The Republic discusses the Suns’ upcoming homestand, matchup with Spurs
The Phoenix Suns begin a 3-game homestand on Oct. 29, in which they host the Memphis Grizzlies, Utah Jazz and San Antonio Spurs.
Republic staff
The Phoenix Suns are viewing their 1-4 start differently going into their rematch against the Utah Jazz on Friday, Oct. 31, to open NBA Cup West Group A play at Mortgage Matchup Center.
The game tips off at 7 p.m. MST and will be televised by Arizona’s Family (3TV).
“We could be 3-2,” Suns forward Ryan Dunn said. “We lost a couple of tough games, to Utah and here (versus Memphis). We could have a whole different perspective, but it’s part of it.”
The Suns (1-4) have dropped four straight games, with their last two losses coming Oct. 27, in overtime at Utah, 138-134, and Oct. 29 against the Grizzlies, 114-113, at home.
Lauri Markkanen scored a career-high 51 points in leading Utah (2-2) past the Suns, who trailed by as many as 20 points before forcing overtime. Two nights later, Devin Booker missed a 3 at the buzzer in the one-point loss to Memphis as Ja Morant hit the game-winner with 7.6 seconds left.
Phoenix lost its first two games to the Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets by a total of 49 points in back-to-back road games after opening the season with a 120-116 comeback victory over the Sacramento Kings at home.
The Suns will be without Jalen (right hamstring strain) for the game against the Jazz. He has yet to play this season for his new team. Dillon Brooks (core muscle strain) has been sidelined for the last two games and will miss the Jazz game as well.
Check back with azcentral.com for game-day updates.
Have opinions about the current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at dmrankin@gannett.com or contact him at 480-810-5518. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @DuaneRankin.
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