PHOENIX – The truth is now apparent.
The Phoenix Suns are headed to the play-in tournament – unless they can string together seven wins in the final 10 games of the season.
The Suns suffered the worst loss of their turbulent season last night against the San Antonio Spurs – and with the Sacramento Kings/Dallas Mavericks wins, they lost their grip on the sixth seed in the West as quickly as it had been acquired.
The ultimate silver lining for the Suns is the possibility of the Kings or Mavericks sweeping the duology of games against each other this week.
Either way, the Suns need to win AT LEAST one game against the Denver Nuggets or Oklahoma City Thunder to even think about getting back into contention for sixth place in the West and escaping the playoff tournament. in.
After two games against the two teams at the top of the standings, the Suns continue to face a challenge to conclude the 82-game slate. The schedule as follows:
@New Orleans Pelicans
Cleveland Cavaliers
Minnesota Timberwolves
Pelicans
Los Angeles Clippers
@ Clippers
@Sacramento Kings
@Timberwolves
Yes, the Pelicans will likely be without star F Brandon Ingram for both games against the Suns. Yes, the Clippers and Kings have been somewhat shaken of late. Yes, the Timberwolves will likely be without star big man Karl-Anthony Towns.
But as we saw in the loss to the Spurs, and as evidenced by dropping the season series against those same Spurs, nothing will come easy for this Suns team.
Despite all the talent, despite a quality head coach, a invested steward of the franchise, a passionate fan base – this team ultimately fell short and the early season struggles seem to loom bigger than anyone knows. imagined just a few months ago.
