Michigan State's Breslin Center to host preseason NBA game between Detroit Pistons and Phoenix Suns
A preseason NBA game between the Detroit Pistons and the Phoenix Suns will take place at the Breslin Center on Tuesday, Oct. 8, at 7:00 p.m., Michigan State announced Wednesday.
This isn’t the first time the Breslin Center has hosted a preseason NBA game. The Pistons also participated in games at the arena in 2018 and 2000. They hosted an open scrimmage at the Breslin Center in 2019.
This year’s game represents the first time the Phoenix Suns will play at the Breslin Center.
The owners of both the Pistons and the Suns are Michigan State alums. Pistons owner Tom Gores graduated from Michigan State in 1986 with a degree in construction management. He has owned the Pistons since 2011. Gores grew up in Genesee, Mich., just outside of Flint.
Suns owner Mat Ishbia was a member of Michigan State’s 2000 national championship team as a walk-on. He earned a degree in business management from Michigan State in 2002. Ishbia has owned the Suns and the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury since 2022. Ishbia grew up in Birmingham, Mich., and is the president and CEO of United Wholesale Mortgage.
“Michigan State University is a special place and I’m thrilled for the opportunity to bring our team and the excitement of NBA basketball to sports fans in East Lansing,” Gores said. “The Lansing area and MSU community has always supported Pistons basketball, and we welcome the opportunity to give fans an early look at our efforts to improve the team and create a foundation for delivering competitive basketball.”
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“From being a walk-on at Michigan State on the national championship team, to now being able to bring the Phoenix Suns to play at Breslin Center – this is a full circle moment and an incredibly special experience,” Ishbia said. “MSU and coach (Tom) Izzo have had an immeasurable impact on my life and my career, and I wouldn’t be where I am today, including owner of the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury, without coach Izzo’s mentorship. I can’t wait to bring the Spartan community and Phoenix Suns together.”
Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo also expressed his excitement for the game.
“We’re excited to welcome the Pistons and the Suns to Breslin Center – two teams we’re fortunate enough to have great relationships with and close ties to our school and our team,” said Izzo. “Having an NBA game on campus featuring two Spartan alums as owners shows the power of Michigan State and the talent and quality of people that come from our great university. It’s an honor to call Tom Gores a friend and everyone knows the special bond I share with Mat, having coached him as a former player in our program. I’m excited for the game and the opportunity to showcase NBA basketball to our MSU basketball fans and everyone here in the East Lansing community.”
Tickets for the preseason contest start at $15 and can be purchased beginning Tuesday, Sept. 10, at 10 a.m.
