Suns One Loss Away from NBA Playoff Elimination

April 9, 2025

By Vinit Hirave

Suns One Loss Golden State Stuns Phoenix: Warriors One Step Ahead

The Phoenix Suns are officially on the ropes. After Tuesday night’s crushing loss to the Golden State Warriors, the Suns now find themselves just one loss away from playoff elimination—a scenario few fans saw coming at the start of the season.

At the Chase Center, it wasn’t just Steph Curry lighting it up. Golden State’s young core, led by Brandin Podziemski and Trayce Jackson-Davis, stepped up big-time, overwhelming the Suns in both ends of the court.

“We were flat,” Suns head coach Frank Vogel admitted postgame. “We didn’t respond to their energy.”

Suns’ Stars Struggle at the Worst Possible Time

Durant and Booker Outplayed

Kevin Durant and Devin Booker combined for just 39 points—well below expectations for a duo known for explosive offense. Durant, in particular, seemed out of rhythm, facing relentless defense from Draymond Green and the Warriors’ supporting cast.

Booker managed a few runs but struggled with shot selection late in the game, while Bradley Beal’s impact was nearly invisible, contributing only 11 points and a handful of rebounds.

This begs the question: Is Phoenix’s “superteam” experiment falling apart under pressure?

Warriors’ Depth Proves to Be the X-Factor

Youth Shines Bright in the Bay

While Curry led all scorers with 31 points, it was the younger Warriors who really set the tone. Brandin Podziemski notched 16 points and 7 assists, showing veteran poise beyond his years. Meanwhile, Trayce Jackson-Davis dominated the paint, finishing with 12 rebounds and key blocks that stopped Phoenix’s late-game momentum.

Golden State’s bench outscored Phoenix’s 36–20—a glaring stat that highlights the Suns’ lack of depth.

What Happens Now?

Do-Or-Die Game Incoming

Phoenix now faces an elimination scenario in the next matchup. With a season that began with championship expectations, the pressure is sky-high.

“It’s now or never,” Devin Booker said. “We’ve got to come out swinging.”

Expect tactical changes, likely including more aggressive play from the start and a reshuffling of the bench rotation. Phoenix fans are hopeful, but the Warriors’ confidence is peaking at just the right time.

What’s at Stake for Phoenix?

A first-round playoff exit would be a massive blow to the Suns’ high-spending, win-now strategy.
It could trigger offseason shakeups, including possible moves involving head coach Frank Vogel or key rotation players.
The legacy and chemistry of Durant, Booker, and Beal may come under scrutiny if they fail to deliver in crunch time.