The Suns hung with the Spurs through the first quarter before San Antonio pulled away for a 103-123 win Wednesday, evening their two-game preseason series at a game apiece. With Booker, Green, Brooks and Bridges unavailable, a reserve-heavy closing group couldn't hold the early tie, and Duop Reath's efficient outing was the night's brightest offensive note.
Even Through One Quarter. Phoenix led 23-22 after the first quarter, with the lead changing hands three times and the two sides tying twice. The Suns' biggest cushion was six points; San Antonio's was three. From there the margin swung hard, and the final gap stretched to twenty, 103-123.
Reath Pops Off the Bench. Duop Reath led Phoenix with 8 points on 3-of-5 shooting, including 2 of 3 from three, in just 8 minutes. Jamaree Bouyea added 7 points and 2 assists on 3-of-4 shooting in 10 minutes. With four regulars unavailable, that pair carried most of the scoring load.
A Reserve Closing Five. Phoenix finished the game with Reath, Haywood Highsmith, Bouyea, Luke Kennard and Pat Spencer on the floor, the same group that played the final five minutes. San Antonio closed with Stephon Castle, De'Aaron Fox, Devin Vassell, Dylan Harper and Carter Bryant, a far deeper look given who Phoenix had available.
Best and Worst Marks. Ryan Dunn posted Phoenix's best plus-minus at +4 in 9 minutes, hitting both of his free throws and blocking two shots. Luke Kennard sat on the other end at -2 in 11 minutes, missing 5 of 7 shots in his heaviest run of the night.
Three Quick Grades. Reath: efficient and aggressive from deep, the clear standout. Bouyea: steady ballhandling, zero turnovers in 10 minutes. Kennard: an off shooting night at 2-of-7, the kind preseason is built to shake off before the games start counting.
Series Split, Slate Ahead. The loss left Phoenix 1-1 against San Antonio this preseason after an earlier 102-98 win on October 10. The Suns get three days of rest before hosting the Jazz on October 16; the Spurs have one day before their next game.
Did the Suns play their regular starters against the Spurs on October 14?
No. Booker, Green, Brooks and Bridges were all unavailable, and a reserve lineup played the loss out to the final buzzer.
What is Phoenix's preseason series record against San Antonio?
The teams split their two meetings, with the Suns winning 102-98 on October 10 and the Spurs winning 103-123 on October 14.
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