Suns Struggle to Stay Afloat in Western Conference Playoff Race

MINNEAPOLIS – The Phoenix Suns entered the 2024-25 NBA season with high expectations, fueled by the highest payroll in the league and aspirations for a championship. However, just weeks from the playoffs, they find themselves grappling to secure a spot in the play-in tournament.

After a promising 8-1 start, the Suns fell hard, losing 13 of their next 19 games, which left them teetering at the .500 mark. The team’s struggles continued through February, culminating in a dismal record of 3-10 for the month, dropping their overall standing to 28-32 and positioning them 11th in the Western Conference.

Recent injuries to key players on competing teams have provided some hope. Season-ending injuries to Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs and Kyrie Irving of the Dallas Mavericks have bolstered the Suns’ slim playoff chances despite a challenging remaining schedule.

As of late March, the Suns hold a 35-39 record, currently sitting just behind Dallas (37-38) for the 10th and final play-in spot in the Western Conference. The Suns will be aiming to reclaim momentum in their next game against the Houston Rockets on Sunday.

On March 29, the Suns faced off against the Minnesota Timberwolves, suffering a 124-109 loss. In front of a sold-out crowd at the Target Center, Phoenix struggled to find their rhythm, with Devin Booker finishing the game with only 10 points on 4-of-14 shooting.

“I missed my first two looks; those were the best ones I got out of five I took in the first half, but I was trying to make the right play,” Booker said after the game. “Two on the ball and play advantage basketball on the backside.”

Kevin Durant was the leading scorer for the Suns, contributing 23 points, while Collin Gillespie turned in a career performance with 22 points, 10 assists, and five rebounds. Booker’s inefficiency has been a trend, as he shot just 18-of-48 in the last three games leading up to this loss.

Timberwolves forward Julius Randle led all scorers with 25 points. The T-Wolves maintained control through solid defensive efforts, particularly limiting Booker’s opportunities. Minnesota’s success against the Suns has now extended to eight consecutive wins, dating back to last season’s playoffs.

“Our guys are fighting. They’re bringing a level of physicality that they’re capable of,” said Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer. “But we weren’t good enough tonight. Credit to Minnesota.”

Looking forward, the Suns need to turn things around quickly. With only a few games remaining in the regular season, every match is crucial in the tight playoff race. Booker expressed pride in Gillespie’s performance but recognized the team’s need to improve.

“Super proud of him. Super efficient,” Booker said of Gillespie. “It’s a confidence booster, and he’ll remember this night and continue to get better.”

As they prepare for the Rockets, the Suns must assess their strategy and make adjustments to compete at a higher level. The urgency is palpable as they strive for a chance at postseason play.