Grading the Phoenix Suns Starting Five After Preseason Opening Loss

October 7, 2026 - 00:20

The Phoenix Suns opened their preseason slate against Detroit with a starting unit that looked sharp early and faded late, dropping a narrow decision after building a double digit advantage. The first group set an aggressive tone on both ends, pushing tempo and attacking mismatches before the coaching staff emptied the bench.

Devin Booker picked up where he left off, working the mid range with patience and drawing extra attention on nearly every possession. His shot creation kept the offense afloat during the opening quarter, and he looked comfortable operating out of pick and roll sets.

Dillon Brooks turned heads with an efficient scoring stretch, knocking down open looks and cutting hard to the rim. His defensive pressure also disrupted Detroit's early rhythm.

The interior pairing held up well on the glass, though foul trouble limited minutes for one big man. Transition defense remains a concern, as the Pistons clawed back once the starters sat.

the group showed real chemistry and a clear identity. The challenge now is sustaining that level for full games.