Suns Shine in Macau as NBA Returns to China
The Phoenix Suns made a strong impression on their trip to China, emerging victorious in a hard-fought 132-127 win over the Brooklyn Nets in a preseason matchup at the Venetian Arena in Macau.
Key Moments
The game got off to a hot start, with the Nets racing out to a 10-0 lead and looking to make a statement in their return to the Chinese market. However, the Suns slowly worked their way back into the game, led by the scoring exploits of star guard Devin Booker.
The second half saw the Suns turn up the defensive intensity, forcing the Nets into several turnovers and transition opportunities. Suns reserve Jordan Goodwin provided a spark off the bench, making several key plays down the stretch to help secure the victory for Phoenix.
Player Impact
Booker led the way for the Suns, pouring in a game-high 28 points to go along with 6 rebounds and 5 assists. The All-Star guard showcased his full offensive arsenal, knocking down jumpers and attacking the rim with his trademark aggressiveness.
Newcomer Jalen Green also made his presence felt, chipping in 22 points for the Suns. The former Rockets lottery pick appears to be settling in nicely alongside Booker in Phoenix's backcourt.
On the Nets' side, Zeng Fanbo provided an inspiring homecoming performance in front of his countrymen, scoring 15 points and grabbing 8 rebounds. Fellow youngster Michael Porter Jr. also impressed with 20 points and 7 boards.
Suns' Defensive Identity
Head coach Jordan Ott was pleased with his team's defensive effort, which set the tone for their comeback victory. The Suns have emphasized an aggressive, up-tempo style of play this preseason, and it paid dividends against the Nets.
"We want to test the limits of how physical we can be," said Suns veteran Nigel Hayes-Davis. "We're going to come out, we're going to get after it, we're going to go and go and go and, 'ah, too much.' OK. Cool. Now we have this gauge where we know how far we can go."
This approach seems to suit the Suns' youthful and athletic roster, and they'll look to carry that defensive intensity into the regular season as they aim to build on last year's playoff appearance.
TL;DR
- The Phoenix Suns defeated the Brooklyn Nets 132-127 in a preseason matchup in Macau, China
- Devin Booker led the Suns with 28 points, while Jalen Green added 22 points
- The Suns emphasized an aggressive, physical defensive style that helped fuel their comeback victory
- Zeng Fanbo and Michael Porter Jr. stood out for the Nets in the losing effort
- The Suns appear to have found an identity centered around their defensive intensity this preseason