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Phoenix Suns: 3 Takeaways From Opening Night Victory Over Dallas

By Andrew Marini

PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 20: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns reacts during the NBA game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Talking Stick Resort Arena on October 20, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Lakers defeated the Suns 132-130. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 20: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns reacts during the NBA game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Talking Stick Resort Arena on October 20, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Lakers defeated the Suns 132-130. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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PHOENIX, AZ – OCTOBER 17: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns stands is introduced to the NBA game against the Dallas Mavericks at Talking Stick Resort Arena on October 17, 2018, in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Mavericks 121-100. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ – OCTOBER 17: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns stands is introduced to the NBA game against the Dallas Mavericks at Talking Stick Resort Arena on October 17, 2018, in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Mavericks 121-100. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

An opening night victory for the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena gave fans plenty of optimism. Here, we’ll explore some of the major themes from Wednesday night’s win.

The Phoenix Suns began their season with a 121-100 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday evening at Talking Stick Arena. There were many storylines to follow going in but ultimately, the game came down to a strong fourth quarter performance from Devin Booker, who showed no signs of pain coming off his early September hand surgery.

Overall, it was a great way to start the season, especially since the Suns were able to put a late comeback attempt from Dallas to rest. Booker, as well as Josh Jackson, answered the bell when the Mavericks got close to put the game away for good.

3 Takeaways From Suns Opening Night Win

Three-Point Shooting

Coach Igor Kokoskov wants the team to shoot a ton of three-balls and on Wednesday, they did not disappoint. As a team, the Suns went 19-for-34 from beyond the arc while allowing the Mavericks to shoot just 30 percent themselves (10-for-33).

https://twitter.com/Suns/status/1052801198636429312

Early on, it started with Trevor Ariza who seemed to find himself open throughout the first half. Ariza finished the night 5-for-9 and he will continue getting opportunities from here on out.

Josh Jackson and TJ Warren, although not know for their shooting, both went 3-4 from long range with Jackson hitting some clutch shots late to put the game out of reach.

The hottest hand of them all looked to be the one fresh off of hand surgery as Devin Booker made six of 10 from deep. We know Booker is going to have plenty of nights like this where he’s unstoppable but if Warren and Jackson can hit at a consistent clip, Coach Kokoskov could have something really special.

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