Takeaways From Suns' Preseason Finale Win vs Lakers
The Phoenix Suns defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 123-100 in their final tune-up before the season opener next week.
The game started out in rough fashion with Anthony Davis having his way on the defensive end early. The game really broke open in the third frame, when a bench-led Suns unit dominated the Lakers on both ends.
Here's what Suns fans can take away from the matchup:
Defensive Improvement is Noticeable
The Suns' defense continues to show marked improvement, and Vogel's new scheme continues to back the theory that he gets the most out of players in his system.
Phoenix held Los Angeles to two quarters of 20 or fewer points, forced 22 turnovers, and held them to 100 points total, the lowest figure this entire preseason.
LeBron James, Davis, and Austin Reaves all had good performances on paper, but the scrappy Suns defense made all three work for their production.
Phoenix undoubtedly made life difficult for perceived key Lakers contributors Rui Hachimura, D'Angelo Russell, and Christian Wood, if there was any doubt about the core three.
Hachimura, Russell, and Wood shot 5-17 combined and all had rough days on the defensive side.
Drew Eubanks is Quite Serviceable
Eubanks had a wonderful game on both sides of the ball, making up for a not-so-great night from Nurkic. Eubanks pitched in 7 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 blocks, and a steal.
Looking beyond the stats, Eubanks was able to showcase incredible passing vision, utilize his athleticism/IQ on defense, and grab rebounds that lead to Suns advantages.
Eubanks was frequently tabbed as one of the weaker signings the franchise made in July, with many seeing it as a lateral move or even downgrade from Jock Landale.
The former Trail Blazers big man appears to be a very serviceable backup big man and could throw another wrinkle in a Suns offense that hasn't had a strong playmaking big man in an eternity.
Battle for Final Roster Spot
The battle for the final roster spot appears to be down to three players after the final preseason match: Damion Lee, Bol Bol, and Keon Johnson.
Due to NBA roster rules, Phoenix must waive one more player prior to Tuesday after the release of Ish Wainwright earlier Thursday.
Bol should be safe due to the larger need for depth at the center position, but it's tough to say he would be immune from a surprise cut after an uneven preseason.
Lee should be safe, but the meniscus injury that he suffered prior to Media Day in early October may complicate things.
Johnson is an interesting project, but failed to do anything to separate himself from the pack in the time on the court against L.A.
Phoenix ends 2023 preseason play with a 4-1 record. The regular season opener is at Chase Center against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night at 7 PM Arizona time. The game will be broadcast exclusively on TNT.
