest shots. Watanabe’s hustle plays energized the Suns and set the tone for the second half. His ability to guard multiple positions and stretch the floor with his shooting makes him a versatile option for the Suns as they look to solidify their rotation.
Another standout performance came from center Drew Eubanks, who provided crucial rim protection and rebounding against the Lakers’ frontcourt. Eubanks’ effort on the boards and timely shot-blocking helped turn the tide in the Suns’ favor, especially during the fourth quarter when the game was hanging in the balance. Eubanks’ contribution in the paint will be important for Phoenix, particularly after the departure of Deandre Ayton in the offseason.
While the Suns’ reserves played a significant role in the comeback, the team’s stars also made key contributions. Kevin Durant and Devin Booker each had efficient scoring outings, combining for 30 points in limited minutes. Bradley Beal, making his debut in a Suns uniform, showed flashes of his scoring prowess, giving fans a taste of what the star trio could achieve together this season. Despite only playing around 15 minutes each, their presence helped set the tone early and keep the game within reach before the bench took over.
For the Lakers, the preseason opener was an opportunity to test their new-look roster, including the addition of Gabe Vincent and Christian Wood. LeBron James and Anthony Davis showed their usual chemistry, but with the game being more about rotations and experimenting, they were unable to fend off the Suns’ rally. Despite the loss, Lakers coach Darvin Ham emphasized the importance of using the preseason to build cohesion and prepare for the regular season grind.
After the game, Suns head coach Frank Vogel praised the bench’s effort and highlighted the team’s depth as a crucial factor in the victory. “We saw a lot of great things from our bench tonight. It’s important that we have guys who can come in and maintain our level of play or even take it up a notch,” Vogel said. “We want to be a deep team this year, and games like tonight show that we’re on the right track.”
The win is just the first step in what the Suns hope will be a strong season, but it offers a promising glimpse of their potential. The ability of their bench to contribute meaningfully and change the course of a game could be vital in a Western Conference filled with strong opponents. As Phoenix continues to integrate their new pieces and refine their style of play, performances like this will build confidence and momentum.
The Suns will continue their preseason with a focus on developing chemistry and solidifying their rotation. If their bench can consistently perform at this level, it will give Phoenix a valuable edge as they pursue their championship aspirations. For now, the come-from-behind victory over the Lakers is a testament to their depth and determination, setting a positive tone for the challenges that lie ahead in the upcoming regular season.