Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Suns fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
Expectations are changing. Narratives are sliding sideways. The Phoenix Suns are outperforming what most of us thought they would be at the start of the season, myself very much included. I had them pegged at 35–47. They are already 71% of the way to that number while only 48% of the schedule is gone. Was I wrong? Absolutely. And thank God for that.
I did not see a sustainable offense beyond Devin Booker. I did not trust the second unit. I questioned Collin Gillespie’s growth, Mark Williams’ availability, and whether Dillon Brooks could give you anything reliable offensively. I had no idea if a rookie head coach could herd this group into something functional, let alone successful. Three months in, the returns have been loud and positive. Fifth seed in the West. Climbing. While other teams wobble, the Suns have an identity, consistency, and actual team basketball.
They are tied for first, although the Lakers lead by a percentage point or two. But both are 8.5 games back of OKC.
So now the question changes. How do you define disappointment? What result leaves you staring at the floor with that familiar gut punch? Last season was heartbreak and disappointment rolled into one. This year feels different. Is making the postseason enough? Or have expectations jumped to the point where anything short of a title stings?
That is this week’s Suns Reacts. Cast your vote and tell me where you land.