Phoenix Suns forward Josh Okogie showcased a strong performance in their preseason opener, scoring a team-high 15 points to lead them to a 118-114 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.
The D’Tigers standout’s impressive play extended beyond scoring, as he also contributed five rebounds and two assists.
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Known primarily for his defensive prowess, Okogie proved he’s capable of being a multifaceted threat on the court. His performance in the preseason game hints at a potentially improved season for the 26-year-old, who is considered one of the league’s top defenders.
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After the game, Okogie expressed his excitement about returning to competitive action: “It was fun to get back out there and compete against another team. We’ve been working hard in practice, so it was good to release that energy on the court.”
While acknowledging the team’s strong performance, Okogie emphasized the importance of continued improvement, particularly in communication: “One thing we can always work on is our communication. We have a lot of new guys, so we need to improve our communication on both offense and defense.”
In addition to Okogie’s standout performance, rookie Oso Ighodaro, a player of Nigerian descent, made a positive impression in his Suns debut. Ighodaro contributed 12 points, four rebounds, and five assists, earning praise from head coach Michael Budenholzer.
Selected in the second round of the 2024 NBA draft, Ighodaro is expected to play a significant role in the Suns’ quest for the 2025 NBA World Championship.
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