With celebrities such as Jackie Chan, David Beckham and Jeremy Lin in attendance, the Phoenix Suns and Brooklyn Nets shined in the NBA’s first game in China since 2019. Despite trailing by 17 points in the first half, the Suns stormed back, taking their first lead with an Oso Ighodaro slam dunk with 7:19 left in the third quarter.
As both sides turned to their benches late, the Nets seemed to have iced the game holding a seven-point lead within the final two minutes of regulation. But once again, the Suns rallied, with Jared Butler tying the game at the free-throw line with 4.6 seconds remaining.
Phoenix continued its momentum into overtime, winning 132-127 to take the first of two games at Venetian Arena in Macao.
Here are three takeaways from Friday morning’s game.
Suns Defeat Nets In First Macao Game: 3 Takeaways
Takeaway #1: Thomas shows star capabilities
Since Kevin Durant departed for the Suns in 2023, the Nets have struggled to find a consistent star. Their closest replacement has been Cam Thomas, who has averaged above 20 points over the past two seasons. However, Thomas has struggled to remain healthy for an offensive mainstay. He only started 74 games over the past two seasons, missing all but two games between November 27th, 2024 and February 27th, 2025.
Scoring the game’s first basket, Thomas turned back into that offensive source. With 14 first quarter points, he helped the Nets hold a double-digit advantage for most of the period. Most of his production came from short range, driving at a Suns defense without an injured Mark Williams and Khaman Maluach, who did not enter the game until the second quarter.
With 22 points, six assists and three rebounds, Thomas showed that he can take over games. Now, he must build momentum to continue these good stretches.
Takeaway #2: Brooks tests shooting skills, offensive production
Last season, Dillon Brooks hit at least 10 three-point attempts six times. He hit that mark in just his second game with Phoenix.
With 18 points, going 7-for-18 on field goals and 2-for-10 on three-point attempts, Brooks fit well into the Suns’ offense, finding open space in the corners while Devin Booker pushed the ball forward. Brooks led his team in field goal attempts, while he and Booker co-led in points.
Despite the Suns’ comeback, most of their points came from drives to the basket, as they only made 11 triples on 42 attempts. Meanwhile, the Nets went 14-for-29 in that category.
Granted, Brooks took over much of the shot selection with Jalen Green out with a left hamstring strain and Grayson Allen only going 1-for-4 from beyond the arc. Nonetheless, Brooks showed that his shooting guard abilities can be of value to the Purple and Orange.
Takeaway #3: Goodwin continues breakout preseason
With less than 25 seconds remaining in overtime, Butler held the ball just past half court, looking for a finishing dagger. As the shot clock trickled down to 10 seconds, he passed the ball to Jordan Goodwin. Instead of looking for a simple drive or pass to a teammate, Goodwin connected on a 30-foot triple over a defender, running to the bench and celebrating with Collin Gillespie afterwards.
Last season saw Gillespie, then a two-way player, get a break with the Suns towards the end of last season. This included starting nine games in the last month of the 2024-25 campaign with Bradley Beal out due to injury.
Goodwin may be due for a similar blossoming this season. Averaging double figures during his 17-game stint with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2024, Goodwin posted 19 points, seven rebounds and two steals over 18 minutes on Friday morning. It’s a welcome sign for Jordan Ott as he looks to build depth, specifically for Green and Booker’s backcourt.
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