Bright Side Of The Sun
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Suns overcome defensive lapses to win home opener against Warriors
The Phoenix Suns clinched their home‑opener, beating a depleted Golden State Warriors squad despite defensive miscues and a rebounding deficit. Devin Booker led with 43 points on 17‑of‑25 shooting, while the Suns hit 37.8% from three and 58.1% overall. However, they allowed 122 points, were out‑rebounded 19‑9, and surrendered 26 second‑chance points, highlighting early-season concerns. The win eases pressure ahead of back‑to‑back games against Oklahoma City and Denver, giving the revamped roster a chance to coalesce before the 20‑game mark.
Game Recap: Booker drops 43 as Suns take down shorthanded Warriors, 131-122
Devin Booker erupts for 43 points on 17‑of‑25 shooting as the Phoenix Suns defeat a shorthanded Golden State Warriors 131‑122 in their home opener on Oct. 24, 2026. The Suns shoot 58.1% and out‑run the Warriors 27‑7 in transition, while Golden State is without Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and others. Booker's line includes 7 rebounds, 7 assists and a block in 36 minutes. Miles Bridges adds 16 points, Dillon Brooks 15, and Collin Gillespie leads with 11 points and 9 assists. For Golden State, De’Anthony Melton tops with 25 points and Yaxel Lendeborg scores 23. The win gives Phoenix early momentum heading into the season.
Suns JAM Session Podcast: Winning UGLY in the Valley
The original post-game podcast on Planet Purple! Watch it right here! Listen to the latest podcast episode of the Suns JAM Session Podcast below. Stay up to date on every episode, subscribe to the pod on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, YouTube Podcasts, Amazon Music, Podbean, and Castbox. Please subscribe, rate, and review.
Game Thread: Suns home opener vs. Warriors
Let’s open the season at home on a much different note than that first game. If you don’t have the SB Nation app, it comes in real handy for Game Threads. Just sayin’! You’ll see our team commenting more during the game now. Why? Because we have the app!
Game Preview: Depleted Warriors vs. Vengeful Suns
The Phoenix Suns (0‑1) head into a showdown with a severely depleted Golden State Warriors (0‑2) on Saturday night in Phoenix. After a historic opening‑night loss in Portland, Devin Booker calls it a “wake‑up call” and the Suns want a response. The Warriors are without Stephen Curry (right‑knee management), Al Horford, Brandin Podziemski and several others, with Draymond Green listed doubtful. Phoenix also deals with absences, including Mark Williams and Oso Ighodaro. Key to a Suns win: improve the three‑point shot, generate early rim touches and move the ball better to avoid the contested mid‑range game that cost them in Portland. The game starts at 7 p.m. AZ time and streams on Suns+.
4 free agent centers the Suns could target after Oso’s injury
After Oso Ighodaro suffers an oblique strain that sidelines him for the Suns’ upcoming game against Golden State, Phoenix’s center depth plummets to Khaman Maluach, Duop Reath and Drew Timme. With Mark Williams out after shoulder labrum surgery and a $4.4 million cap space opening, the Suns could chase free‑agent veterans. The article highlights 35‑year‑old Dwight Powell—13‑year NBA veteran, 6.5 pts, 4.2 reb per game, 83rd‑percentile defender—as a prime rebounding and rim‑protection option to shore up the bench. It also notes the uncertain recovery timeline for Ighodaro, ranging from 1 to 8+ weeks depending on injury grade.
Inside the Suns: Game 1, the next 11 games, Drew Timme, Oso’s contract extension
In this opening episode of Inside the Suns, the Bright Side Of The Sun round‑table dissects Phoenix’s 0‑1 start against Portland, calling the loss a collective “team effort” of poor play as Dame Davis’ three‑point barrage overwhelms them. Debutant Koa Peat registers his first points and a technical, while panelists debate whether the early home‑heavy schedule (nine of the first twelve games) will aid a turnaround or set up a tough road stretch later. Opinions vary—from fear the loss signals a new norm to hopes it’s a one‑off—prompting listeners to watch how the Suns respond in Game 2.
How experience is reshaping the Suns’ two-way contract strategy
The Phoenix Suns are shifting their two‑way contract approach from developing raw prospects to favoring seasoned players who can contribute immediately. After waiving young two‑way Rookies Koby Brea and CJ Huntley, the team added veteran stand‑ins like Jamaree Bouyea (26), Duop Reath (30) and Drew Timme (26) after injuries created depth needs. By converting Reath to a two‑way deal and claiming Timme off waivers, the Suns prioritize experience over long‑term development, showing a willingness to adjust roster strategy in real time. This nimble mindset may not guarantee a title yet, but it signals a more flexible, need‑driven roster construction.
