“Playoff bound”. Two words that, back in October, I never thought I’d be typing about the Phoenix Suns. There’s beauty in the journey. Always is. But the destination takes over after they dispatched the Golden State Warriors on Friday night.
These Play-In games hit different. Perhaps my cynical view of their existence has melted a bit. Because they have been damn entertaining, Suns involvement or not. Competitive, hard-fought, and theatrical, these games have entertained the NBA fan in me. And they’ve
excited the Suns fan in me, despite them carrying the stress that the postseason does.
It was a game that felt like at any moment the Warriors would seize control and our woes would come to fruition. The night opened with an easy layup from Draymond Green, and for a second, it felt like the same interior issues might show up again. They didn’t. The Suns never trailed after that.
There are things to question. Jordan Ott challenging what looked like a clear offensive foul in the second quarter. There are things to appreciate. Jalen Green stepping forward again, willing to be the guy, taking the shots, delivering on the biggest stage with the whole league watching. And then there’s the bigger picture. What this season is. What it became. The progress that showed up along the way.
Playoff bound. That’s the reality now. The opponent will be historically tough. But there are more games. More Suns basketball. It’s the cherry on top of a season no one saw coming, and I’m taking all of it in.
Bright Side Baller Season Standings
Jalen Green went for 35 points against the Trail Blazers in the Suns’ Play-In loss. Stack another BSB in his trophy case.
Bright Side Baller Nominees
Game 84 against the Warriors. Here are your nominees:
Jalen Green
36 points (14-of-20, 8-of-14 3PT), 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 2 turnovers, 3 blocks, +22 +/-
Devin Booker
20 points (5-of-12, 0-of-4 3PT), 6 rebounds, 8 assists, 10-of-10 FT, 1 steal, 1 turnover, +25 +/-
Jordan Goodwin
19 points (7-of-11, 4-of-7 3PT), 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 6 steals, 1 turnover, +17 +/-
Dillon Brooks
13 points (4-of-14, 3-of-8 3PT), 1 rebound, 4 assists, 5 turnovers, +21 +/-
Royce O’Neale
11 points (4-of-11, 3-of-10 3PT), 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 turnover, -4 +/-
Oso Ighodaro
10 points (4-of-6), 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 1 block, -1 +/-
Cast your vote.
