The Phoenix Suns fell apart in their season opener, dropping a lopsided 124-83 contest to the Portland Trail Blazers on October 21 at Moda Center. Several ex-Suns made their mark elsewhere on opening night, with Memphis Grizzlies guard Ty Jerome delivering a breakout performance. Jerome registered a career-high 45 points while shooting 5-of-10 from 3-point range, adding seven rebounds and six assists in the Grizzlies' 123-103 victory over the Utah Jazz.
Other former Phoenix players posted strong debuts. Kevin Durant poured in 30 points for the Houston Rockets in a 128-110 win over Dallas. Grayson Allen scored 21 points with five 3-pointers for Charlotte in a 110-103 victory against Brooklyn. Deandre Ayton chipped in 11 points on efficient 5-of-6 shooting in Washington's 128-116 triumph over Milwaukee. Jalen Smith added 15 points and eight rebounds for Chicago, though the Bulls fell 135-92 to Toronto.
Two ex-Suns struggled in New York's championship defense. Mikal Bridges and Landry Shamet combined for nine points on 4-of-15 shooting in the Knicks' 106-100 loss to Philadelphia on October 20, though both received championship rings. Toumani Camara, acquired by Portland in the Lillard trade, registered 18 points with four 3-pointers in 22 minutes during the Trail Blazers' rout.
