These are the keys to the resurgence of the Phoenix Suns: Are they on time?

Diego Jiménez Rubio | Tue, 03/25/2025 - 16:15

Kevin Durant, key in Suns' resurgence. Photo: gettyimages

It seemed like a project already doomed to ostracism and a lost season. With Kevin Durant guaranteeing his departure and NBA rumors swirling about a complete dismantling of the sports structure, the Phoenix Suns have surprisingly and decisively reconnected to the competition, fervently seeking a place in the play-in. We analyze the causes and possible consequences.

They have won five of the last six games, their defense is improving, and there is a sense of renewed energy and excitement to finish the season in the best possible way. Beating the Cavs and Bucks in less than four days is a significant morale boost for the technical staff of Phoenix Suns, who seem to have finally realized that Bradley Beal is a hindrance and they need to play with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker sharing the court at all times, surrounded by committed players willing to do the hard work.

Incredibly, the Suns have a positive net rating this season when Kevin Durant and Devin Booker share the court:

117.0 OffRtg (7th)
115.0 DefRtg (19th)
+2.0 NetRtg (13th)

Roster construction, and subpar coaching decisions, have led Phoenix into a very tough spot this offseason. pic.twitter.com/XvOGr8x890
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) March 24, 2025

If anything can explain why a team with these players is in such a dire situation, it's the poor decisions of Budenholzer and company. With their backs against the wall and realizing that all is almost lost, they have chosen to surround KD and Booker with staunch defenders and minimal ball usage, knowing they have to build the comeback from the defense. If they can sustain this resurgence, the consequences could be hard to interpret.

Their highest achievable success is the ninth spot, which would require them to win two games to reach the playoffs, where they would face the Oklahoma City Thunder. It would be utopian to think they have real chances against the best NBA team, but if they could achieve a miracle, it might disrupt trade plans. The management of Phoenix Suns believes that if they can at least make it to the postseason, win games, and compete against the Thunder, they will be able to retain Devin Booker, starting a new project around him with a different coaching staff that better understands the team's culture in Arizona.

The Suns are now 13-3 this season when Kevin Durant and Devin Booker play without Bradley Beal.

Phoenix has won five of their last six games as they’ve found a winning formula surrounding Durant and Booker with low-usage, high-energy defenders. pic.twitter.com/2AJ52viLzC
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) March 25, 2025