The Phoenix Suns, once considered a top contender in the NBA, have officially fallen from grace, finishing with a 35-45 record and failing to make postseason contention for the eighth time this season. Despite having a star-studded roster featuring Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, the team has struggled with consistency, particularly since adding Durant and Beal through blockbuster trades.
Coach Mike Budenholzer’s inability to establish a cohesive playing rotation has been a major factor in the Suns’ decline, despite first-year coach Budenholzer being touted as an Arizona native with much fanfare. The team started strong, but suffered a string of setbacks when Durant was sidelined due to calf and ankle injuries.
Booker acknowledges that there is no single answer or solution to the team’s problems, citing a combination of factors including inconsistent play, injuries, and poor performance in key games. He emphasizes the importance of establishing a better team culture, particularly for young players like himself, to bounce back next season.
As changes are expected within the franchise over the coming months, Booker’s commitment to self-improvement and team cohesion will be crucial in determining the Suns’ future success.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/44610879/phoenix-suns-eliminated-postseason-contention-8th-straight-loss