Oso Ighodaro’s extension highlights the Suns’ roster strategy
The Phoenix Suns lock up bench anchor Oso Ighodaro with a three‑year, $29 million extension that won’t hit the books until 2028‑29, keeping his rookie‑scale salary of $2 million for two more seasons and preserving cap flexibility. The move underscores the Suns’ aggressive roster‑tweaking strategy ahead of the season, which also saw Jordan Goodwin claimed off waivers, Jamaree Bouyea added to a two‑way deal, and the waiving of veteran wing Haywood Highsmith to trim the roster. By securing a cost‑effective backup big and fine‑tuning depth, Phoenix aims to improve its odds of a strong start.
The Suns got punched in the mouth. Now what?
The Phoenix Suns stumbled in their season opener on Oct. 21, 2026, falling to the Portland Trail Blazers in a demoralizing loss that left fans and analysts frustrated. Blogger Bright Side Of The Sun critiques the Suns' lack of rebounding and scoring efficiency, warning that star forward Khamani Maluach will attract extra attention and that players like Miles Bridges and Dillon Brooks must elevate their rebounding to stay competitive. While acknowledging the early‑season sample size, the piece urges patience but stresses that the team must quickly improve or risk deeper woes in the 82‑game schedule.
The Solar Panel returns because some conversations never end
The blog reflects on the evolution of the Phoenix Suns’ fan podcast scene, centering on the author’s first live‑postgame recording with the Solar Panel crew on May 23, 2021, during the Suns’ first playoff appearance in a decade. It recounts the anxiety‑filled trek to Mesa’s Chupacabra Taproom, the impromptu live stream, and how the Solar Panel podcast—originally a Saturday‑morning YouTube show since 2017—spawned the Suns JAM Session, which began post‑game broadcasts throughout the 2020‑21 season and continued through the NBA Finals. The piece also details the podcast’s later transformation, with hosts Dave King, Espo, Saul Bookman, and new contributors reshaping the platform into PHNX and a broader Basketball Podcast Network.
What to expect from Booker at 30
Devin Booker turns 30 on Oct. 30, 2026, as the Suns open their 2026‑27 campaign with a 124‑83 loss to Portland. He posted 23 points on 7‑of‑13 shooting and is poised to chase franchise milestones in minutes, field goals and free‑throw attempts, potentially ending his career as the Suns’ all‑time leader. Comparing his age‑30 peers, most saw scoring bumps, and Booker’s career averages (24.6 pts, 5.3 ast, 4.0 reb) project to a 28.4‑point, 6.4‑assist, 5‑reb season—enough to break Tom Chambers’ single‑season scoring record. While MVP‑level play is unlikely, the article argues Booker could target the franchise scoring crown, All‑NBA recognition, and propel Phoenix beyond a first‑round exit.
What about the 11th, 12th, and 13th people on the court?
The article explores how NBA referee crews can influence game outcomes, using Phoenix Suns data as a case study. It explains that crew assignments are posted early on game day and details metrics like points per game, total fouls called, and home‑vs‑away foul bias. For example, a crew of Zach Zarba, Simone Jelks, and Ray Acosta called 2.8% more fouls on the home team—about three extra calls versus a typical crew—potentially affecting close games. The piece offers fans a tool to gauge referee tendencies before a Suns matchup, helping coaches, players, and bettors anticipate foul trouble.
Phoenix must respond after a disastrous loss to Portland
The Phoenix Suns suffered a disastrous 112-97 home opener loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Oct. 21, 2026, exposing a baffling lack of cohesion and preparedness. With Damian Lillard back for Portland and new players debuting, the Suns appeared disjointed, prompting editor John Voita to liken the performance to a crime scene. The article calls out the team’s sluggish start and urges fans to weigh in ahead of the Suns’ next home game on Saturday, emphasizing the urgent need for improved effort from coaches and players.
The Suns are on the wrong side of history
The Phoenix Suns suffered a historic 124-83 drubbing at the hands of the Portland Trail Blazers on October 21, 2026 – a 41‑point season‑opener loss, the worst in franchise history and the second 40+ defeat in the NBA’s 50‑year record. Phoenix shot just 35.7% and 6‑of‑31 from three, while Damian Lillard poured in 25 points for Portland. Only the 1999 Miami Heat have rebounded from a 40‑plus loss to make the playoffs. With two days to regroup before facing Golden State, the Suns must overhaul effort, defense and ball movement.
Overreaction: The Phoenix Suns are not an ascending team
The Bright Side Of The Sun argues the Phoenix Suns are far from an "ascending" team, citing a recent loss to Portland as evidence. Devin Booker posted a -43 box score with zero 3‑point attempts, highlighting a concerning decline. The article critiques Dillon Brooks, Collin Gillespie, and Miles Bridges as talented but unlikely to improve significantly, and doubts the growth potential of bench players like Ryan Dunn, Rasheer Fleming, Toumani Camara, Oso Ighodaro, and Koa Peat. Only Jalen Green and Khaman Maluach are seen as possible ascenders, yet both display critical weaknesses in vision and defensive fundamentals. Owner Mat Ishbia’s optimism appears misplaced as the roster lacks clear upward momentum.
