Suns' Dillon Brooks says Pistons' John Collins tried to choke him
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Suns' Dillon Brooks says Pistons' John Collins tried to choke him
Duane Rankin, Arizona Republic·AZCentral | The Arizona Republic
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5 min read
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CHICAGO –Phoenix Sunsforward Dillon Brooks is questioning why he received a technical foul for his dustup withDetroit Pistonsbig John Collins in a preseason game on Oct. 5.
Brooks and Collins got into it in the first quarter of Phoenix's 109-107 loss at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, to the point they needed to be separated.
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"Some people can't take the competitive physicality and he probably felt embarrassed when he tried to hit me and he fell to the ground," Brooks said after Tuesday's Oct. 6 practice at Hope Christian Academy Fieldhouse in Chicago.
"And then, knowing me, I just like to do insult to injury. So, when he's getting up, I'm right on him again and he ran to the corner, wanted no smoke, and then, once he saw the shot go up, he felt like he had that chance to get a hit on me."
Phoenix Suns' Khaman Maluach (10) is introduced before their game against the San Antonio Spurs at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 10, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
Phoenix Suns forward Ryan Dunn (9) lays the ball up past San Antonio Spurs center Luke Kornet (7) at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 10, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) shoots the ball against San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 10, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
Phoenix Suns forward Oso Ighodaro (11) saves the ball off of San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 10, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
Phoenix Suns guard Dillon Brooks (3) attempts a layup against the San Antonio Spurs at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 10, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
Phoenix Suns head coach Jordan Ott yells out to his team as they play the San Antonio Spurs at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 10, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
Phoenix Suns forward Haywood Highsmith (8) defends a pass by San Antonio Spurs guard Jordan McLaughlin (0) at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 10, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach (10) grabs a rebound against the San Antonio Spurs at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 10, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
A young fans cheers from the stands as the Phoenix Suns play the San Antonio Spurs at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 10, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
The Phoenix Suns dancers perform during the team's game against the San Antonio Spurs at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 10, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
San Antonio Spurs guard StephonCastle (5) dunks the ball against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 10, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
Phoenix Suns forward Rasheer Fleming (20) shoots the ball over drives past San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 10, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) drives past San Antonio Spurs guard Carter Bryant (11) at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 10, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach (10) helps up teammate Dillon Brooks (3) after he is fouled by the San Antonio Spurs at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 10, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
Phoenix Suns forward Oso Ighodaro(11) dunks the ball against the San Antonio Spurs at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 10, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
Phoenix Suns guard Jordan Goodwin (23) drives past San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 10, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) drives past San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 10, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
Phoenix Suns forward Koa Peat (18) is defended by San Antonio Spurs forward Maliq Brown (15) at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 10, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
Phoenix Suns guard Jordan Goodwin (23) shoots the ball over San Antonio Spurs guard Harrison Barnes (40) at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 10, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) looks to drive past San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 10, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) shoots the ball over San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 10, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
Phoenix Suns guard Dylan Brooks (3) shoots the ball over San Antonio Spurs forward Julian Champagnie (30) at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 10, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
The Phoenix Suns dancers perform during the team's game against the San Antonio Spurs at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 10, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
Phoenix Suns guard Luke Kennard (8) attempts a pass as San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) defends at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 10, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) walks the court as they play the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 10, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) strips the ball from Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 10, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
Phoenix Suns forward Miles Bridges (22) reacts with guard-forward Dillon Brooks (3) after being fouled against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at United Center in Chicago, on Oct. 7, 2026.
(Patrick Gorski/IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) controls the ball against Chicago Bulls forward-center Jalen Smith (25) during the second half at United Center in Chicago, on Oct. 7, 2026.
(Patrick Gorski/IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Chicago Bulls forward Caleb Wilson (8) fouls Phoenix Suns guard-forward Dillon Brooks (3) during the second half at United Center in Chicago, on Oct. 7, 2026.
(Patrick Gorski/IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) controls the ball against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at United Center in Chicago, on Oct. 7, 2026.
(Patrick Gorski/IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (15) drives the ball against Chicago Bulls forward-guard Isaac Okoro (35) during the second half at United Center in Chicago, on Oct. 7, 2026.
