DETROIT — The Phoenix Suns wrapped up their first preseason game in Detroit and got a glimpse of what their new roster is capable of doing.
Oct 5, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach (10) takes the ball to the basket against Detroit Pistons forward Paul Reed (7) in the second quarter at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
It was a story of two halves. The Suns looked great to start, with Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green, Oso Ighodaro and newcomer Miles Bridges seemingly fitting well and looking like a group that definitely spent much time this summer building chemistry.
Booker led the way with 13 points on 4-of-7 shooting in just 16 minutes. Green added 11 points, while Brooks had 11 and Bridges finished with eight points, five rebounds and four assists.
Phoenix shot 53.3% from the field in the first half and had little trouble getting the offense going with its starters, building an 18-point lead heading into halftime.
Oct 5, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) loses control of the ball while being guarded by Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson (9) in the third quarter at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
But without a starter playing in the second half, the game quickly changed. The Suns committed 32 turnovers and gave up 37 points off them. A 34-16 third quarter erased the double-digit lead, and while Phoenix fought back to tie it up in the closing seconds of the fourth, the Pistons’ Ebuka Okorie had the go-ahead layup to seal Detroit’s win.
The 109-107 final score doesn’t tell the whole story, but turnover issues will be an area the Suns will need to clean up, especially among their reserves.
However, there were also reasons for optimism.
Oct 5, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Paul Reed (7) applies defensive pressure to Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) in the second quarter at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
Jordan Goodwin provided a spark off the bench, finishing with seven points, six rebounds and three steals in 11 minutes. His offensive rebounding and defense helped Phoenix create extra possessions and gave the Suns energy when they needed it.
Khaman Maluach, whom many of his teammates applauded for his preparation and growth over the summer, also showed flashes of why the club drafted him. He had six points, two rebounds and a blocked shot in 17 minutes, but his stat line doesn’t fully capture his impact. His size and presence around the rim altered shots and gave Phoenix a defensive presence it has been looking for.
For a preseason opener, there is plenty to take away from the 109-107 loss.
Goodie said: 😤👏 https://t.co/F6xkd4HsPT
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) October 6, 2026
Phoenix’s starters showed early chemistry and scoring efficiency, while the reserves showed that ball security is an area needing to be addressed. At the same time, Goodwin’s energy and Maluach’s defensive presence were two encouraging signs for a team still figuring out how all of its new pieces fit together.
The Suns now head to Illinois for their second preseason game against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 5 p.m.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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