Phoenix Suns coach Jordan Ott decided to rest his main players for their pre-season game against the Los Angeles Lakers who debuted Luka Doncic. How did they do? The hungry players stepped up and now have their head coach and stars feeling impressed.
Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green, Mark Williams, and Ryan Dunn, the projected Suns starting 5 for the new season, all sat out the game. Despite being depleted, the remaining crew gave the Lakers a tough time and pulled off a 113-104.
Doncic was impressive with his 25 points in 22 minutes but his other teammates faltered in terms of offensive energy while the young Suns’ drive pushed them to the victory.
Jared Butler led the way for Ott as he scored 35 points in 31 minutes, followed by former Laker Jordan Goodwin who had 24 points, four rebounds, and six assists to make life of LA’s guards difficult throughout the game. Prized Khaman Maluach had a great game, too, with 17 and eight.
Rasheer Fleming only scored nine points but his motor and defensive mentality got fans impressed. He also gave Doncic a hard time from time to time.
“Trying to figure out a way to maneuver the foul calls that Luka baits you into.”
Suns rookie Rasheer Fleming on guarding Luka Doncic in preseason win over Lakers.
“It was dope.”
On his 4th quarter save: “My wing span. (Smiles), 7-5.” #Suns #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/jsS5bxWMxQ
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) October 15, 2025
I have to say it again. Man Man and Rasheer Fleming are the 4/5 combo the Suns have needed for YEARS! pic.twitter.com/jNMr2fnDOq
— Gabe Guerrero (@GabeGuerrero03) October 15, 2025
I like this usage of Rasheer Fleming, & the pop as Goodwin probes downhill
Confidence off the catch from Fleming pic.twitter.com/q70ZBTbG1b
— Stephen PridGeon-Garner 🏁 (@StephenPG3) October 15, 2025
Defense ➡️ Offense.
Rasheer Fleming with the Inspector Gadget deflection, stretches like Gumby to save it from going out, and boom—wide-open three for Jared Butler. That’s how you earn fans fast. pic.twitter.com/umMylbD4cd
— John Voita, III (@DarthVoita) October 15, 2025
Jordan Ott comments on Rasheer Fleming’s potential
“I just like making plays, whether it’s offensively, defensively or little stuff like that. I like impacting the game in whatever way I can,” Fleming said postgame to Arizona Sports when asked about his performance.
The 21-year-old knows his playing time will still be limited and Ott is impressed that he always answers the call and he is always ready.
“I feel like he’s done it every time he’s had extended run. … He shows flashes of that elite athleticism,” he told reporters when asked about his rookie.
“It’s our job and our responsibility just to get it more consistent. At times, he doesn’t know where to go, what to do — he just needs to act. Just act, everything else we’ll figure it out. If he over-works, that’s OK.”
Brooks is impressed but he said they need to roughen him up a little.
Dillon Brooks said Rasheer Fleming has “all the potential, all the intangibles.”
He’s just gotta “roughen him up a little bit” so Fleming can withstand the physicality to be an elite defender. Brooks said defending great scorers requires “thick skin” and a proper mindset.
— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) October 14, 2025
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