Devin Booker attempts zero threes in Suns’ season-opening 41-point loss
In Phoenix Suns’ season‑opening loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, the Suns were trounced 124‑83, a 41‑point defeat that saw Devin Booker—still on his rookie number‑15 jersey—record just 12 points on 6‑of‑17 shooting and, astonishingly, attempt zero three‑pointers. It was only the 17th time in his 738‑game career that Booker didn’t shoot from beyond the arc, the first such instance since November 2024. Meanwhile, returning star Damian Lillard went 6‑of‑10 from three for 25 points, highlighting the Suns’ offensive woes. Coach Jordan Ott blamed the emotional atmosphere, and Booker acknowledged the need to improve in post‑game comments.
The Suns opened their season with a basketball crime scene
The Phoenix Suns suffered a dismal 1‑0 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Oct. 21, 2026, prompting writer John Voita to call the performance "embarrassing." The Suns managed just 12 points in the first quarter while allowing 43, exposing off‑season worries about their offense, three‑point shooting, and rebounding. Devin Booker led with 23 points but shot poorly (7‑of‑13, 0‑of‑0 from three) and posted a -43 plus/minus, while Jalen Green added 10 points. The author warns that the team's lofty culture promises must be earned as the season unfolds.
Game Recap: Suns suffer 124-83 blowout loss to Trail Blazers in season opener
The Phoenix Suns tumble in their 2026‑27 season opener, falling 124‑83 to the Portland Trail Blazers – a 41‑point drubbing that saw the Suns shoot just 35.7% from the floor and a dismal 19.4% from three. Portland surged ahead 43‑12 in the first quarter, led by Damian Lillard’s six triples (matching the Suns’ total). Devin Booker tops Phoenix with 23 points but posts a –43 plus/minus. The Blazers outrebound 56‑39, generate 26 second‑chance points and finish 52% shooting overall. The loss raises questions about Phoenix’s offseason promises of continuity and accountability as they look to rebound over the 82‑game schedule.
Suns JAM Session Podcast: Suns @ Blazers
The original post-game podcast on Planet Purple! Watch it right here! Listen to the latest podcast episode of the Suns JAM Session Podcast below. Stay up to date on every episode, subscribe to the pod on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, YouTube Podcasts, Amazon Music, Podbean, and Castbox. Please subscribe, rate, and review.
Game Thread: SUNS SEASON OPENER!
If you don’t have the SB Nation app, it comes in real handy for Game Threads. Just sayin’! You’ll see I’m commenting more during the game now. Why? Because I have the app!
Game Preview: Let’s get this season started!
The Phoenix Suns open the 2026‑27 NBA season tonight against a revamped Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center. After losing a 114‑110 play‑in game to Portland last April, the Suns hope to avenge that loss against a Blazers squad featuring a healthy Damian Lillard and new acquisition Ja Morant. Key storylines include Miles Bridges’ role, Jalen Green’s playmaking, Devin Booker’s shooting efficiency, and the center rotation on both sides. Injuries to note: Suns Luke Kennard (questionable) and Mark Williams (out); Blazers Deni Avdija (questionable) and several others out. The matchup will test Phoenix’s aggressive defense against Portland’s rebuilt offense.
A letter to Suns Nation: 2026-27 Season Edition
In a season‑preview letter to Suns Nation, the Phoenix Suns outline why they could improve on last year's 45‑win, playoff run. Coach highlights returning core players—Devin Booker, Collin Gillespie, Dillon Brooks, Jordan Goodwin, and Oso Ighodaro—plus new power forward Cam Bridges, whose shooting and guard‑friendly skill set should boost their three‑point output. With Jalen Green healthy and a stable starting lineup, the Suns aim for consistency, though the Western Conference has deepened after major roster overhauls and an elite 2026 draft class featuring Darryn Peterson and Cam Boozer. Injuries to Mark Williams and a tougher conference could still keep Phoenix out of the playoffs.
The Suns are back. How many wins are we predicting?
The Bright Side Of The Sun roundtable predicts a bounce‑back season for Phoenix as the Suns open the 2026‑27 campaign. Lead analyst foresees a 47–35 record, securing the 6th seed in the Western Conference and a playoff win over the Houston Rockets. Other contributors forecast 48‑34 (6th), 44‑38 (7th), 47‑35 (8th) and even a 42‑40 finish, citing improved starting line‑up, added depth, and better health after last year’s injury‑ridden stretch. The piece highlights key roster changes—Miles Bridges replacing Royce O’Neale and the development of young bigs—as the main drivers of the expected improvement.
Join us for the 2026-27 Suns season on the SB Nation app
Bright Side Of The Sun promotes the new SB Nation app, now available for iOS and Android in North America with Europe coming soon. The app centralizes community posts, comments, and articles on a unified feed and introduces a real‑time game chat that highlights NBA game action. Since its release two months ago, download numbers have risen, setting single‑day commenting records three times. Fans can toggle between the traditional front‑page view and the integrated feed, enjoy faster notifications, and avoid ads while following live NBA games. The post encourages readers to try the app for a more interactive basketball experience.
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