The Phoenix Suns have officially completed (and won) their first preseason game of the 2024-25 season.

It started off a bit choppy and slow – as expected – but as the rust subsided and the second unit found its rhythm, they pulled away. They outscored the Lakers 33-22 in the final quarter and stormed back to victory in Mike Budenholzer’s Suns debut.

LeBron and his son Bronny shared the court and made history in a pretty cool moment.

But this is a Suns program, so back to what we care about…the Phoenix Suns, not the Lakers’ son. (I’ll be here all night)

Main actor

• Josh Okogie – 15 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 assists (16 minutes)
• Oso Ighodaro – 12 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, 1 blocks (27 minutes)
• Collin Gillespie – 12 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds (12 minutes)
• LeBron James – 19 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks (16 minutes)

1st half

The Suns got off to a rocky start, which is to be expected in your first preseason game. The Lakers took an 11-7 lead into the first timeout. Phoenix responded quickly with six straight points to take a 13-11 lead.

Devin Booker was in good control of the first quarter, scoring 12 points in nine minutes (3-5 on three-pointers).

The Suns’ second unit had a lot to offer, especially Morris, Allen, O’Neale, Dunn and Ighodaro. At first glance, Bol Bol was clearly left out of this bench rotation.

The Lakers finished the quarter strong, taking a six-point lead led by Russell and Reaves. After the first quarter, the Lakers led 34-25. It was a difficult start as the team shook off the rock.

In the second quarter the rust began to come off and the Suns found their rhythm. They cut the lead to two and forced a timeout for the Lakers.

They started threesomes at a high pace, as announced in the preseason speech. The Suns averaged 32 three-point attempts per game last season. They had already made it 20 with two minutes left in the first half.

Ryan Dunn joined in the fun, hitting a corner three!

At halftime, Phoenix trailed by 12, 69-57.

2nd half

The second half began with Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal on the bench. On the Lakers’ side were LeBron and Davis.

The Suns sent Tyus Jones, Grayson Allen, Ryan Dunn, Royce O’Neale and Mason Plumlee. The game was a bit choppy and I can confirm that it was still preseason basketball.

Damion Lee looked great in his comeback, knocking down two of his first three shots, including this bomb from deep.

The Lakers took a 92-85 lead into the fourth quarter.

The fourth period was filled with a lot of fast-paced, rec-ball style play like we often see in the late game moments of the preseason.

We got our first look at Frank Kaminsky, Jalen Bridges and Collin Gillespie. Gillespie was cooking, scoring 7 points in 5 minutes. Josh Okogie and Oso Ighodaro also looked very solid and provided meaningful minutes as they battled for a role.

The end was a bit dramatic, the Suns stormed into the lead, but the Lakers quickly fought back. Ultimately, the Suns’ bench corps fought hard for the win and outplayed Los Angeles in the final moments to secure the win.

PS: I have to pat myself on the back for almost nailing it.

Next

Suns @ Pistons at Breslin Center (Michigan State)

October 8th at 4:00 p.m. (AZ time)