Overview
- LeBron James sat with nerve irritation in his glute and Luka Dončić was held out as part of a planned ramp-up after EuroBasket, according to the team.
- Head coach JJ Redick limited players to 4–6 minute bursts, stressing conditioning and evaluation over extended runs.
- Austin Reaves scored 20 points and Bronny James added eight as Phoenix pushed the lead to 27 in the second half at Acrisure Arena.
- Marcus Smart (Achilles tendinopathy), Maxi Kleber (quad) and rookie Adou Thiero (knee) also missed the game, while the Suns were without Jalen Green and Mark Williams.
- Redick said Dončić is expected to play later in the preseason and he hopes James appears in at least one exhibition before the Oct. 21 opener.