The Phoenix Suns started their preseason with momentum as they dominated the Los Angeles Lakers 103-81, with Devin Booker taking charge by dropping 24 points.
After a busy offseason for the Suns, Dillon Brooks is one of the additions that came from the Houston Rockets in the Kevin Durant deal.
As Booker led his first team win, Brooks also contributed 10 points, three assists, and shot 3-for-4 from deep.
The Canadian forward credited the four-time NBA All-Star with being the floor general on the floor while also scoring when needed. Booker has set his mind on being a leader-type guy starting this season, based on his recent interviews.
“He watches film, so he’s gonna find out ways to score and ways to get guys involved. He’s our point guard so he watches a lot of film, and I think he found me on all my threes. I appreciate it, and I’m gonna knock them down,” Brooks said.
Despite the preseason being far from over, Brooks noted that their offensive plays made the difference in their win, as they knocked down open shots while the defense had a lot more to improve on, including reducing fouls.
“I feel like a lot translated. A lot of our offensive schemes we did perfectly, might have missed one. We got to the middle of the floor, and when they collapsed down on us we got some open shots.”
“On defense, maybe we have to do less fouling, but I’d rather have that than them driving and doing whatever they want. But overall I feel like it was a good game, and it only ramps up from here.”
“Ball pressure was good. We just have to do it with some intelligence. Ball pressure, ball pressure then navigate the screens. We had good rim defense, we got a lot of steals, pushed our break, and maybe we have to get to our rotations a little better,” Brooks added.
Brooks is one of the main guys in the team when it comes to defense. He averaged 14 points, 3.7 boards, and 1.7 assists last season with the Houston Rockets.
