Three bold Suns observations from comeback win over Kings

PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns came back from 20 points down to defeat the Sacramento Kings, 120-116, and bring in a new era with a statement win.

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Devin Booker led the way with 31 points, five rebounds and three assists on 10-of-19 shooting. Dillon Brooks didn’t hold back offensively, shooting 24 shots and making nine of them (1-for-8 from three) for 22 points.

Phoenix (1-0) slowed down the scoring prowess of Zach LaVine (30) and DeMar DeRozan (29) to make a third-quarter comeback behind stifling defense and momentous transition offense.

New center Mark Williams, while on a minutes restriction, dominated the paint with six points, 11 rebounds and two blocks, leading the team with a game-high plus-minus of plus-15.

Following an exciting comeback win, let’s get into three bold observations from the Suns’ game one win.

1. These are your new Phoenix Suns

This version of the Suns is exactly what fans should be looking forward to all season. All gas, no brakes. All fight, little resistance.

Whether it be the relentless defensive energy of Brooks, Ryan Dunn and Collin Gillespie, the timely 3-pointers from Royce O’Neale and Grayson Allen, or simply the steady leadership of Booker, Phoenix will always fight until the buzzer.

Sacramento at one point in the second quarter had a 95.1% win probability, but that didn’t phase Phoenix.

Fans, don’t leave the games early. Don’t be so quick to change the channel. Jordan Ott’s Suns will always fight to the end.

2. Too much Dillon Brooks, or just enough?

Love him or hate him, Brooks’ late-game defensive antics guarding DeRozan aided Phoenix in closing out the game, but the rest, especially in the first quarter, may have been a bit much.

Brooks finished the first quarter with 11 field goal attempts and just three makes. Aside from Booker, no other Sun had more than three shot attempts.

When Phoenix’s offense stalled, the ball often found Brooks, but he wasn’t hesitating trying to find another shot with less than 10 seconds on the shot clock. It played into the Suns’ early deficit.

However, Brooks shined down the stretch of the game. Not only did his defense make a tangible impact, but he also went blow for blow with DeRozan, who is one of the league’s elite crunch time scorers.

Moving forward, a better shot diet with just the right amount of defensive pedigree from Brooks will go along way.

3. Ryan Dunn’s year two leap

One of the more underrated aspects of this game was just how good Dunn looked. Entering his second season, you can tell that the game is slowing down for him.

The sophomore finished with nine points, 10 rebounds (five offensive), three assists, one steal and three blocks. He was integral to Phoenix’s defensive stability.

What are the signs that Dunn looks more comfortable in his second-year suit? He’s not hesitant on catch-and-shoots. He’s more composed when driving to the rim. His defensive instincts are a lot more controlled.

The 22-year-old is relied upon to be a key figure on the Suns’ defense, and his first game was a great sign of progression.

Phoenix kickstarts a three-game road trip against the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday at 7:30 p.m. MST in the Intuit Dome.

The Clippers were just rattled, 129-108, by the Utah Jazz to open the season. Luckily, they’ll have The Wall at their home court to combat a similar result against the Suns on Friday.

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