Brooklyn claimed a narrow 111-109 victory over Phoenix in a preseason matchup at Venetian Arena on Sunday. The Nets improved to 2-1, matching the Suns’ record.
Phoenix dominated the first quarter, outscoring Brooklyn 34-23 behind strong starts from Oso Ighodaro and Dillon Brooks. Ighodaro notched eight points with two assists, while Brooks added seven on free throws and a dunk.
Cam Thomas answered for the Nets with eight points, including a pullup jumper. Michael Porter Jr. contributed six points, but Phoenix’s 15 paint points created an early 11-point gap.
Brooklyn flipped the script in the second, holding Phoenix to 17 points for a 26-17 edge and a 49-51 halftime deficit. Ziaire Williams drained two threes off the bench for eight points.
Ben Saraf dished four assists, setting up Porter Jr. for a dunk that cut the lead to two. Grayson Allen blocked two shots for the Suns, but turnovers mounted with five in the half.
The third quarter saw Phoenix reclaim control, winning 37-32 to lead 88-81. Devin Booker tallied 18 points overall, including seven in the period with two threes.
Nick Richards added 11 points off the bench, highlighted by a putback dunk. Thomas reached 15 points for Brooklyn, but the Suns forced seven turnovers leading to 13 points.
Brooklyn’s stars like Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson sat out due to coach’s decision, testing depth. Phoenix missed Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, both DNP, leaning on reserves.
The fourth quarter proved decisive, with the Nets outscoring Phoenix 30-21 to seal the win. Tyrese Martin erupted for 11 points, including three threes in the final frame.
Saraf recorded 11 assists total, assisting Martin’s go-ahead three to make it 104-103. Jared Butler’s late three tied it at 109, but Martin’s free throws clinched it.
Williams finished with 15 points on 5-of-8 shooting, including four threes. Porter Jr. added 15 points with two steals.
For Phoenix, Ighodaro led with 12 points and five rebounds. Brooks scored 12 with two steals before fouling out.
Brooklyn generated 19 fast-break points from 13 Suns turnovers. Both squads used the international stage to build chemistry ahead of the regular season.
