Suns Show Signs of Life in Win Over Injury-Riddled Magic
Nov 6, 2026 2:24 PM

The Suns are shaking off a slow start, and seem to be on the upswing after a near wire-to-wire win.

The Phoenix Suns (2-5) are back on the right track after a 117-104 triumph over the Orlando Magic (2-5) on Thursday night. 

The Suns put together a complete performance for the first time this season in a display of what this team can be. 

Below are three major takeaways from the resounding victory.

Devin Booker Becoming Exactly Who Suns Need

The 12th-year superstar was off to an uneven start to the campaign. 

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This has been in the rearview mirror over the previous two nights. 

Booker's 30 points on Thursday night became a major catalyst to Phoenix's lead ballooning to double-digits by halftime. 

The 30-year-old was effective in the exact manner that the Suns need him to be. He was efficient from behind the arc. Many clean looks were generated in the mid-range from early in the game on. He was able to generate offense for teammates more seamlessly in this manner. 

It seems like Jordan Ott was finally cracking the code when it comes to maximizing Booker and lineups featuring him.

... But He's Receiving Help in Compliment

The offensive load wasn't the product of a "carry job" by Booker. Multiple players were stepping up in support in what became the best offensive effort of the night from start-to-finish.

Dillon Brooks was the second leading scorer with 24 points. The second-year member of the franchise (on average) didn't force suboptimal looks. This was certainly Brooks' best offensive performance of the season. 

Khaman Maluach pitched in eight points, while Luke Kennard made great of increased usage, to the tune of a trio of connections from three-point land and five assists. Ryan Dunn was active off-ball and scored a season-high 11 points as a result. 

Perhaps the most crucial supporting act of the game was by Miles Bridges. The deeply divisive player seems to be gaining comfortability in the new environment. The efficient 6-10 scoring performance accompanied by two offensive rebounds and five assists highlights this. 

Phoenix's Best Defensive Showing This Season Came at Right Time

The Magic aren't necessarily world-beaters on the offensive side of the ball.

This isn't to discredit the Phoenix defense, however, as this was a great defensive showing regardless of opponent.

The Suns still gave up too many offensive rebounds (15), but did a phenomenal job of making the Magic uncomfortable. This was behind a mix of crisp rotations, ferocious on-ball pressure, and forcing Franz Wagner to unload the ball on dribble-drives. 

If Phoenix's defense looks this sharp on a reliable basis moving forward, it certainly won't be among the worst units in the NBA.

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