The Phoenix Suns and their dream ride through to the NBA Finals stalled just before reaching its glorious destination, with the team unable to carry on and win their first ever championship, losing to the Milwaukee Bucks after six games.
Even for a season that extended deep into July—something unseen before due to this year’s late start—Suns fans undoubtedly still wanted it to continue at least a few more days. However, the Greek Freak had other plans.
Giannis Antetokounmpo proved too fast and too strong for the Suns to bottle up. He bombarded Phoenix during the series’s final contest with an absurd 50 points, 14 rebounds, and five blocked shots.
The esteemed back court of Chris Paul and Devin Booker certainly had their moments, combining for 45 points. But they also fell victim to Milwaukee’s swarming defense more often than desired, combining for nine turnovers. Booker also shot an ugly 0-7 from 3-point land.
With the final buzzer eventually echoing out, green and white confetti began to cascade down over the Suns, excusing them from the floor and closing the curtain on their fifth winningest season in franchise history. Booker and head coach Monty Williams took the loss especially hard, struggling to stomach their season’s finale while speaking with reporters after the game.
But although things might feel bleak right now, we need to keep the big picture considered. The Suns stand well positioned to bounce back and return to the league’s grandest stage, having surely built up the league’s most talented and young roster already for next year.
However, some changes must ensue, specifically relating to who they carry into battle during the 2021-22 season. Rounding out the necessary cuts, these guys just played their final games for the Phoenix Suns.