Kings @ Suns Wednesday game thread, October 22nd, 2025: Regular Season Opener

[BirdGangThing]

A look at some final stats.

xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media

see - that's not a stat sheet it's a stacked sheet - i missed those

 

[FB94]

Second half much better. Started making shots and the defensive intensity was nice to see. Loved to see Brooks getting into villain mode game one

 

[Raindog]

Good comeback. Nice to see them not roll over and die after that dismal first half. Kings are pretty terrible so it's difficult to take too much from this game as far as hope for the rest of the season, though, realistically.

 

[Suns_fan69]

First time I've really seen Williams play and I'm glad he's on the team. Hopefully his health can be managed, but I was particularly impressed when he switched out onto the perimeter. Didn't look as big of a liability as some other recent centers we've had.

Would have loved to see Maluach and Rasheer get some time though. This should be a developmentally focused season imo.

 

[SactownSunsFan]

On a sidenote, Amare looking absolutely jacked when he clanked that free throw in pre-game, lol

 

[Mainstreet]

It feels good to be 1-0.

xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media

 

[Mainstreet]

Jordan Ott didn't think the Suns would be tested like this, early in the season.

xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media

 

[SactownSunsFan]

First time I've really seen Williams play and I'm glad he's on the team. Hopefully his health can be managed, but I was particularly impressed when he switched out onto the perimeter. Didn't look as big of a liability as some other recent centers we've had.

Would have loved to see Maluach and Rasheer get some time though. This should be a developmentally focused season imo.

I'm sure the rooks will get minutes as they become acclimated to life in the NBA and the system they are in. Unfortunately there's a bit of a logjam at center, so Fleming might see minutes before Mal.

 

[Cheesebeef]

Dug the energy from these guys tonight and a W!

 

[Hoop Head]

I'm sure the rooks will get minutes as they become acclimated to life in the NBA and the system they are in. Unfortunately there's a bit of a logjam at center, so Fleming might see minutes before Mal.

Almost all pro comparisons for Maluach listed Mark Williams so trading for MW was a pleasant surprise.They're similar in style and build. Maluach has a jumper out to about 14-16 feet and isn't afraid to shoot from further away but he didn't get the opportunity to shoot a lot of outside J's at Duke.

I think we'll see more of Maluach as the season goes on and we play stronger C's as well. Thankfully Eubanks sucks and no Murray also meant we didn't need a lot of front court help. It was night and day between Williams and Oso's time. It helped the perimeter defense to know we had a rim protector and rebounder down low in Williams. I just hope Williams stays relatively healthy and available for 20-25 minutes a night while Maluach chips away at Oso and Richards minutes.


Credit to Richards tonight. He wasn't great but he was competent and confident in his time. I hope he keeps his head up as it'll be a matter of time before he's flipped flipped. A pick or a PG is my preference.

 

[JCSunsfan]

Good game. Tentative in the first half playing together in real games for the first time. This team is deep with legit NBA players. Not a lot of really good players. But a lot of players with legit skills and a great work ethic.

They should be able to play hard, sub often, and wear other teams down. It might be a difficult working Green in when he is ready.

Ok. One win in the books.

 

[Superbone]

Have fun, sir! Look forward to your post game analysis.

Thanks, man. After that disappointing first half, it was a blast! The crowd was rocking and raucous! Very happy for coach Ott. Whatever he said at halftime and the adjustments he made worked.

 

[TJ]

Jordan Ott didn't think the Suns would be tested like this, early in the season.

xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media

I dont like this answer from him

 

[Yuma]

Mark Williams was clutch on the boards down the stretch. Lets see how he plays next after a lot of minutes for him in game one.

 

[Dback Jon]

Thanks, man. After that disappointing first half, it was a blast! The crowd was rocking and raucous! Very happy for coach Ott. Whatever he said at halftime and the adjustments he made worked.

I thought Suns coaches weren’t allowed to make second-half adjustments

 

[Ronin]

'He Crazy, He Crazy!' – Phoenix Suns Forward Draws Massive Praise After Opening Day Win Vs. Sacramento Kings

The Phoenix Suns opened their 2025-26 NBA campaign with a gritty 120-116 win over the Sacramento Kings, and newcomer Dillon Brooks was instrumental in the comeback victory.

www.yardbarker.com

 

[Ronin]

xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media

 

[Ronin]

xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media

 

[Ronin]

xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media

 

[Ronin]

Suns find identity, 'wear-down effect' in opening win

Resolve is a hell of a thing and the Phoenix Suns' efforts to use it as a way to make some amends for the last few years got off to a roaring start.

arizonasports.com

 

[Ronin]

Suns Showcase New, Gritty Culture in Comeback Win over Kings

The Phoenix Suns defeated the Sacramento Kings 120-116 in their regular season opener at Mortgage Matchup Center.

lastwordonsports.com

 

[SunsTzu]

Dug the energy from these guys tonight and a W!

It felt like they were outplaying the Kings even when they were down early.

 

[Proximo]

books about to be an all star again

Don't bet on it. Teams with losing records don't get all-stars.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

The Kings are a bad team, but that was fun.

The energy was night and day from the last 2 years.

All this

 

[Chaplin]

I regret that I could not watch this game, because I now live in a midwestern state and don't have access.

But recaps make it clear that this game very much rewarded watchers who had the patience to watch the second half to see if the Suns would come back. Those who didn't, saying "I knew i,t" got what they deserved--egg on their faces.

NBA League Pass is your friend. I've been using it for 10 years.