The Phoenix Suns’ hopes for a postseason run officially came to an end Wednesday night, as they fell 125-112 to the short-handed Oklahoma City Thunder at Footprint Center. The loss eliminates Phoenix from the NBA playoff race for the first time since 2020.
Bradley Beal, Devin Booker Lead Suns in Defeat
Bradley Beal led the Suns with 25 points, while Devin Booker contributed a double-double with 20 points and 14 assists. The team was without star forward Kevin Durant, who is sidelined with a sprained ankle suffered last week.
Despite their efforts, Phoenix couldn’t keep pace with the Thunder, who were missing several key players—Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort, and Isaiah Hartenstein—all out of the lineup. Jalen Williams stepped up for Oklahoma City, pouring in a game-high 33 points to lead the Western Conference’s top-seeded team to victory.
Suns Extend Losing Streak to Eight Games
Wednesday’s defeat marks the Suns’ eighth consecutive loss, capping off a disappointing season that ends without a playoff berth. The team had been a Western Conference powerhouse in recent years, most notably reaching the NBA Finals in 2021.
“There’s not one thing or one person or one player or one coach that’s the problem,” Devin Booker said after the game, per the Associated Press. “When you’ve had a season this bad, it’s a bunch of things. I think the most frustrating part is being that close a few years ago, and now being back to where we are.”
Booker referenced the Suns’ memorable 2021 Finals run, where they held a 2-0 series lead against the Milwaukee Bucks before dropping four straight games.
What’s Next for Phoenix
With two games remaining, the Suns will look to finish the regular season on a high note. They host the San Antonio Spurs on Friday, followed by a season finale on the road against the Sacramento Kings on Sunday.