(Patrick Gorski/IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Phoenix Suns forward Ryan Dunn (0) drives the ball towards the basket against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at United Center in Chicago, on Oct. 7, 2026.
(Patrick Gorski/IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Phoenix Suns guard Jamaree Bouyea (17) goes up for a shot against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at United Center in Chicago, on Oct. 7, 2026.
(Patrick Gorski/IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Phoenix Suns guard Pat Spencer (61) goes up for a shot against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at United Center in Chicago, on Oct. 7, 2026.
(Patrick Gorski/IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Phoenix Suns guard-forward Dillon Brooks (3) reacts against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at United Center in Chicago, on Oct. 7, 2026.
(Patrick Gorski/IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
The Chicago Bulls bench looks on against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at United Center in Chicago, on Oct. 7, 2026.
(Patrick Gorski/IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Phoenix Suns head coach Jordan Ott looks on against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at United Center in Chicago, on Oct. 7, 2026.
(Patrick Gorski/IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Chicago Bulls forward Dailyn Swain (5) goes up for a shot against Phoenix Suns guard Jordan Goodwin (23) during the first half at United Center in Chicago, on Oct. 7, 2026.
(Patrick Gorski/IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Phoenix Suns head coach Jordan Ott reacts against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at United Center in Chicago, on Oct. 7, 2026.
(Patrick Gorski/IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Chicago Bulls forward Caleb Wilson (8) is fouled while going up for a shot against Phoenix Suns forward Rasheer Fleming (20) during the first half at United Center in Chicago, on Oct. 7, 2026.
(Patrick Gorski/IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Chicago Bulls forward Isaac Okoro (35) goes up for a shot against Phoenix Suns forward Oso Ighodaro (11) during the first half at United Center in Chicago, on Oct. 7, 2026.
(Patrick Gorski/IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Chicago Bulls forward-guard Isaac Okoro (35) goes up for a shot against Phoenix Suns forward Oso Ighodaro (11) during the first half at United Center in Chicago, on Oct. 7, 2026.
(Patrick Gorski/IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Chicago Bulls forward Caleb Wilson (8) controls the ball against the Phoenix Suns during the first half at United Center in Chicago, on Oct. 7, 2026.
(Patrick Gorski/IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns tries to drive around Duncan Robinson #55 of the Detroit Pistons in the first half during a preseason game at Little Caesars Arena on Oct. 5, 2026, in Detroit.
(Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Daniss Jenkins #24 of the Detroit Pistons tries to drive around Koa Peat #18 of the Phoenix Suns in the second half during a preseason game at Little Caesars Arena on Oct. 5, 2026, in Detroit.
(Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Tolu Smith #35 of the Detroit Pistons drives to the basket against Koa Peat #18 of the Phoenix Suns in the second half during a preseason game at Little Caesars Arena on Oct. 5, 2026, in Detroit.
(Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Jalen Green #4 of the Phoenix Suns drives to the basket past Ausar Thompson #9 of the Detroit Pistons in the first half during a preseason game at Little Caesars Arena on Oct. 5, 2026, in Detroit.
(Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Jalen Green #4 of the Phoenix Suns tries to control the ball between Kevin Huerter #27 and Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons in the first half during a preseason game at Little Caesars Arena on Oct. 5, 2026, in Detroit.
(Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Devin Booker #15 of the Phoenix Suns is fouled by Ausar Thompson #9 of the Detroit Pistons in the first half during a preseason game at Little Caesars Arena on Oct. 5, 2026, in Detroit.
(Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Oso Ighodaro #11 of the Phoenix Suns dunks ahead of Javonte Green #31 of the Detroit Pistons in the first half during a preseason game at Little Caesars Arena on Oct. 5, 2026, in Detroit.
(Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Miles Bridges #22 of the Phoenix Suns tries to get a first-half shot off around Paul Reed #7 of the Detroit Pistons during a preseason game at Little Caesars Arena on Oct. 5, 2026, in Detroit.
(Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Miles Bridges #22 of the Phoenix Suns drives around John Collins #20 of the Detroit Pistons in the first half during a preseason game at Little Caesars Arena on Oct. 5, 2026, in Detroit.
(Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns' 2026 preseason matchups
Phoenix Suns' Khaman Maluach (10) is introduced before their game against the San Antonio Spurs at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 10, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns' 2026 preseason matchups
Phoenix Suns' Khaman Maluach (10) is introduced before their game against the San Antonio Spurs at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 10, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns' 2026 preseason matchups
Phoenix Suns forward Ryan Dunn (9) lays the ball up past San Antonio Spurs center Luke Kornet (7) at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 10, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns' 2026 preseason matchups
Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) shoots the ball against San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 10, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns' 2026 preseason matchups
Phoenix Suns forward Oso Ighodaro (11) saves the ball off of San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 10, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns' 2026 preseason matchups
Phoenix Suns guard Dillon Brooks (3) attempts a layup against the San Antonio Spurs at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 10, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns' 2026 preseason matchups
Phoenix Suns head coach Jordan Ott yells out to his team as they play the San Antonio Spurs at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 10, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns' 2026 preseason matchups
Phoenix Suns forward Haywood Highsmith (8) defends a pass by San Antonio Spurs guard Jordan McLaughlin (0) at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 10, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns' 2026 preseason matchups
Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach (10) grabs a rebound against the San Antonio Spurs at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 10, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns' 2026 preseason matchups
A young fans cheers from the stands as the Phoenix Suns play the San Antonio Spurs at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 10, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns' 2026 preseason matchups
The Phoenix Suns dancers perform during the team's game against the San Antonio Spurs at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 10, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns' 2026 preseason matchups
San Antonio Spurs guard StephonCastle (5) dunks the ball against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 10, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns' 2026 preseason matchups
Phoenix Suns forward Rasheer Fleming (20) shoots the ball over drives past San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 10, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns' 2026 preseason matchups
Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) drives past San Antonio Spurs guard Carter Bryant (11) at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 10, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns' 2026 preseason matchups
Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach (10) helps up teammate Dillon Brooks (3) after he is fouled by the San Antonio Spurs at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 10, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns' 2026 preseason matchups
Phoenix Suns forward Oso Ighodaro(11) dunks the ball against the San Antonio Spurs at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 10, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns' 2026 preseason matchups
Phoenix Suns guard Jordan Goodwin (23) drives past San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 10, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns' 2026 preseason matchups
Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) drives past San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 10, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns' 2026 preseason matchups
Phoenix Suns forward Koa Peat (18) is defended by San Antonio Spurs forward Maliq Brown (15) at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 10, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns' 2026 preseason matchups
Phoenix Suns guard Jordan Goodwin (23) shoots the ball over San Antonio Spurs guard Harrison Barnes (40) at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 10, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns' 2026 preseason matchups
Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) looks to drive past San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 10, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns' 2026 preseason matchups
Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) shoots the ball over San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 10, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns' 2026 preseason matchups
Phoenix Suns guard Dylan Brooks (3) shoots the ball over San Antonio Spurs forward Julian Champagnie (30) at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 10, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns' 2026 preseason matchups
The Phoenix Suns dancers perform during the team's game against the San Antonio Spurs at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 10, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns' 2026 preseason matchups
Phoenix Suns guard Luke Kennard (8) attempts a pass as San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) defends at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 10, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns' 2026 preseason matchups
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) walks the court as they play the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 10, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns' 2026 preseason matchups
San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) strips the ball from Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 10, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns' 2026 preseason matchups
Phoenix Suns forward Miles Bridges (22) reacts with guard-forward Dillon Brooks (3) after being fouled against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at United Center in Chicago, on Oct. 7, 2026.
(Patrick Gorski/IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns' 2026 preseason matchups
Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) controls the ball against Chicago Bulls forward-center Jalen Smith (25) during the second half at United Center in Chicago, on Oct. 7, 2026.
(Patrick Gorski/IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns' 2026 preseason matchups
Chicago Bulls forward Caleb Wilson (8) fouls Phoenix Suns guard-forward Dillon Brooks (3) during the second half at United Center in Chicago, on Oct. 7, 2026.
(Patrick Gorski/IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns' 2026 preseason matchups
Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) controls the ball against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at United Center in Chicago, on Oct. 7, 2026.
