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Suns went toe-to-toe with Utah’s size and didn’t blink

The Phoenix Suns opened their preseason finale with a strong statement, battling Utah’s towering frontcourt to a 95–90 lead after three quarters at Mortgage Matchup Center. Despite facing a Jazz team expected to challenge for a top spot in the league, Phoenix dominated the boards, shot 46.4% from three, and showcased depth with standout performances from their starters.

Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green each scored 18 points, while Devin Booker added 16, and rookie Khaman Maluach made an immediate impact with 7 points and 12 rebounds in his starting debut. The Suns’ ability to compete against Utah’s size and execute offensively suggests they’ll need to maintain this intensity as they prepare for a highly competitive season ahead.

Beyond the scoring, the Suns’ defensive effort and bench contributions stood out. Jordan Goodwin chipped in with 10 points, and Jamaree Bouyea provided energy off the bench with 12 points, though turnovers remained a concern for some players.

The team’s willingness to fight through foul trouble—like Jaren Jackson Jr.’s struggles—highlighted their resilience, even as they acknowledged the work still needed to refine their play. With Utah’s recent rebuild positioning them as a potential title contender, Phoenix’s preseason grit serves as a promising sign for what could be a closely contested Western Conference race.

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