Can the Phoenix Suns survive the grind of the playoffs? The Blazers loss suggests otherwise,
Like Thanos, this one felt inevitable. The Phoenix Suns were outmatched from the jump. Outmuscled, outpaced, and outworked by the younger, longer Trail Blazers. Yeah, I get it’s the second night of a back-to-back, and sure, the Suns had just taken down the Warriors, giving us fans a little glimmer of hope—of faith even. But from the tip, you could sense the letdown creeping in.
The Blazers? They looked bigger, they looked faster, and as the game wore on, the Suns’ energy just crumbled under the weight of Portland’s relentless pace.
Sure, the Blazers are playing well — now 7-1 in their last eight — but this Suns team? They looked ancient, like a squad that’s already running on fumes. And that thought kept gnawing at me: when the playoffs come around, when the grind of every other night hits, can this Suns team hold up? The answer feels pretty clear. No.
Bright Side Baller Season Standings
It doesn’t matter if you think Devin Booker got snubbed from the 2025 All-Star Game. The only thing that matters is if he thinks he did. And what he plans to do about it. If Friday night was any indication, he’s taking it personally. Booker torched the Warriors for 31 points and 11 assists, putting on a masterclass in controlled fury. Snubbed or not, he played like a star, and for his efforts, he takes home a team-best 11th Bright Side Baller Award. Keep doubting him. He feeds on it.
Bright Side Baller Nominees
Devin Booker
37 points (11-of-18, 2-of-6 3PT), 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 0 turnovers, -17 +/-
Kevin Durant
22 points (9-of-18, 1-of-4 3PT), 1 rebound, 3 assists, 3 blocks, 0 turnovers, -22 +/-
Tyus Jones
9 points (3-of-9, 3-of-7 3PT), 0 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, -15 +/-
Bradley Beal
13 points (4-of-8, 1-of-2 3PT), 0 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, 2 turnovers, -15 +/-
Ryan Dunn
2 points (1-of-2, 0-of-1 3PT), 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 0 turnovers, -10 +/-
Royce O’Neale
5 points (2-of-5, 1-of-4 3PT), 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 0 turnovers, +5 +/-
And your vote goes to…