“NBA Showdown: Pistons and Suns Set for Epic Preseason Clash at Michigan State’s Breslin Center!”

The Detroit Pistons and Phoenix Suns announced that they will play a preseason game at the Breslin Center on Michigan State University’s campus on Tuesday, October 8, at 7:00 p.m. ET. This marks the third time the Pistons will play a preseason game in East Lansing and the first since 2018.

 

Both teams’ owners share strong connections to Michigan State. Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia, who played four seasons as a walk-on for the Spartans, was part of the 2000 NCAA National Championship team. Ishbia, now the CEO and chairman of United Wholesale Mortgage, purchased the Phoenix Suns for $4 billion in December 2022.

 

Reflecting on the event, Ishbia said, “From being a walk-on at Michigan State on the national championship team to now bringing the Phoenix Suns to play at the Breslin Center, this is a full circle moment and a truly special experience. MSU and Coach Izzo have profoundly influenced my life and career, and I wouldn’t be where I am today, including as owner of the Suns and Mercury, without Coach Izzo’s mentorship. I’m excited to bring the Spartan community and the Phoenix Suns together.”

 

Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores also has deep ties to the university, having graduated from Michigan State in 1986 with a degree in construction management. Gores, who purchased the Pistons in 2011 for $325 million, remains closely involved with the university.

 

“Michigan State is a special place, and I’m excited to bring NBA basketball to fans in East Lansing,” said Gores. “The MSU community has always supported Pistons basketball, and this game offers an early glimpse at our team’s efforts to improve and build a strong foundation for competitive basketball.”

 

Michigan State basketball head coach Tom Izzo also expressed excitement about the upcoming game. “We’re thrilled to welcome the Pistons and Suns to the Breslin Center. Both teams have close ties to Michigan State, and having an NBA game on campus is a testament to the incredible people and talent that come from our university. It’s an honor to call Tom Gores a friend, and my bond with Mat, having coached him, is something special. I’m excited for this game and for the chance to showcase NBA basketball to our fans and the East Lansing community.”