The Phoenix Suns had a very disappointing season. They were not able to meet high expectations, instead, they showed some significant underperformance, finishing with a 36-46 record and missing the playoffs.
The Good
Strong Start:
The Suns began the season with an impressive 8-1 record, showcasing their potential when healthy. They excelled in clutch situations, going 7-0 in clutch-time games during this stretch, largely due to Kevin Durant’s league-leading clutch scoring (5 points per game, 63.2% shooting).
Individual Performances:
Kevin Durant: Remained an elite scorer, averaging 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. His offensive brilliance was a highlight, earning him All-Star honors.
Devin Booker: Became the Suns’ all-time leading scorer, surpassing Walter Davis’ record, and averaged over 25 points per game for the seventh consecutive season. He showed loyalty to the franchise despite the struggles.
Ryan Dunn: The rookie, selected 28th overall, was a bright spot, averaging 6.9 points and 3.6 rebounds. His early 39.4% three-point shooting and defensive potential offered hope for the future.
New Additions:
The Suns added depth with cost-effective signings like Tyus Jones, Monte Morris, and Plumlee on veteran minimum deals. Jones started strong, averaging 12.6 points and 6.3 assists with efficient shooting early in the season.
Three-Point Volume:
Under Mike Budenholzer’s system, the Suns embraced a three-point-heavy identity, setting a franchise record for three-point attempts (52) in a non-overtime game against Portland. They went 5-1 when shooting 40%+ of their field goals from three and converting at least 40%.
The Bad
Injuries and Absences:
Kevin Durant’s injuries were crippling, with the Suns going 0-7 in the seven games he missed early and 4-10 overall without him. Bradley Beal also battled injuries, limiting him to 53 games.
The team’s reliance on their “Big Three” (Durant, Booker, Beal) exposed their lack of depth when key players were sidelined.
Bradley Beal’s Underperformance:
Beal had a disastrous season, averaging a career-low 17.0 points with a 22.1% usage rate. His nine single-digit scoring games, including a 1-point performance against Boston, and reported friction with Budenholzer (over being asked to play like Jrue Holiday) tarnished his tenure. His no-trade clause and $54 million contract loom as burdens.
Identity Crisis and Defensive Struggles:
The Suns lacked toughness, defensive identity, and an “it” factor, often collapsing in second halves. They were described as small, unathletic, and old, with no impactful wing defenders or a true center to anchor the paint.
Roster and Front Office Mismanagement:
The Suns’ all-in trades for Durant and Beal left them with no draft picks, limited cap space, and a bloated payroll, hampering flexibility.
The front office’s decision to move Beal to the bench and bench Jusuf Nurkić midseason reflected roster missteps. The appointment of the owner’s college friend as GM raised concerns about competence.
