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
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
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.