(Patrick Gorski/IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns' 2026 preseason matchups
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (15) drives the ball against Chicago Bulls forward-guard Isaac Okoro (35) during the second half at United Center in Chicago, on Oct. 7, 2026.
(Patrick Gorski/IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns' 2026 preseason matchups
Phoenix Suns forward Ryan Dunn (0) drives the ball towards the basket against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at United Center in Chicago, on Oct. 7, 2026.
(Patrick Gorski/IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns' 2026 preseason matchups
Phoenix Suns guard Jamaree Bouyea (17) goes up for a shot against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at United Center in Chicago, on Oct. 7, 2026.
(Patrick Gorski/IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns' 2026 preseason matchups
Phoenix Suns guard Pat Spencer (61) goes up for a shot against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at United Center in Chicago, on Oct. 7, 2026.
(Patrick Gorski/IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns' 2026 preseason matchups
Phoenix Suns guard-forward Dillon Brooks (3) reacts against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at United Center in Chicago, on Oct. 7, 2026.
(Patrick Gorski/IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns' 2026 preseason matchups
The Chicago Bulls bench looks on against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at United Center in Chicago, on Oct. 7, 2026.
(Patrick Gorski/IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns' 2026 preseason matchups
Phoenix Suns head coach Jordan Ott looks on against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at United Center in Chicago, on Oct. 7, 2026.
(Patrick Gorski/IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns' 2026 preseason matchups
Chicago Bulls forward Dailyn Swain (5) goes up for a shot against Phoenix Suns guard Jordan Goodwin (23) during the first half at United Center in Chicago, on Oct. 7, 2026.
(Patrick Gorski/IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns' 2026 preseason matchups
Phoenix Suns head coach Jordan Ott reacts against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at United Center in Chicago, on Oct. 7, 2026.
(Patrick Gorski/IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns' 2026 preseason matchups
Chicago Bulls forward Caleb Wilson (8) is fouled while going up for a shot against Phoenix Suns forward Rasheer Fleming (20) during the first half at United Center in Chicago, on Oct. 7, 2026.
(Patrick Gorski/IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns' 2026 preseason matchups
Chicago Bulls forward Isaac Okoro (35) goes up for a shot against Phoenix Suns forward Oso Ighodaro (11) during the first half at United Center in Chicago, on Oct. 7, 2026.
(Patrick Gorski/IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns' 2026 preseason matchups
Chicago Bulls forward-guard Isaac Okoro (35) goes up for a shot against Phoenix Suns forward Oso Ighodaro (11) during the first half at United Center in Chicago, on Oct. 7, 2026.
(Patrick Gorski/IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns' 2026 preseason matchups
Chicago Bulls forward Caleb Wilson (8) controls the ball against the Phoenix Suns during the first half at United Center in Chicago, on Oct. 7, 2026.
(Patrick Gorski/IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns' 2026 preseason matchups
Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns tries to drive around Duncan Robinson #55 of the Detroit Pistons in the first half during a preseason game at Little Caesars Arena on Oct. 5, 2026, in Detroit.
(Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns' 2026 preseason matchups
Daniss Jenkins #24 of the Detroit Pistons tries to drive around Koa Peat #18 of the Phoenix Suns in the second half during a preseason game at Little Caesars Arena on Oct. 5, 2026, in Detroit.
(Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns' 2026 preseason matchups
Tolu Smith #35 of the Detroit Pistons drives to the basket against Koa Peat #18 of the Phoenix Suns in the second half during a preseason game at Little Caesars Arena on Oct. 5, 2026, in Detroit.
(Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns' 2026 preseason matchups
Jalen Green #4 of the Phoenix Suns drives to the basket past Ausar Thompson #9 of the Detroit Pistons in the first half during a preseason game at Little Caesars Arena on Oct. 5, 2026, in Detroit.
(Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns' 2026 preseason matchups
Jalen Green #4 of the Phoenix Suns tries to control the ball between Kevin Huerter #27 and Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons in the first half during a preseason game at Little Caesars Arena on Oct. 5, 2026, in Detroit.
(Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns' 2026 preseason matchups
Devin Booker #15 of the Phoenix Suns is fouled by Ausar Thompson #9 of the Detroit Pistons in the first half during a preseason game at Little Caesars Arena on Oct. 5, 2026, in Detroit.
(Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns' 2026 preseason matchups
Oso Ighodaro #11 of the Phoenix Suns dunks ahead of Javonte Green #31 of the Detroit Pistons in the first half during a preseason game at Little Caesars Arena on Oct. 5, 2026, in Detroit.
(Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns' 2026 preseason matchups
Miles Bridges #22 of the Phoenix Suns tries to get a first-half shot off around Paul Reed #7 of the Detroit Pistons during a preseason game at Little Caesars Arena on Oct. 5, 2026, in Detroit.
(Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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Scenes from Phoenix Suns' 2026 preseason matchups
Miles Bridges #22 of the Phoenix Suns drives around John Collins #20 of the Detroit Pistons in the first half during a preseason game at Little Caesars Arena on Oct. 5, 2026, in Detroit.
(Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Collins grabbed an offensive rebound with Brooks on him. When Brooks reached around Collins and was making contact, Collins reacted and put his hand in Brooks' face.
"Then got the hit on me, and then I'm like, I'm not letting you go up," Brooks continued. "And then he turns around, and tries to choke me, and put his hands on me, and that's why I don't get why I got the technical foul. I mean, I didn't start nothing. I'm playing within the game. I try to bet on myself, but I'm betting against the house."
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Brooks was given a technical while Collins drew a flagrant one with 7:23 left in the first quarter.
Brooks led the NBA in technical fouls last season with 17. Collins had just two techs a season ago, as he's in his first season with Detroit.
The Suns play the Pistons twice in the regular season – Dec. 16 in Detroit and Feb. 10 in Phoenix.
Suns at Bulls on Oct. 7
The Suns were scheduled to play their second preseason game on Wednesday, Oct. 7, against theChicago Bullsat United Center at 4 p.m. This will be Chicago's first preseason game of the season.
"The defense will be different," Suns coach Jordan Ott said about the Bulls. "It'll look different. They're offense, I'm sure they will play super fast. That's what I imagine."
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The Suns led by as many as 19 points over the Pistons in the first half, but Ott rested the starting unit of Devin Booker, Jalen Green, Miles Bridges, Oso Ighodaro and Brooks.
Detroit outscored Phoenix, 59-39, in the second half.
"I know we built the lead, but we were talking to that second and third group, everything is an audition," Booker said. "It's going to be a point and time that one or two of you guys, we're going to need you guys to get a win. Treat it like a regular season game, do anything we can to get a win."
More Booker, Brooks and Green
Ott went into Monday's preseason opener with an emphasis on having Jalen Green, Booker and Brooks share the court.
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They played just 133 minutes together in 10 total games last season.
Green missed 50 games due mostly to a right hamstring injury and Brooks sat out 18 consecutive games late in the regular season with a fractured left hand.
In Monday's preseason action, Booker, Green and Brooks played the first 6:37 minutes of the game before Collin Gillespie replaced Green with 5:07 left in the first quarter.
The Suns led 20-13 at that point.
"We got out there, we were moving the ball, playing with pace," Green said. "Feel like we did a good job."
Then Booker, Green and Brooks resumed sharing the floor with 7:26 left in the first half. Green checked out with 1:54 remaining; the Suns had increased their advantage to 62-47.
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"It was great on both ends," Ott said. "Defensively, I think our intent was in the right place. Got to show our physicality, our aggressiveness and defensively, we moved it. Tried to make an emphasis of running early in every possession. Use the pass to kick it ahead and play in space."
Before leaving Detroit
The Suns visited team owner Mat Ishbia's United Wholesale Mortgage on Oct. 6 before heading to Chicago later that afternoon.
"Had a great time hosting the Phoenix Suns at UWM today!," Ishbia posted on X. "They spent time touring our campus, visiting with team members, and got to see what we've built here to become the #1 mortgage lender in America. Always love seeing our Phoenix Suns and UWM cultures come together, as we both are focused on taking great care of our people, caring about our clients/fans, and winning."
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Ishbia has either had the team take a tour of his company or visit his house in suburban Detroit when the Suns have played the Pistons on the road since taking ownership of the team during the 2022-23 season.
Have opinions about the current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin atdmrankin@gannett.comor contact him at 480-810-5518. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at@DuaneRankin.
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