PHOENIX– The season-opener for the Phoenix Suns was one they'd like to forget. Following a 41-point drubbing against the Portland Trail Blazers, it set a bad precedent for the season. Jordan Ott felt it as much as anyone.

He's utilized it as a reference point, for both progression and where they need to make vast improvements. It appeared to be a wake-up call the next handful of games.

Their sense of aggression, defensive intent, as well as the quality of possession has improved drastically. While it hasn't all led to wins, it's kept them in the last two games.

When revisiting that woeful opening game, Ott has thought about the game intentionally, but not putting too much weight on it.

“It's less about what it was,” he explained pregame. “Game one, we all remember it. It's more about us continuing to get better, put a full 48 (minutes) together, starting with our defense, cleaning that part up.

“Watched a little bit of the fourth quarter fun the other night; energy and intensity, our intent was there in Golden State. It's just a little execution pieces down the stretch that we know we can clean up.”

Jordan Ott, Suns seek retribution vs Blazers

One of the key differences in this game is Ja Morant missing the Blazers Wednesday night game due to a hamstring strain. He alone puts an unreal amount of pressure on the basket.

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That's a part of Portland's offensive identity, and it'll surely be missed. That being said, guys like Damian Lillard, Scoot Henderson, and Donovan Clingan can all provide that.

The athleticism will be a challenge to guard, but it's really the size that is a major question mark. Clingan dominated the paint, but that was without Oso Ighodaro. The latter can limit and be that versatile big who can switch defensively.

Both teams look different, but this being only two weeks fresh can play right into Phoenix's hands for rewriting the story.