Kofi Inkoom
Phoenix Suns’ Yuta Watanabe logged the most extensive playing time, totaling 30 minutes, during their preseason victory over the Pistons on Sunday.
Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns’ forward, expressed his excitement when the team acquired Yuta Watanabe during this year’s free agency, given their prior association as teammates with the Brooklyn Nets in the 2022-23 season.
Their strong chemistry from their Nets days has seamlessly transitioned into their roles as Suns teammates.
At the recent media day, Watanabe highlighted Durant as a primary reason for his decision to join the team, citing Durant’s exceptional leadership. Suns fans had the chance to witness firsthand why Durant holds Watanabe’s style of play in high regard.
In the Suns’ preseason opener against the Detroit Pistons, a game they won 130-126 in overtime, Watanabe showcased his skills by leading the team in playing time with 30 minutes, contributing significantly to their victory.
Coach Vogel commended Watanabe for providing a valuable boost during the overtime period. Watanabe has earned a reputation as one of the premier corner 3-point shooters in the NBA.
In Sunday’s game, he sank two three-pointers, one of which occurred in the first quarter after a drive to the basket by Suns guard Devin Booker.
Additionally, he displayed his shooting prowess with a corner triple following an inbounds pass from guard Grayson Allen.
Watanabe’s defensive contributions were equally noteworthy, as he recorded two steals and a crucial deflection during overtime while defending Pistons’ big man Marvin Bagley III.
This defensive play led to a floater by Watanabe, extending the Suns’ lead to two possessions at 126-122 and sealing the game’s outcome.
Two-play sequence from Yuta Watanabe. Stays steady after he gets hit by a screen, follows Bagley well for the deflection.
Hits a floater on the other end. #Suns up 126-122. pic.twitter.com/pV5KaOR7y5
— Trevor Booth (@TrevorMBooth) October 8, 2023
Coach Vogel praised Watanabe for his ability to consistently position himself effectively on both ends of the court, showcasing a well-rounded two-way game.
“He really has a knack for being in the right spots, understanding schemes and played a good two-way game tonight,” Vogel said.
During Sunday’s game, Watanabe shared the court with Devin Booker and several other members of the Suns’ bench unit.
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Although Suns wing Josh Okogie started alongside Booker, Durant, Bradley Beal, and Jusuf Nurkic, it is conceivable that Watanabe could contend for the fifth starting spot if he continues to excel as a sharpshooter alongside the Suns’ star players.
His defensive capabilities will also play a pivotal role, given that Okogie is regarded as the team’s premier perimeter defender, proficient at guarding opposing point guards.