MOST POPULAR

Jon Leuer a slamming success in Phoenix Suns preseason debut

Oct 7, 2015, 10:59 PM | Updated: Oct 9, 2015, 8:11 am

Phoenix Suns' Jon Leuer, second from left, celebrates his dunk against the Sacramento Kings with te...

Phoenix Suns' Jon Leuer, second from left, celebrates his dunk against the Sacramento Kings with teammates Tyson Chandler, left, Kyle Casey, right, and P.J. Tucker during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2015, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

PHOENIX — Two hours prior to the Phoenix Suns’ preseason home opener, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on the main plaza officially opening the doors to the renamed Talking Stick Resort Arena.

A short time later, Jon Leuer christened the building with a thunderous one-handed slam dunk over Sacramento’s DeMarcus Cousins.

Never mind that the Suns won, 102-98, or Leuer had 17 points, sharing team-high scoring honors with T.J. Warren, the play of the game occurred at 3:17 of the second quarter, electrifying the 12,033 in attendance and bringing the entire Suns bench to their feet.

Catching the long outlet pass from Ronnie Price, Leuer took one dribble at the foul line, elevated off his left foot and in one motion with his right hand brought the ball high above his head and down through the basket giving no regard for the outstretched arm of Cousins, setting off an ovation normally reserved for regular season play.

“I saw DeMarcus coming and I just tried to go up as hard as I could because I know he’s a big guy and a good athlete,” Leuer said.  “Just fortunate I came out on the right end of it.”

Leuer, acquired from Memphis on draft night, made quite the first impression.

His dunk highlighted an 11-4 run to give the Suns a 44-42 lead.

“I haven’t seen that since I’ve been here.  It was aggressive,” Tyson Chandler said.  “I was surprised he was able to do that.”

Leuer shot 6-of-8 from the field, including one three-pointer, and 4-of-5 from the foul line.  He also grabbed 13 rebounds, seven in the second quarter.

“That’s what I feel like I can bring to this team is just versatility and shooting the ball, putting the ball on the floor, making plays for myself, my teammates; rebounding, defense, just try to do a little bit of everything,” Leuer said.

Added head coach Jeff Hornacek, “Jon has played well all training camp.  He’s out there trying to earn minutes.  That’s how Jon plays.  He’s just solid.  He does the right things.”

Leuer and Warren plus fellow reserves Alex Len (six points and seven rebounds), Devin Booker (six points), Mirza Teletovic (five points) and Sonny Weems (two points) helped pull the Suns out of an early 16-point deficit.

“They need to get some work,” Hornacek said, referring to starters Eric Bledsoe, Brandon Knight, P.J. Tucker, Markieff Morris and Chandler.  “We stressed pressure defense — get after guys.  We started off the game, gave them four 3-pointers that were half-contested.  The first group, they’ll get better, but the bench guys came in and really played hard.  We’re going to need that all year.”

Bledsoe and Knight combined for 16 points; Morris had six points on 2-of-13 shooting, six rebounds and two blocks; Chandler four points and four rebounds; Tucker did not score but filled the stat sheet with three rebounds, two assists and two steals.

Hornacek used a 15-man rotation with only Kyle Casey and Cory Jefferson not seeing any action.

Most Popular

Sean O’Malley throws a kick against Aljamain Sterling during their Bantamweight title fight at UF...

Associated Press

Phoenix fighter Sean O’Malley upsets Aljamain Sterling for UFC bantamweight title

In his first bid for the UFC bantamweight title, Sean O’Malley stopped defending champion Aljamain Sterling in the second round of the main event at UFC 292.

7 months ago

Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States lifts the trophy as United States players celebrate winn...

Associated Press

US beats Canada to win CONCACAF Nations League title

The United States beat Canada 2-0 on Sunday night for the Americans' second straight CONCACAF Nations League title.

9 months ago

Associated Press

Arcangelo wins Belmont Stakes to make Jena Antonucci 1st female trainer to win the race

Arcangelo won the Belmont Stakes on Saturday, making Jena Antonucci the first female trainer to win the race in its 155 years.

9 months ago

Associated Press

Kentucky Derby runs into more obstacles ahead of big race

The cast for the 149th Kentucky Derby was rewritten again hours before the race Saturday when early favorite Forte was scratched.

11 months ago

Jesus Ferreira #9 of the United States celebrates after scoring a goal in front of the American Out...

Associated Press

Ferreira goal gives USA exhibition tie against Mexico at State Farm Stadium

The United States tied against Mexico 1-1 on Wednesday night in an exhibition at State Farm Stadium in Glendale.

11 months ago

Associated Press

Aryna Sabalenka wins 1st Grand Slam title at Australian Open

Aryna Sabalenka won her first Grand Slam title by coming back to beat Elena Rybakina in the Australian Open women’s final.

1 year ago

Jon Leuer a slamming success in Phoenix Suns preseason debut