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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 on the court for introductions to the NBA game against the Dallas Mavericks at Talking Stick Resort Arena on October 17, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 on the court for introductions to the NBA game against the Dallas Mavericks at Talking Stick Resort Arena on October 17, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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) /

3 Takeaways From Suns Opening Night Win (cont’d)

Battle of the Rookies

Deandre Ayton and Luka Doncic showed why they both warranted so much preseason hype as possible Rookie of the Year picks. The two started the game off strong, with Doncic dropping dimes and scoring from numerous spots on the court. Ayton, not to be outdone, scored seven quick points including an and-one on Doncic himself.

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It was easy to see why so many Suns’ fans were high Doncic as he moved around the court very comfortably and put teammates in good positions to score. It was evident, however, that he still has a long way to go on the defensive side of things.

Deandre Ayton, on the other hand, was great on the glass and wound up with a double-double. Plus, besides his scoring, rebounding, and defense, the No. 1 pick also showed off his passing chops. In total, he finished with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists.

Both players were definitely as good as advertised and proved to a national audience that they’re for real. In Ayton’s case, he could be the piece that Phoenix has been missing since Amare Stoudamire left: a big man with a non-stop motor that can score at will from inside the three-point line.

Doncic finished with 10 points, eight rebounds, and four assists.

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