PHOENIX– During Jordan Goodwin's return for the Phoenix Suns, many assumed it would be highlighted by defense and energy. Yes, those two were brought, as they always are, but the ever-expanding offensive game was there too.

He finished with 18 points and connected on six of seven shots from beyond the arc in the Suns' 23-point win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday.

After a brutal loss just 24 hours prior, having their top defensive player back proved to be worth it. He missed six games with a calf strain, an injury the team wanted to be cautious with.

That being said, his infectious energy began the moment he hit his first triple.

“How the game was going, it was all coming to me so open,” he explained postgame. “The guys were finding me, especially when I hit the first two. The ball was just finding me.”

Goodwin had nearly all of his shots uncontested. That goes into the extensive playmaking, courtesy of Devin Booker. He was finding Goodwin at ease, but it wasn't out of obligation or the right play to make.

Some of it was rewarding him, but that energy translated everywhere, and it began with Goodwin.

“Just the overall energy, the vibe, it goes a long way, feeding off each other's energy, feeding off the bench,” Booker said in the locker room postgame. “Pregame film, everybody locked in; you can typically feel when the team's ready to go and when we're not. So, continue to keep the level high.”

Devin Booker shared what stood out, besides Jordan Goodwin's explosion off the bench in the 23-point win.

"Just the overall energy, the vibe, it goes a long way, feeding off each other's energy, feeding off the bench. Pregame film, everybody locked in; you can typically feel… pic.twitter.com/bPV9COGk1m

— Hayden Cilley (@HaydenCilley) November 11, 2026

Jordan Goodwin is the baseline for the Suns energy

There is always a standard every game Goodwin plays. Guys around him try to uphold it, especially on the defensive end. However, when he has it going offensively, it makes the defensive production increase.

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Allow me to explain.

Defense to offense is a common term thrown around. But when the offense is humming, it makes them want to play better defense to get out in transition and get those wide-open looks. And then repeat the cycle, and that's basically a synopsis of Goodwin's time on the floor.

It came as no surprise to head coach Jordan Ott.

“It's him every night,” he said. “We talk about just his energy, and his general enthusiasm for life in basketball is always at a high level. And tonight, on top of it, he made shots, so he's definitely improved in that area.

“Feels like every time he moves his hands, it's going to go in.”