3 takeaways from the Suns loss to the Pistons on Friday night.

No, just because Phoenix lost doesn’t mean they’re all bad.

Aw, shucks. Looks like the Phoenix Suns will not go undefeated in the preseason, as they dropped their preseason home opener to the Detroit Pistons last night, 109-91. Did you know that the Suns have only gone undefeated in the preseason twice in franchise history? 2-0 in 1998 and 8-0 in 1994. Eight fuggin’ preseason games. Good gravy.

It was refreshing to see that people in the chat for the Suns JAM Session post-game podcast weren’t losing their minds. Normally, that’s where I see overreactions to every detail from the game we just watched, with too much weight placed on a single result. Not every game is Game 7 of the NBA Finals, especially not the third game of the preseason.

While there is nothing — I repeat…“nothing” — to overreact to after the loss, there are still things to react to. Here are three things that I noticed while taking in the Suns and Pistons last night.

The Three Ball Continues to Fly

I knew we were expecting an uptick in three-pointers, but I don’t know if I was ready to see this many. The team collectively took 47 shots from beyond the arc on Friday night. They did that a total of three times last season.

As for that elusive “40% of their total shots” statistic that I’ll be monitoring all season long? 53.4% of their shots were from three last night (43 of 88). The team is averaging 44 three-pointers per game in the reasons, which is currently third in the NBA, behind the Dallas Mavericks (44.7) and Boston Celtics (54).

There are pros and cons to that three-ball. When it’s falling? Like Brandy in 1998, you feel like you’re sittin’ on top of the world. But when it’s not? It creates issues. That’s why the phrase “live by the three, die by the three” exists.

Of those 47 attempts last night, Phoenix made just 11, shooting 23.4% from deep. Missed shots lead to long rebounds, and if your team isn’t securing them, you’re giving the opposition a chance to push the pace. The Pistons took full advantage, scoring 23 fast break points.

As someone who is highly in favor of the three-ball revolution finally returning to the Valley of the Sun, you’ll live with games like last night. They will happen. We will not need to freak out about it. Well, unless 23.4% from deep becomes the rule rather than the exception. Despite Phoenix shooting 32.6% from beyond the arc in the preseason, there is no need for alarm. Because it is the preseason.

Rebounding Size

Effort is always within a team’s control, but last night, the Suns didn’t bring it while the Pistons did. The hustle stats tell the story, all tipping in Detroit’s favor: rebounds? 51-39. Points in the paint? 50-36. Second-chance points? 13-7, Motor City.

If you were to ask me my biggest concern heading into this season — aside from health — it’s our ability to rebound. Granted, we haven’t seen Jusuf Nurkic play yet, but controlling the glass is going to be a challenge all year. Phoenix has a lot going for them: sharpshooting, offensive firepower, (hopefully) strong coaching, cohesion, and speed.

But size? That’s one box left unchecked. With the way the roster is built, players are being forced out of their natural positions. Booker playing at the three and Durant at the four leaves the Suns smaller at the forward spots, positions crucial for providing help on the boards.

Yes, yes, I remind even myself that it is the preseason. This game didn’t count. But it does matter. With Nurkic sidelined, we’ve had a chance to see our rebounding depth in action, and so far, it’s been underwhelming. Phoenix currently ranks 25th in total rebounds (42.3 per game) and 29th in offensive boards (7.3 per game).

This surely will be a topic throughout the regular season as well, and second-chance points could be one of those things that will slowly drive us insane.

I’m Loving Dunn

There was some rookie regression in this game, which is expected for both Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro. When you face the same team twice in a row, the opposition gains valuable tape and experience on how to play against you.

Ryan Dunn received the start with Devin Booker on the shelf, and on the surface — for those who only look at the boxscore — you’d probably be disappointed. Maybe even to the point where you text me his field goal percentage with the words “So much for Ryan Dunn being a decent shooter”. 1-of-6 from the field, 1-of-5 from deep. Yep. Bad shooting night.

That horrible shooting night dropped Dunn’s averages to…crunches numbers…37.5% three-point shooting on the year. In short? It’s going to be okay. And when you look at what you brought him here to do — play elite defense — you walk away from the game against the Pistons with a smile, because Dunn showcased more of his superior defensive skills against Detroit.

Like this play for example…

That recovery is just incredible. The double jump is a rarity we haven’t seen since Shawn Marion roamed the US Airways Center. It’s what made Marion such an outstanding rebounder, and it’s a skill you simply can’t teach.

Then there’s this play…

On a two-on-one fast break, Dunn impressively guards both players, expertly timing his leap to reject Tobias Harris at the rim. His instincts are off the charts, allowing him to read the play and anticipate the shot with remarkable precision. It’s moments like these that highlight his potential to become a game-changing defender in this league.

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What did you see that impressed you on Friday night? Was there anything that was a cause for concern?

Next up for the Suns? A trip to the Mile High City to take on the Denver Nuggets. It’ll be preseason game four of five, and we are just over a week away from the actual start of the season. Where the concerns actually matter.