GLENDALE – Wednesday was setting up to be a disastrous home opener for the Phoenix Suns. The team had claimed all offseason to put a lineup on the floor that would make the fans proud, which wasn’t the case in the first half. Phoenix was down 20 points late in the 2nd quarter, with no hope in sight. However, the promises from the franchise in the offseason were responded by the players’ actions in the second half, when the Suns went on a 31-10 run to retake the lead.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!During that stretch, the team shot seven-for-16 from beyond the arc to fuel the comeback. The hot shooting of Devin Booker, Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale helped lifted the team offensively to the win and generate most of the credit.
Despite those efforts, the Suns had an unsung hero who was instrumental part during that run, that being center Mark Williams. When he arrived this offseason, Williams had plenty of baggage with his injury history. On Wednesday, the 23-year-old shut down all that noise.
Oct 22, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook (18) shoots the ball against Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams (15) during the second half at the Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Williams was a team’s best +15, finishing with six points, 11 rebounds and two blocks. In the fourth quarter alone, he played eight minutes snagging seven rebounds and getting both his blocks in the frame. His debut in Phoenix was an odd one for Williams, as the usual starter came off the bench. Regardless, the young center is ready to contribute in anyway he can.
Williams shows off impressive athleticism:
“It was a little different,” Williams on coming off the bench in Suns debut. “But it was what we needed. I just wanted to be out there whenever I was on the court to make an impact. Obviously, I was in down the stretch, so that helped, but felt good though.”
Oct 22, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Sacramento Kings guard DeMar DeRozan (10) shoots the ball against Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams (15) during the second half at the Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The seven-footer’s size proved to be a huge asset for Phoenix vs. Sacramento. Williams controlled the paint offensively and defensively, snagging rebounds and generating space for downhill ball handlers. His athleticism makes him a dangerous lob threat, forcing his man to stay close to Williams when rolling on the pick-and-roll. Booker and Allen had plenty of space to operate because of the gravity their center held against the defense.
Williams’ injury history will have the Suns being cautious and having him on a minute restrictions. Once the big man can prove his health, his minutes will increase and likely make his return to being a starter and a major part of the franchise’s future this season.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
