Multiple Phoenix Suns Games Added to National TV Schedule

The 82-game schedule for the Phoenix Suns is still brewing much conversation, three weeks beyond the official reveal. 

Phoenix is playing fewer games in front of a national audience in comparison to what many fans would expect, but the allure of the upcoming team continues to benefit the organization. 

AZ Central's Duane Rankin brought a key scheduling development into the fold on Thursday - this being that NBA TV is picking up two more Suns' games in the upcoming year.

"NBA TV is televising Phoenix Suns home opener Oct. 24 vs Golden State Warriors and NYE game vs defending NBA champion New York Knicks

NBATV 5 Suns games.

Oct. 24 vs Warriors

Dec. 26 at Mavs

Dec. 31 vs Knicks

Jan. 18 at Clippers

Mar. 19 vs Heat #Suns"

Adding the Warriors into the fold is an intriguing proposition for the Suns. The offseason between the two organizations has been a fascinating one, as Suns F Dillon Brooks took the first shot at injured Warriors star Jimmy Butler, stating that the latter is the one player he would choose to fight in the NBA. He expanded on this by stating that Butler is one of the biggest foul baiters in the entire league. 

Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg responded by escalating tensions himself. This is setting up the first game against the two franchises since April's play-in tournament to be one of the most emotionally charged matchups in the first week of the season.

The addition of the Knicks on New Year's Eve is noteworthy as well. This is the first time the Knicks are set to play in Phoenix since winning the NBA title in June, which creates a primetime stage in Phoenix. The allure of Jalen Brunson and Devin Booker squaring off is an enticing one, as the two have had a fair share of high-level performances in head-to-head matchups.

This is also the anticipated yearly return of forward Mikal Bridges to Phoenix, which is a date that Suns fans tend to circle on the calendar since his departure in February 2023. 

There's little doubt that the Suns are setting the stage to have multiple marquee matchups that are being overlooked at the moment. It's a nice change of pace that the league recognizes that Phoenix is worthy of major attention in the season ahead, with potential for even more games to be added to the national schedule.