Inside the Suns: First Game Impressions, Who Impressed, Oso Ighodaro (2025)

The Phoenix Suns just played their first preseason game — and fans are buzzing. Was it a sign of a true rebuild in motion, or just a flash in the pan? The energy was electric, the pace was fast, and for the first time in a long time, it actually felt like someone was steering this ship with a clear vision. But here's where it gets controversial: what if the most important changes aren’t about star power, but about heart, hustle, and a completely reimagined team identity?

Welcome to Inside the Suns, your go-to weekly breakdown of everything happening with the Phoenix Suns. Each week, the Fantable — a panel of passionate Bright Siders — dives deep into the latest developments, offering fresh takes, bold opinions, and behind-the-scenes insights you won’t find anywhere else.

This week, we’re unpacking the Suns’ first preseason matchup against the Lakers, spotlighting standout players, and asking the tough questions about lineup decisions. And this is the part most people miss: sometimes the most telling moments come not from the stars, but from the role players fighting for a spot on the roster.

Fantable Questions of the Week

Q1: What are your overall impressions of the Suns after their first preseason game?

GuarGuar: Honestly, I walked away thrilled. Watching the Suns face off against the Lakers wasn’t just entertaining — it felt meaningful. For once, the team looked like it had a clear identity. They were flying around the court, playing with relentless energy, pushing the tempo, and dominating the offensive glass. We were winning the possession battle, which is something that haunted us nearly every night last season. This time, we were the ones controlling the pace and the rhythm. And I have to say, Coach Ott might be onto something special. There’s a quiet confidence in his approach — a calm intelligence that makes you believe he sees the bigger picture. It’s early, but the foundation feels different.

Ashton: Okay, full disclosure — I didn’t actually watch the game. I know, I know — that’s practically a crime among die-hard Suns fans. These questions came in on a Saturday, and I was busy following the Mercury and Aces games. To be honest, I saw more elite talent in the University of Arizona’s Red-Blue scrimmage than on the Lakers’ bench that night. But I’m not here to fake it. I won’t regurgitate box scores or quote other analysts. That’s not fair to you. Instead, I’ll point you to John Voita’s recap over at Bright Side of the Sun — in my opinion, it’s the most insightful piece out there. At this point, all I can do is look at the scoreboard and let a little hope creep in. The Suns won. That’s something.

OldAz: I’ll admit, I only caught about a quarter and a half. It was preseason, after all, and neither LeBron, Luka, nor Green suited up. But even in that short span, I noticed something refreshing: movement. Constant motion on both ends. But more than that, the effort and energy stood out. Last season, the Suns often looked disengaged — like they were just going through the motions. This time? They played like they cared. And that’s huge. Sure, talent gaps will show up later — we might be outmatched on many nights — but desire can go a long way. If this team brings this kind of fire every night, I’ll be watching. And honestly, after enduring the Cardinals’ disaster last Sunday and nearly every soul-crushing Suns game from the past two years, I’ll probably be glued to the screen anyway. But at least now, it might actually be fun to watch.

Rod: From the opening tip, the game was just fun. Players were hustling, rotating on defense, and running a real offense — one with ball movement, player movement, and actual structure. No more standing around while one guy isolates. Last year, I could predict every possession: Booker gets the ball, everyone else watches. It got stale, fast. But this game? Full of surprises. The ball moved, the defense communicated, and there was a sense of cohesion. That alone is a win.

Q2: Which player (or players) impressed you the most in the first preseason game?

GuarGuar: Oso Ighodaro stood out to me — not because he put up huge numbers, but because of how he was used. He brought the ball up the court several times and attacked bigger defenders off the dribble. That’s not something we saw much last year. It shows versatility, confidence, and a skill set that adds a new dimension to our frontcourt. Even in a low-stakes game, that kind of creativity is exciting.

Ashton: I didn’t watch, but one stat jumped out at me — and it’s not exactly flattering. DA scored one point in 18 minutes. But he grabbed 8 rebounds. Do the math: that’s a 2-point, 16-rebound pace over 40 minutes. Look, I’m stretching here — I know it’s preseason, and one game doesn’t define a season. But come on, DA. You’re a force on the glass, but your teammates still can’t figure out how to get you the ball in scoring position. And no, you can’t pass to yourself — though Booker might try it. If I had to pick someone, I’d give credit to Grayson Allen stepping up with Jalen Green sidelined. If Green’s injury lingers into the regular season, we might actually see a lineup with Allen, Booker, and Allen again — a wild but possible scenario.

OldAz: I missed most of Maluach’s time, but Nigel Hayes-Davis caught my eye. He looked smooth, confident, and totally in sync with the team’s pace. He’s clearly going to be a valuable addition. And Dillon Brooks? Same old Brooks — tough, aggressive, and exactly what this team needs to shift the culture. He’s the kind of player who sets the tone with effort and physicality, and we’ve been missing that.

Rod: Grayson Allen was a standout for me. Starting in place of Green, he looked more lively and fluid than last season — especially when handling the ball and initiating the offense. His shooting is still elite, and he brought a level of control that the team desperately needed. Honestly, I don’t want to hear another trade rumor about him. He’s vital.

Dillon Brooks also impressed me with how seamlessly he fit in on both ends. If his three-point shooting stays consistent, he could be even more impactful than we expected — a true two-way contributor. Nigel Hayes-Davis? Same thing — smart, gritty, and versatile. He’ll adapt to whatever role the team needs.