When Phoenix Suns slipped to a defeat against the Brooklyn Nets on Oct. 12, 2025, the curtain fell on a whirlwind China trip that had fans buzzing from start to finish.
The game unfolded at the Venetian Arena in Macau, China, as part of the NBA China Games 2025Macau. The loss meant the Suns finished the two‑game series split – a win on Oct. 10 and a loss on Oct. 12 – exactly as the team’s official YouTube highlight reel described.
How the Series Unfolded
Both teams arrived in Macau on Oct. 9, ready to test their rosters ahead of the 2025‑26 NBA season. The first matchup saw the Suns edge the Nets in a tight contest, sparking confidence among the coaching staff. However, the second game proved to be a different story. With 8:00 PM China Standard Time on the clock, the Nets turned the tables, edging out the Suns in a contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Stat Line Highlights from Phoenix
Even though the Suns fell short, several players posted respectable numbers:
- Brooks – 12 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal
- Ighodaro – 12 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal
- Richards – 11 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block
- O'Neale – 9 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block
- Allen – 9 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocks
- Gillespie – 8 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal
- Dunn – 7 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block
- Maluach – 7 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal
- Butler – 7 points, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1 block
Goodwin’s stat line was listed as "& PTS" – a clear typo that the team's media team didn’t have time to correct before publishing.
Stakeholder Voices
While neither the Suns nor the Nets released formal post‑game comments, the atmosphere around the arena gave away the mood. Fans waved both teams’ flags, and the crowd’s applause after the final buzzer suggested admiration for the quality of play rather than disappointment.
On the business side, Mat Ishbia, the Suns’ majority owner, has been vocal about the importance of international exposure for the franchise. "These games help us connect with a global fan base," he said in a pre‑trip interview, adding that the experience also benefits younger players adjusting to travel schedules.
Across the water, Joseph Tsai, the Nets’ principal owner, highlighted the market potential: "Macau offers a unique blend of tourism and sport. Seeing our brand thrive there is exciting for the entire organization."
Why the China Games Matter
The NBA’s push into China dates back to 1994, but the NBA China Games brand truly took off in 2004. The 2025 edition was the first set of preseason matchups held in Macau since 2019, when mainland games were paused due to diplomatic tensions.
From a strategic standpoint, the league sees the Chinese market as a multi‑billion‑dollar opportunity. By staging games in Macau—a tourist hotspot with a 15,000‑seat basketball configuration—the NBA hopes to tap into both local fans and international visitors.
Financial details for the 2025 series remain under wraps, but past events have generated significant media rights revenue and boosted merchandise sales. The split result for the Suns and Nets also provides a narrative hook for broadcasters back in the United States, keeping the preseason chatter alive.
What’s Next for Both Franchises?
After the Macau stint, the Suns are slated to return stateside for a continuation of their preseason schedule, with a high‑profile game against the Los Angeles Lakers set for Oct. 18 in Las Vegas. The Nets, meanwhile, will head back to Brooklyn before wrapping up their own preseason slate.
Both clubs will likely use the footage from Macau to fine‑tune rotations, especially for younger players like Brooks and Ighodaro who saw meaningful minutes.
Historical Context: Suns‑Nets Matchups
This isn’t the first time the two franchises have faced off abroad. Back in 2014, the Suns traveled to Tokyo for a preseason showdown with the then‑New York Knicks, and the Nets made a stop in London in 2018. Those trips helped lay the groundwork for today’s increasingly global preseason itineraries.
In terms of head‑to‑head records, the Nets hold a modest edge over the Suns during the regular season, but preseason games rarely reflect final outcomes. Still, the experience gives coaches a glimpse of how new lineups might gel under pressure.
Fan Reaction and Digital Engagement
Social media lit up after the game. The Suns’ official Twitter account posted a short clip of Ighodaro’s dunk, captioned “#SunsUp”. Meanwhile, the NBA’s YouTube channel encouraged viewers to "Never miss a moment" and linked to the NBA app, underscoring the league’s push for digital audience growth.
Tickets for the Macau games sold out within hours of the announcement, indicating a strong appetite for live NBA action in the region. The arenas reported near‑full capacity, though exact attendance numbers were not released.
Broader Implications for the NBA’s China Strategy
The successful execution of the 2025 China Games, despite lingering geopolitical sensitivities, suggests that the NBA is committed to maintaining a foothold in the market. Analysts note that the league’s willingness to stage games in Macau — a Special Administrative Region with a different regulatory environment than mainland China — could serve as a template for future events.
Should the partnership continue to flourish, we might see more teams travel east for preseason tours, potentially expanding to other Asian hubs like Seoul or Singapore.
Key Takeaways
- The Suns lost the final game of the China trip, finishing the series 1‑1.
- Several Suns players posted double‑digit scoring, with Brooks and Ighodaro each netting 12 points.
- Ownership from both clubs emphasized the market’s importance for brand growth.
- The event underscores the NBA’s long‑term strategy to deepen ties with Chinese fans.
- Both teams return to the U.S. for the next phase of preseason preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Suns' performance in Macau affect their preseason outlook?
The split result gave the coaching staff a realistic view of roster depth. Young contributors like Brooks and Ighodaro proved they can score against a solid Nets defense, which likely boosts their minutes in upcoming games such as the Oct. 18 showdown with the Lakers.
Why is the NBA still playing games in China after past diplomatic strains?
The league views China as a massive growth market. By hosting games in Macau—a region with a more flexible regulatory environment—the NBA can sidestep some of the political challenges that halted mainland games in 2019, while still reaching millions of Chinese fans.
Who are the key owners behind the Suns and Nets, and what have they said about the China trip?
Phoenix’s majority owner Mat Ishbia highlighted global fan engagement, while Nets owner Joseph Tsai praised Macau’s tourism‑sports mix as a perfect showcase for the brand.
What was the attendance like at the Venetian Arena for the Suns‑Nets games?
Exact figures weren’t released, but tickets sold out quickly and the arena’s capacity of roughly 15,000 seats was reported to be near‑full for both evenings, reflecting strong local and tourist interest.
What are the next steps for the Suns after returning from China?
The Suns head back to the United States to finish preseason preparations, with a marquee game against the Los Angeles Lakers scheduled for Oct. 18 in Las Vegas. The coaching staff will likely use insights from Macau to tweak rotations and finalize lineups for the regular season.
