The Phoenix Suns made headlines earlier this month with a brief four-game winning streak that hinted at potential growth for the team. However, that optimism quickly faded following a devastating 148-109 loss to the Houston Rockets on Sunday. This defeat marked the Suns’ third consecutive loss, leaving them two games behind the Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks in the standings as they vie for a spot in the postseason.
After the game, Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer expressed his disappointment regarding the team's lack of urgency on the court. “Tonight was a bad night,” he admitted, emphasizing that the team’s performance was far from what he expected given their precarious position in the standings. “There’s no other way to paint it,” he added, acknowledging the urgent need for improvement.
When asked if the team possesses a sense of desperation, Budenholzer said, “There’s desperation. And then you have to go play.” He highlighted the importance of executing plays on both ends of the court, stating, “Desperation and all those things, they’re important, but you gotta go play. And we have to play better.”
The game took a turn in the second quarter when the Rockets jumped to a commanding 16-0 lead, eventually pushing the lead to 17 points. Houston's Dillon Brooks was ejected after arguing with an official, providing a slight glimmer of hope for the Suns. However, the Rockets capitalized on their momentum, scoring a 3-pointer off an offensive rebound and converting on a fast break after a missed opportunity by the Suns.
The Suns struggled to regain control, failing to capitalize on a critical 5-on-4 situation when Houston's Jalen Green fell to the ground. Instead of scoring, the Suns allowed Green to receive a deep outlet pass for an easy dunk, contributing to Houston's overwhelming halftime lead of 29 points. The Suns left the floor to a chorus of boos from the frustrated home crowd.
Despite knowing the energy the Rockets would bring, the Suns could not maintain their performance throughout the first half. This inconsistency reflects the team's ongoing struggles with cohesion and identity. As frustration mounts, it's evident that changes must be made within the organization, including potential shifts in the roster and coaching staff.
The Suns have repeatedly faced this dilemma over the past year, and it has become increasingly clear that a significant overhaul is necessary for long-term success. The team must take decisive action if they hope to turn their season around.
Adding to the Suns' woes, forward Kevin Durant suffered a significant injury during the third quarter, twisting his left ankle while driving to the basket. He left the game with a noticeable limp and did not return. With only two weeks remaining in the season, questions loom about whether this was the last appearance of Durant in a Suns jersey. An MRI is scheduled for Monday to assess the severity of his injury.
As the Suns navigate these challenges, they must find a way to reclaim their momentum and establish a stronger identity on the court. The upcoming games will be crucial as they fight to secure a place in the postseason.
