USA NEWS – The Phoenix Suns, boasting a revamped roster with the addition of Kevin Durant, kicked off their preseason campaign with a convincing 118-114 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers at Acrisure Arena in Pittsburgh. While the star power of the Suns’ “Big Three” took a backseat, the focus was on implementing new strategies and evaluating contributions from the team’s depth.

Head Coach Mike Budenholzer, taking the helm for his first season in Phoenix, utilized this preseason matchup as an opportunity to experiment with different lineups. Notably, the starting lineup featured Tyus Jones at point guard, a departure from the traditional setup with Chris Paul. This decision highlighted Coach Budenholzer’s intent to explore offensive wrinkles that prioritize shooting over a traditional table-setting point guard.

Despite the Lakers taking an early lead and maintaining it through halftime, the Suns displayed resilience in the second half. Young players like Josh Okogie, who finished with 15 points and 5 rebounds, emerged as key contributors for Phoenix. Okogie’s energetic play on both ends of the court showcased his potential as a valuable asset to the Suns’ rotation.

The returning veteran, Damion Lee, also made a positive impact on the court. Lee, who battled a career-threatening knee injury last season, showcased his shooting prowess, contributing valuable minutes off the bench. His return adds depth and experience to the Suns’ perimeter rotation.

While Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal played sparingly in the first half, their presence was undoubtedly missed offensively. The Suns struggled to establish a consistent scoring rhythm throughout the first two quarters, highlighting the importance of their offensive firepower.

However, the second half demonstrated a renewed offensive focus for Phoenix. The Suns displayed their commitment to a three-point-heavy offense, mirroring the current NBA trend. Their concerted effort to get more shots from beyond the arc resulted in a more fluid offensive flow and a comfortable lead in the final minutes.

This preseason matchup served both teams well. The Lakers, seeking to solidify their chemistry with the returning LeBron James and Anthony Davis, gained valuable game experience. Meanwhile, the Suns utilized the opportunity to experiment with lineups, assess contributions from their depth players, and establish their offensive identity for the upcoming season.

With the regular season fast approaching, the Suns will continue to fine-tune their strategies and rotations. Coach Budenholzer will have the challenging yet exciting task of integrating the “Big Three” with the rest of the team while maximizing the potential of their valuable role players. The success of the Phoenix Suns this season could hinge on their ability to find a cohesive balance between veteran leadership and youthful exuberance.