Despite a dumpster fire of a season that has only gotten worse, the Phoenix Suns are still alive in the Play-In hunt. Most teams would simply wave the white flag and tank the rest of the way, but the Suns don't own a draft pick this year and went all-in on a title-worthy core.
The least they could do is make the postseason, although they certainly don't deserve even that.
Seemingly after or during every game, Kevin Durant is seen yelling at head coach Mike Budeholzer, Bradley Beal issues comments about his role, or Devin Booker looks deflated. The Suns, despite their talent, are not a fun team, and you have to love what you do to be good at it.
"Phoenix looks like it actively loathes playing together," wrote *The Athletic's*Zach Harper. "If there were basketball karma or gods, Portland would get the 10th spot. The Trail Blazers seem to want it the most. My guess is Phoenix gets in there with the tiebreaker, but I don't how it's possible to feel confident about the Suns with anything positive."
Portland has been surging up the standings, but with injuries to Jerami Grant, Deandre Ayton, and Robert Williams II, it could be too little, too late. Portland is not a good team, but neither are the Suns, and the fun, frisky, young team that actually wants to play basketball should be rewarded with Play-In experience.
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However, at the end of the day, Durant and Booker (but mostly Durant) are simply too talented to squander away the opportunity Nico Harrison and the Dallas Mavericks have so generously gifted to them.
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This story was originally published March 17, 2025 at 1:48 PM.