The Phoenix Suns came out swinging against the top team in the East - and for two quarters, they looked like the ones holding the crown. Shooting 47.4% from beyond the arc, the Suns didn’t just match the physicality of their opponent - they dictated it.
They played with edge, with pace, and with purpose. And by halftime, they had built a 16-point lead that felt like a statement: even without Devin Booker, this team wasn’t backing down.
But basketball is a game of runs, and Detroit had one ready.
The Pistons came out of the break with fire, opening the third quarter on an 18-5 run. Just like that, the Suns’ cushion vanished.
Detroit’s defense - the second stingiest in the league - cranked up the pressure. They turned the game into a grind, forcing Phoenix into uncomfortable possessions and making every bucket a battle.
It was a classic momentum swing, the kind that often decides games.
But the Suns didn’t fold. They regrouped. They responded.
Phoenix closed the third quarter on a 16-7 run of their own - and that stretch might’ve been the most important of the night. With no Booker to lean on, they found a way to steady the ship.
That’s the kind of resilience that travels, the kind that wins in April and May. It wasn’t flashy, but it was gritty.
It was necessary. And it turned the tide back in their favor.
This game wasn’t just about the win - it was about how they won. Expectations were modest without Booker in the lineup.
Just compete. Keep it close.
But this Suns team continues to push past the ceiling others set for them. They don’t just show up - they show out.
And on this night, they earned everything they got.
As for who led the charge? Let’s not overthink it.
With Booker and Jalen Green both out, one player took the reins and never let go. He controlled the pace, dictated the flow, and had the entire offense moving to his rhythm. Everyone else followed his lead.
Let’s take a look at the standout performances from Game 48 against the Pistons - the nominees for Bright Side Baller of the Game:
Dillon Brooks
This was a performance with a capital P.
Brooks dropped 40 points on 13-of-22 shooting, including 4-of-7 from deep. He added 8 rebounds, 4 assists, a steal, a block, and just one turnover - all while posting a +14 in the box score.
This wasn’t just volume scoring. It was efficient, controlled, and timely.
Brooks didn’t just play well - he dominated.
Grayson Allen
Allen chipped in with 24 points, hitting 4 threes despite a 5-of-14 overall shooting night.
He also added 5 assists, 3 rebounds, and a block. His +18 plus-minus shows his impact went beyond the stat sheet - he was a key part of the Suns’ ability to maintain spacing and keep the offense flowing.
Collin Gillespie
Gillespie gave the Suns a spark with 16 points, including 5 triples.
He also grabbed 5 boards and dished out a couple of assists. While he had 3 turnovers and finished at -1, his shot-making helped Phoenix weather some tough stretches.
Royce O’Neale
A steady presence, O’Neale scored 10 points on 4-of-8 shooting and added 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal. He played his role to perfection - spacing the floor, defending, and making smart decisions with the ball.
Oso Ighodaro
Don’t let the 6 points fool you - Ighodaro’s +19 plus-minus tells a bigger story.
He pulled down 9 rebounds, handed out 2 assists, and played strong, mistake-free basketball in his minutes. He was a big part of the Suns’ ability to control the glass and limit second chances.
Jordan Goodwin
Goodwin’s box score won’t blow you away - 2 points on 1-of-4 shooting - but his +21 plus-minus was the best on the team.
He made his presence felt with 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. He brought energy and defense, and sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.
Bottom line: this was a team win, but Dillon Brooks set the tone. In a game that could’ve unraveled after the Pistons’ third-quarter surge, the Suns found their footing - and their fight. And on a night without their star, they showed they’re more than the sum of their parts.