Phoenix Suns fans were hopeful to see the likes of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal on their home court in the team’s preseason home opener against the Denver Nuggets.
However, none suited up for Phoenix.
“We’re going to make these decisions on a game-by-game basis, but I always felt that we’re not going to play them all five preseason games. We’re going to pace them throughout the preseason and this one, coming off of the east coast trip, three-hour time zone change, afternoon game, sleep is a little bit compromised right now,” said Suns coach Frank Vogel prior to the game.
“I just wanted them to have a few days to get recovered from that trip before throwing them right back out there.”
Beal also didn’t play in the following game against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Suns fans will now have another opportunity to see the Big 3 for the first time with their own eyes on Monday when the Trail Blazers come to town – Vogel says to expect all three stars to play.
“Two days in a row, they’re gonna get to see Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal and Devin Booker play hoops,” Vogel said, referring to the team’s open practice on Sunday as the first of two days.
Thus far, the star trio has only played one game together, which came in the opener against the Detroit Pistons last Sunday.
In Sunday’s win over the Pistons:
- Durant logged 12 points on 4-7 shooting. He grabbed three rebounds and added one assist.
- Beal played 14 minutes and notched 11 points on 3-5 shooting, making his only three-point attempt.
- Booker tied Durant for most points among starters with 12 on 5-9 shooting in 15 minutes of action.
After Monday, the Suns have one preseason matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers left on their schedule before the regular season begins on Oct. 24.
