The Phoenix Suns are firmly planted within the Western Convention playoff race, however are doing every little thing that they will to keep away from being within the vary of qualifying for the Play-In Event. They’ve had one of many harder schedules within the NBA over the previous few weeks, however had an opportunity to nab a win on Sunday towards a tricky Milwaukee Bucks staff with Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined resulting from damage.
Antetokounmpo Out, However Suns Nonetheless Lose To Bucks
NO GIANNIS, NO PROBLEM 😤
Dame and Bobby Portis assist the Bucks drop 140 on the Suns 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ppwafh5yMZ
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) March 17, 2024
As an alternative of coming into the approaching week because the sixth seed within the West, they’ll flip-flop with the Sacramento Kings as soon as once more and be the seventh seed in the interim.
The opponents over the previous couple of weeks have been powerful, however the Suns have held on sturdy for probably the most half. Two losses to the Celtics within the span of 5 days actually didn’t assist, however they have been in a position to deal with enterprise towards the Nuggets and Cavaliers to stay within the dialog for the sixth spot.
It has been the Kings that the Suns have just lately been making an attempt to stave off. However Sacramento had a stable month of March to date, having defeated the Timberwolves, Bucks, and Lakers twice. Sacramento has been competing with Phoenix for the rights to that sixth spot, and the 2 have switched spots within the standings 7 instances already within the month of March.
One other Change In The Standings For Phoenix & Sacramento
Suns lose to the Bucks. The Kings transfer again into the No. 6 spot within the Western Convention.
— Jason Anderson (@JandersonSacBee) March 17, 2024
Make it 8.
The Suns had a golden alternative on Sunday, given the outcomes from the evening earlier than. The New York Knicks have been in a position to upset the Kings on Saturday in a tough-nosed sport, permitting the Suns to poke again into sixth place for the night. Information bought higher as they approached sport time in Milwaukee, when it was introduced that Antetokounmpo can be out. However the absence of the famous person didn’t matter a lot, because the Bucks got here out on hearth, taking an early lead and by no means wanting again. The ultimate rating was 140-129.
Issues gained’t get any simpler for the Suns going ahead. They’ve every little thing to play for, and every remaining sport holds playoff implications, and the schedule does them no favors. They nonetheless have two video games to play towards every of the Timberwolves, Pelicans, and Clippers, however may also face off towards the Nuggets, Cavaliers, Kings, and Thunder down the stretch. Their subsequent sport shall be Wednesday towards the Philadelphia 76ers.
