PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns don’t need to reinvent themselves against the Golden State Warriors; they need to make sure they are ready to compete before they’re already chasing from behind.
Apr 17, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) defends against Phoenix Suns guard Jordan Goodwin (23) during the first half in the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Phoenix’s season opener in Portland was essentially over before the Suns could settle in. A 21-0 deficit immediately put them in survival mode, exposing a problem that goes beyond one ugly loss: effort and execution have to become reliable traits rather than something Phoenix finds after getting punched first. Dillon Brooks identified three areas that must change: communication, energy, and togetherness.
Jan 27, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix forward Oso Ighodaro (11) against the Brooklyn Nets at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Those aren’t empty buzzwords after what happened in Portland. With Mark Williams and Oso Ighodaro sidelined, Phoenix’s frontcourt depth will be tested. That creates an opportunity for Khaman Maluach and Drew Timme, but it also puts additional pressure on the entire rotation to rebound, communicate defensively, and play with physicality. Offensively, the Suns can’t afford another cold start. Their big three of Booker, Brooks, and Green combined to shoot 15-of-36 in the opener, while backup point guard Collin Gillespie missed all eight of his attempts. Phoenix doesn’t need everyone to shoot lights out, but its scorers have to provide enough production to prevent opponents from loading up on its primary threats.
Dec 18, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) against Phoenix forward Dillon Brooks (3) at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
That’s especially important against Golden State. Falling behind early can force Phoenix into rushed possessions and allow the Warriors to dictate the game’s pace. For Suns fans, Saturday’s home opener is about more than getting into the win column; it’s about response. Communication, energy, togetherness, and shot-creation. Phoenix already learned what happens when those things are missing. Now the Suns have an opportunity to show that lesson mattered.
One Cardinals star believed Marvin Harrison Jr. ‘wasn’t happy’ in Arizona
Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
