Suns edge Nets in Macau as NBA returns to China after six years
MACAU, CHINA — The NBA officially returned to China for the first time in six years, and the moment didn’t disappoint. In a thrilling overtime showdown at the Venetian Arena, the Phoenix Suns outlasted the Brooklyn Nets 132-127 here in the first game of the 2025 NBA China Games, capping off a night filled with history
The atmosphere inside the 14,000-seat arena was electric, with fans witnessing not just the return of NBA basketball to Chinese soil, but also a matchup that had all the flair of a midseason battle. After a six-year hiatus following strained relations between the league and the country, the NBA’s return marked a new chapter – and Macau’s vibrant crowd made sure it was one to remember.
Several NBA legends also were in attendance, including Shaquille O’Neal, Yao Ming, Vince Carter, Vince Carter, Dwyane Wade, Jeremy Lin, Shawn Marion, Deron Williams, Tim Hardaway, Mitch Richmond, and Stephon Marbury with special appearances from David Beckham and Jackie Chan.
Game report: Nets start hot before Suns find their rhythm, as Booker leads third-quarter surge and Goodwin seals it in overtime
Brooklyn came out blazing, storming to a 23-6 lead behind the hot hand of Cam Thomas, who poured in nine early points and looked unstoppable in isolation. The Nets were crisp and confident, converting tough looks while capitalizing on Phoenix’s early turnovers and sluggish defense. The Suns struggled to find their footing initially, looking overwhelmed by Brooklyn’s pace and pressure.
As the game wore on, though, the Suns began to settle in. They tightened their defense, slowed the tempo, and began finding their offensive groove. By halftime, Phoenix had clawed back into the game, their ball movement improving and their defensive rotations much sharper.
The third quarter belonged to Devin Booker, who caught fire after a quiet first half. The All-Star guard found his rhythm from midrange and from downtown and began orchestrating the Suns’ comeback. His leadership helped steady the team, and his ability to collapse the Nets’ defense opened the door for Phoenix’s role players to step up.
In overtime, it was Jordan Goodwin who delivered the dagger – drilling a clutch three-pointer that sealed the Suns’ victory. Phoenix’s bench outplayed Brooklyn’s late, displaying poise and depth that underscored how balanced this Suns roster can be even in exhibition play.
Nets head coach Jordi Fernández spoke about his young group after the loss, noting both positives and areas for growth.
“I’m very happy with them overall,” Fernandez said, speaking about rookie PGs Nolan Traore and Ben Saraf. Traore finished the game with 6 points in 7 minutes, starting the game, while Saraf had 9 markers off the bench. “I thought Nolan and Ben as point guards felt the real NBA pressure – and that’s a good thing. That’s a learning opportunity when you feel that pressure from a good defensive team. But 34 turnovers for 42 points? You’re not going to win many games that way.”
Fernandez also commended rookies Drake Powell and Danny Wolf for their energy and composure. “Drake took advantage of his minutes – you can see his athleticism, how he pressures the ball, and plays on both ends. Danny had a good punch with that last group and made winning plays to help us take the lead.”
For Cam Thomas, who finished with an impressive scoring and playmaking display with 22 points and 6 assists, the balance between aggression and facilitating remains a focus.
“Me and Jordi always talk about it,” Thomas said about him being a scorer and a facilitator. “He knows I’m a scorer, but it’s about that fine line – being aggressive while creating for others. We’re finding that balance this year, and it’s trending up.”
On the Suns’ side, head coach Jordan Ott highlighted the impact of rookie center Oso Ighodaro, who showcased his mobility and passing feel in the short roll.
“The speed and aggressiveness early from the Nets did affect him,” Ott said. “But you saw how important Oso is to us. His third quarter really helped stabilize that group, especially against a team that pressures as much as Brooklyn. He’s a pressure release for us – that short-roll decision making is big.”
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Beyond the box score, the night carried symbolic weight. The NBA’s return to China – facilitated with lots of partnership including with Alibaba and Tencent – marks a rekindling of one of the league’s most lucrative international relationships. The Macau crowd’s energy underscored how much Chinese fans have missed live NBA action.