© Brett Davis-Imagn Images
PHOENIX – The NBA doesn’t hand out style points for surviving a back-to-back, but it does reveal something more valuable, which is stability and trust within the game plan. The Phoenix Suns showed they are last night by outlasting the Eastern Conference’s best, the Detroit Pistons, without Devin Booker and Jalen Green. Behind Dillon Brooks’ career-high 40, he fueled a defensive edge that never dulled for the Suns. Now comes Cleveland, although Jalen Green is off of the injury report before Friday night’s matchup per the Suns.
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Dec 31, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) shoots over Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (32) during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
Phoenix already knows what the Cavaliers are about. On Dec. 31, the Suns were taken down in a 129–113 loss that turned physical early. Tonight’s rematch flips the variables. Cleveland arrives without Evan Mobley and Darius Garland while Phoenix is still short-handed as wll, with their star shooting guard Devin Booker out. The Suns are though armed with proof that having talented depth is necessary in the NBA. The Suns will surely look to get some revenge after their defeat on New Year’s Eve.
Dec 31, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) celebrates after being fouled and making the basket during the second half against the Phoenix Suns at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
Brooks’ eruption last night wasn’t just hot shooting; it was role clarity. He attacked early, spaced the floor decisively, and defended with purpose. Replicating 40 isn’t the ask; repeating the process is. If Brooks bends the defense again, it opens oxygen for Grayson Allen’s perimeter shooting and Mark Williams’ rim pressure, two pressure points that the Suns could take advantage of. Though all eyes will be on Jalen Green’s return and what his minute restriction will look like after his nagging right hamstring injury.
Dec 31, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Royce O’Neale (00) looks to pass during the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
There’s a chess match underneath it all. Jordan Ott, who sat on Cleveland’s bench last season, knows their counters, their comfort zones, and where discipline can slip when legs get heavy. Expect Phoenix to test that knowledge early with pace, then slow the game to force half-court decisions. If Phoenix can keep manufacturing wins when conditions aren’t perfect with tired legs and without stars, this is how playoff habits are built.
Dillon Brooks has career-high 40 points in statement win over Pistons
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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
