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Phoenix’s Durant-Beal gamble fails as Suns eliminated from Play-in contention

Chet Holmgren trying to stop Devin Booker from receiving the ball

    Key Takeaways:

  • Phoenix Suns were eliminated from playoff contention after a 112:125 loss to Oklahoma City
  • The Durant–Beal experiment failed, and the team won’t even reach the Play-In with a 35–45 record
  • Devin Booker is the only core player likely to stay, while big changes are expected this summer

The struggles of the star-studded Phoenix Suns have come to an end, as their 112:125 loss to Oklahoma City officially ensured they will miss the playoffs. The experiment of bringing in Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal clearly didn’t deliver the expected results. While last season the team still managed a 49–33 record before being swept 4–0 by Minnesota in the playoffs, this time with a 35–45 record it’s certain the Suns won’t even reach the Play-In zone.

Last night’s defeat marked the Suns’ eighth consecutive loss, leaving the franchise facing some very tough decisions just four years after reaching the NBA Finals.

“You can’t just point to one problem. After a season this bad, it’s clear there are a lot of issues, and the most frustrating thing is that just a few years ago we were so close to a title,” said Devin Booker. He’s the only player considered certain to stay with the team next season. Durant is expected to leave, and the biggest challenge will be finding a way to part ways with Bradley Beal. Head coach Mike Budenholzer is also unlikely to remain, meaning the Suns are heading for a turbulent offseason.

In the absence of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams led the Thunder, concluding the game with 33 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assist. For the Suns Bradley Beal scored 25 points and Devin Booker added another 20.



 Author: Paul Kemp

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