The Phoenix Suns opened their 2025 NBA preseason with a commanding 103-81 win over the Los Angeles Lakers at Acrisure Arena on October 3, 2025, setting an early tone for a squad eager to shake off last season’s disappointments. While the result won’t count in the standings, the game offered plenty of intrigue—especially with the Suns’ new center Mark Williams watching from the sidelines as part of a cautious, strategic ramp-up plan.
Williams, acquired in a major offseason trade that sent Vasa Micic and two first-round picks to Charlotte, is no stranger to adversity. After battling a litany of injuries—foot, back, knee, ankle, and thumb—across his first three NBA seasons and appearing in just 106 games, the 23-year-old big man is taking a deliberate approach to his debut campaign in Phoenix. "This is a little bit different, but I think it’s just more precautionary, just trying to prepare myself for the season like they’ve said," Williams explained before tip-off. "It’s definitely new territory for me. … It’s definitely different not playing preseason, but it’s been good."
The Suns’ coaching staff, led by Jordan Ott, has been impressed by Williams’ work ethic since his arrival. "Since July 1, he's been in here more than anyone else, developing his strength. I think he's more than doubled his lower body strength in that time period. He does everything in practice that we ask except live 5-on-5 at this point," Ott said on October 1. Williams echoed that sentiment, noting, "Weight room, everything with the team, install plays, defensive drills, all that. I’m in a good place. They have a plan in place for me to be ready for opening night. Just doing everything in my power to be able to endure a full season so I’m excited for that."
That opening night, looming on October 22 against the Sacramento Kings at the Mortgage Matchup Center, is circled on Williams’ calendar. "I’ll be playing opening night," he declared. "I’ll be ready for that." While his absence from preseason action might raise eyebrows, the Suns’ front office isn’t taking any chances. General manager Brian Gregory emphasized, "The one thing we have to remember about Mark, he’s 23 years old. He’s got a bright future here in Phoenix. When it comes to moving him forward, we’re going to be strategic, we’re going to be smart, but he’s in a good place right now."
Williams is entering the final year of his four-year, $18 million contract—originally signed with Charlotte after being selected 15th overall out of Duke in 2022—and is eligible for a contract extension. If an agreement isn’t reached, he’ll be a restricted free agent after the season. "For me, it’s taking advantage of every opportunity out on the court and letting everything take care of itself. They traded two first-round picks for me. I’ve talked to everyone from the top down," Williams said, acknowledging the faith Phoenix has placed in him.
On the court Friday night, the Suns showed why they’re optimistic about their revamped roster. With Williams out, Phoenix still dominated the Lakers from the opening tip. The Suns built a 15-point lead by the end of the first quarter, fueled by sharp shooting and relentless defense. Los Angeles struggled mightily on offense, shooting just 31% from the field, while the Suns surged ahead with runs of 7-0 and 11-0 in the early going.
Devin Booker led all scorers with 24 points, igniting the Suns’ offense and becoming the first player in double figures before halftime. Dillon Brooks showcased his perimeter prowess, knocking down all three of his attempts from beyond the arc. Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale each made their presence felt with timely threes, while Phoenix’s defense clamped down on the Lakers’ attack.
The Lakers, for their part, found some bright spots in the preseason opener. Austin Reaves looked like he was already in midseason form, pouring in 20 points—18 of them in the first half—while grabbing three rebounds and dishing out two assists. Rui Hachimura contributed 11 points, three boards, and two steals. Off the bench, R.J. Davis chipped in 14 points, and Bronny James added eight. Despite their efforts, the Lakers never seriously threatened after halftime, trailing by 13 at the break and falling behind by as many as 24 in the third quarter.
Deandre Ayton, now in purple and gold, had a rough night offensively with just one point but did manage eight rebounds and two blocks. Jake LaRavia contributed seven points and five rebounds, while Dalton Knecht finally connected on a three-pointer late in the game after several misses. The Lakers’ offense sputtered, plagued by turnovers and missed opportunities—issues that head coach Darvin Ham will no doubt address as the preseason continues.
As the game wore on, the Suns’ depth was on full display. Ott used the final quarter to experiment with rotations and give younger players a chance to shine, while the Lakers attempted to cut into the deficit with some late energy. The crowd at Acrisure Arena, which opened in December 2022 and seats 11,000, enjoyed a lively atmosphere despite the preseason status of the contest. Both teams made frequent substitutions in the closing minutes, using the opportunity to evaluate talent and test out new strategies.
For Suns fans, the most tantalizing storyline remains the pending debut of Mark Williams. His former Charlotte teammate Nick Richards is optimistic: "He’s excited for the season. He’s excited for the year to start. It’s probably going to be one of his best years as far as playing in as many games as possible." The hope in Phoenix is that Williams can play "more than 70 games" this season, a significant leap after appearing in only 44 contests last year—though he made the most of those, averaging a career-high 15.3 points and 10.2 rebounds per game.
Williams himself feels the difference in his body after months of focused training. "Just getting on the rim, backing somebody down. I can feel the difference in my body. Feel like I’m moving better, more mobile, getting a little lower," he said, clearly relishing the chance for a fresh start. "When I got (to Phoenix), it was time to lock in. ... I’m just excited for opening night."
Looking ahead, Williams may not see action in the Suns’ remaining preseason games—including a pair of contests in China against the Brooklyn Nets on October 10 and 12, and a home rematch with the Lakers on October 14. The Suns will endure a grueling 17-hour flight back from China before wrapping up their exhibition slate, all with an eye on being fully prepared for the regular season tip-off.
As the dust settles on the preseason opener, Phoenix’s blend of veteran leadership, young talent, and a healthy Mark Williams waiting in the wings has Suns fans buzzing. If this early glimpse is any indication, the Suns’ calculated approach could pay dividends in a season where they hope to vault from the lottery to playoff contention. For now, all eyes are on October 22, when Williams and the Suns aim to make their mark in earnest.
