Here are three key takeaways from the fourth Suns preseason game against the Blazers…

 

Beal with the handles and dish to Metu 🤧 pic.twitter.com/FjAAMpzHjm

— NBA TV (@NBATV) October 17, 2023

Here are three key takeaways from the fourth Suns preseason game against the Blazers:

1. Devin Booker’s Preseason Dominance: Despite a summer filled with significant changes for the Suns, including the coaching transition from Monty Williams to Frank Vogel and the addition of Bradley Beal, Devin Booker remains a standout player.

“I personally am winding him up to shoot that shot.”

Frank Vogel said Devin Booker has been hesitant in recent seasons to take pull-up 3s at a high volume, but he thinks it’s “a hell of a weapon” and wants Book to shoot more of them: pic.twitter.com/GFh1X4pLlg

— PHNX Suns (@PHNX_Suns) October 17, 2023

He showcased his prowess in the preseason game, even though he and the other members of the Big 3 – Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal – didn’t play in the second half. In just 18 minutes on the court, Booker managed to score 19 points, make 4 assists, and record 2 steals, shooting at an impressive 6-for-11 from the field and 4-for-6 from beyond the arc. His ability to hit pull-up three-pointers off the dribble has been particularly noteworthy, potentially becoming a game-changing aspect of his game.

KD and D-Book put on a SHOW in the 1st half vs the Trail Blazers 🤩🔥

Durant: 19 PTS (6/10 FGM), 4 AST
Booker: 19 PTS, (6/11 FGM), 4 3PM, 4 AST pic.twitter.com/wvQCvTvr9O

— NBA (@NBA) October 17, 2023

2. Grayson Allen’s Integration with the Big 3: Grayson Allen, who started alongside Booker, Beal, and Durant, continues to adapt well to his role within the team. In the game, he contributed 13 points on 5-of-9 shooting during his 20 minutes on the court.

Book to Grayson Allen for 3. You’re gonna hear that a lot this season. pic.twitter.com/JgxXob1ryY

— LEEZUS (@AndrewLeezus) October 17, 2023

While he has previously operated as a lead ball-handler, sharing the court with the Big 3 allowed him to explore more catch-and-shoot opportunities and take advantage of opponents’ quick closeouts. Coach Vogel is taking a flexible approach to evaluating the fifth starting spot and its compatibility with the Big 3, emphasizing the importance of observing how different combinations of players work together.

Grayson goes up and under and finishes the and-one 💪

5 early points for @GraysonJAllen pic.twitter.com/GVFo0NYTpb

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) October 17, 2023

3. Jordan Goodwin’s Defensive Impact: Jordan Goodwin’s defensive prowess was on full display during the game, as he accumulated 6 steals in just 10 minutes, ultimately totaling 8 rebounds, 6 steals, and 1 block in 20 minutes.

Shout out to Jordan Goodwin! Pure hustle and effort. He will be a fan favorite…if he isn’t already. #Suns 🔥 pic.twitter.com/edjOq5aNxN

— Suns Geek (@sunsgeek) October 17, 2023

Goodwin’s ability to disrupt passing lanes, strip ball-handlers, and dive on loose balls shows his exceptional defensive instincts. While he may not always appear prominently on the stat sheet, his impact is undeniable. Despite committing several fouls, Goodwin’s aggressive and intense style of play has the potential to energize both his teammates and fans throughout the season.

Overall, these observations highlight the continued excellence of Devin Booker, the promising integration of Grayson Allen with the team’s star players, and the valuable defensive contributions of Jordan Goodwin.