National Basketball Association

Phoenix Suns vs Utah Jazz: Embarrassing Start, Good Win

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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With 8 minutes left to go in the 2nd quarter, the Phoenix Suns were down by 30. As fan, I just had to sigh, shake my head, and say “it’s a good thing this one doesn’t really count”.

As I watched the Phoenix Suns embarrass themselves on national TV for 1 and a half quarters, the word preseason ran through my mind close to 100 times. I had to constantly assure myself that the season wouldn’t actually be like this.

Then, something changed. The Suns finished that second quarter down 18. They finished the 3rd quarter down 10. Was there some sort of hope that the Suns could push this game all the way back?

Before I watched Archie Goodwin slam home an amazing game winner with 3 seconds left, I saw something absolutely fantastic unfold.

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Archie Goodwin missed the free throw to tie the game. Enter: Dragan Bender. Bender fought for the rebound, tapped it out, and was able to help reset the play.

Though Bender hasn’t produced much of any statistic in the preseason, these effort stats are the most important thing a rookie can do. Scoring will come for Bender, but right now, those kinds of players are perfect for him to get his groove.

As the preseason continues, the league becomes more and more aware of Devin Booker. Finishing with a game high 20 points. Also putting up 3 assists, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals, Booker’s growth even in just the preseason is an extremely promising sight for Suns fans.

Another noticeable contribution from the Suns: Marquesse Chriss. The forward simply looked great throughout the whole game. Finishing lobs, making convincing pump fakes, and muscling into the paint for and-ones, Chriss is finding his game. Watching his versatility on the floor reminds me of, dare I say it, a young Tim Duncan.

Though the Suns struggled to get going, watching the back half of the game was a promising sight. Bledsoe hit 3 three’s, Devin did what Devin does, Chriss crushed the inside. This season, the Suns have the opportunity to be something great. And last night, fans saw flashes of what to expect.

What’d you think? Good win for the Phoenix Suns? Or was the horrible early play the bigger story?

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