© Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
DETROIT – It was a hard-fought and intense battle on Thursday night, although the Phoenix Suns couldn’t come away with the win over the Pistons. Grayson Allen went off, and is showing Phoenix he is someone they can rely on moving forward, as he took over in the absence of their two star shooting guards, Devin Booker and Jalen Green.
Thank you for reading this post, don’t forget to subscribe!
Jan 15, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen (8) dribbles defended by Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) in the first half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
The first half was chippy, and the second half was just as intense. The old bad boy basketball that Detroit Pistons fans remembered from 1989-1990, with guys like Bill Laimbeer, was almost making its way to the Little Caesars Arena. Although not quite as many haymakers, its physicality was reminiscent. The Suns’ attitude shone through, though, as Dillon Brooks’ mentality on defense has obviously rubbed off on the rest of the Suns roster. That translated on Thursday as they limited the Pistons’ star Cade Cunningham to only 10 points as he shot 3-for-16. Phoenix also made Detroit turn the ball over 17 times and ended the night with 14 steals.
Jan 15, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Phoenix guard Allen (8) is defended by Pistons forward Duncan Robinson (55) in the first half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Officiating came into play, as Grayson Allen was assessed a technical at the beginning of the third quarter to give Allen his fourth foul. Allen was the Suns’ leading scorer in the first half, and ended the night with 33 points. The referees then kept the routine going as they played a big part in the game. Phoenix got in foul trouble early and found themselves with another hurdle to overcome. Without Devin Booker or Jalen Green, and guys like Grayson Allen and Dillon Brooks being in foul trouble, it was making it hard for Phoenix to compete.
Jan 15, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Phoenix forward Dillon Brooks (3) shoots defended by Detroit Pistons guard Daniss Jenkins (24) in the first half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Phoenix tried to fight through all the obstacles on Thursday night, whether it was winning the turnover battle, playing up to tempo on defense, playing through officiating, or getting a game plan going without Devin Booker or Jalen Green, though it was unable to get the win. Going up against the Eastern Conference’s best ended up being more than a tough test; it was an eye-opening vision of what this team could achieve when the odds are stacked against them.
Devin Booker out against Pistons as optimism remains on quick return
Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
