Game Preview: Phoenix looks to carry its defensive momentum into matchup with San Antonio

Who: Phoenix Suns (3-5) vs. San Antonio Spurs (8-2)

When: 7:00 pm Arizona Time

Where: Mortgage Matchup Center — Phoenix, Arizona

Watch: Suns+, 3TV/AZFS

Listen: KMVP 98.7

The fourth week of the NBA season kicks off Monday night as the Phoenix Suns open a back-to-back by welcoming Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs to town for their only visit to Phoenix this season.

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The Suns are coming off easily their most impressive victory of the season, having held a potent Houston Rockets offense to fewer than 100 points en route to a much-needed win. While the offense has begun showcasing greater connectivity and accountability, it’s the defense that has truly stood out over the past two games. Since last Thursday, Phoenix has averaged 11.0 steals per game, the second most in the NBA during that span.

If the Suns hope to knock off a formidable Western Conference opponent in the defending conference champion Spurs, that defensive intensity will need to continue. San Antonio opened the season with consecutive losses before responding by rattling off eight straight victories, establishing itself as one of the hottest teams in basketball. The Spurs are playing with confidence, executing on both ends of the floor, and beginning to look every bit like the contender many expected them to be.

That being said, Phoenix has been something of a thorn in San Antonio’s side over the past few seasons. Since 2023, the Spurs hold a narrow 6-5 advantage in the head-to-head series, illustrating that the Suns have been more than capable of making life difficult for Wembanyama and company.

If Phoenix can carry the defensive energy and collective effort it displayed against Houston into Monday night’s matchup, perhaps it can find a way to make things uncomfortable for San Antonio once again.

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Tale of the Tape

Probable Starters

Injury Report

Suns

Mark Williams — OUT (Left Shoulder Surgery)

Jordan Goodwin — QUESTIONABLE (Right Calf Soreness)

Spurs

Tabias Harris — OUT (Left Calf Strain)

Jayden Quaintance — OUT (Right Knee Surgery)

Devin Vassell — OUT (Left Adductor Tightness)

What to Watch For

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Publish date : 2026-11-09 20:00:00

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