The Phoenix Suns are in the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
Despite a disappointing loss against the Portland Trail Blazers earlier this week, Jordan Ott’s Suns had one more chance to make it right and punch their ticket to the postseason.
Phoenix hosted the Golden State Warriors on Friday, April 17. Steph Curry and the Warriors were looking to get back on track after a disappointing season. Entering the season as championship-hopefuls, the Warriors barely cracked the Play-In.
Meanwhile, the Suns started the season with low expectations and ended up exceeding the early predictions from the masses. Now, they have a chance to keep it going after beating the Warriors 111-96.
An Emotional Moment For The Suns
GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA – JANUARY 04: Devin Booker #1 and head coach Jordan Ott of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on January 04, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Thunder 108-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
It’s been a tough few years for the Suns, who put together a major roster shakeup after a failed “super team” run.
But even this season, the Suns had plenty of ups and downs, which made the dominant Friday performance against Golden State much sweeter. After the game, Suns head coach Jordan Ott addressed the emotions of the team.
via Duane Rankin, AZ Central: Jordan Ott on Suns making playoffs: “It was emotional for everyone. How it ended, but I think that’s what we’ve done all year and that’s the group that’s in that locker room. Has a ton of resilience and wants to do things different. That’s what we’ve stressed from the get-go. Sometimes the road is not always the one you choose, and you think is going to happen or the one that’s the most traveled. Sometimes it’s the least traveled.”
The Phoenix Suns Are In The Playoffs
GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA – MARCH 05: Jalen Green #4 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball during the first half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on March 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
First-year Suns player Jalen Green put together a major performance against the Warriors by scoring 36 points in 40 minutes.
Devin Booker was behind him with 20 points in 42 minutes, along with eight assists and six rebounds.
The Suns dominated with a 111-96 victory. They are now set to enter the playoffs as the Western Conference’s eighth seed, facing the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The series will tip off at 3:30 PM ET on Sunday, April 19.