Benjamin Garcia and John Voita analyze the Suns' impressive defensive showing, particularly against the struggling Lakers. They discuss Jalen Green's hamstring setback in China and its implications for the Suns' lineup. The hosts debate the third-string point guard battle between Jordan Goodwin and Jared Butler, leaning towards Goodwin's defensive prowess. Rookie Khaman Maluach's rapid improvement draws excitement, with potential to impact the Suns' future alongside Devin Booker.

Tune in to hear why the hosts believe the Suns' path to playoff contention hinges on becoming a top 10 defensive team in the NBA.

0:00 Preseason recap and Jalen Green injury

5:45 Suns establish defensive identity in preseason

12:18 Jalen Green re-aggravates hamstring, out weeks

20:10 Impact of Green's absence on Suns lineup

24:58 Jordan Goodwin vs Jared Butler debate

30:05 Khaman Maluach impresses with basketball IQ

📲 Follow Locked On Suns on TikTok

Locked On Suns https://www.tiktok.com/@lockedonphxsuns?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

📲 Follow Locked On Suns on Instagram

Locked On Suns https://www.instagram.com/lockedonphxsuns/

📲 Follow Locked On Suns on X

Locked On Suns https://x.com/LockedOnPHXSuns

Ben Garcia https://x.com/BenGarciaShow

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOSuns?sid=YouTube

Locked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More

🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNBA

📢 Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Wayfair

Get organized, refreshed, and back to routine for way less. Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home.

Peloton

Let yourself run, lift, flex, and push forward. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ today at https://www.onepeloton.com.

Monarch Money

Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at https://monarchmoney.com/lockedonnba for 50% off your first year

FanDuel

Right now, new customers can bet just FIVE dollars and if your bet wins—you’ll get THREE HUNDRED dollars in bonus bets to use across the app. Download the FanDuel app now by visiting https://FanDuel.com to get started

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)