{"id":116847,"date":"2025-01-08T15:33:46","date_gmt":"2025-01-08T20:33:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=116847"},"modified":"2025-01-08T15:33:46","modified_gmt":"2025-01-08T20:33:46","slug":"suns-playoff-hopes-hanging-by-a-thread","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/01\/08\/suns-playoff-hopes-hanging-by-a-thread\/","title":{"rendered":"Another Loss Leaves Suns Playoff Hopes Hanging By a Thread"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Phoenix Suns<\/a> missing the playoffs is a scenario that nobody could imagine, especially with a roster that includes Devin Booker<\/a>, Kevin Durant,<\/a> and Bradley Beal<\/a>. However, it is a reality that may occur should things not change \u2013 and quickly.<\/p>\n

Already 35 games into the season, the Suns are on the outside looking in, occupying the 12th seed in the Western Conference<\/a>. Following a 115-104<\/a> loss at the Charlotte Hornets<\/a>, they now have a record of 16-19.<\/a> This means they trail the Sacramento Kings<\/a>, who recently fired head coach Mike Brown<\/a>, by a game. In what is a stacked West, as it stands, it will be the Suns who are the ones watching the playoffs from home.<\/p>\n

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"If so, I need to be addressed because I hold the cards. Until I'm addressed and somebody says something different, then I'll be a Sun."<\/p>\n

Bradley Beal on if coming off bench is related to bigger picture as far as NBA trade talks.<\/p>\n

Has no-trade clause in his contract. #Suns<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/f54au9MWFS<\/a><\/p>\n

— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) January 7, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n