When the Phoenix Suns caught fire in early winter, even reeling in 18-straight victories at one point, everyone knew that the team’s franchise record for wins in a season would one day be attainable.
Back then though, the Valley Boys were still several weeks away from their regular season finish line—making this goal something to keep in mind, but not a primary objective by any means. However, now with the playoffs less than three weeks away, its time to order some champagne.
With the Suns currently sitting tight with a 61-14 record, they only need one more victory to reach their franchise record for most wins in a season, pulling into a tie with the 1992-93 Suns and the 2004-05 Suns.
Following their afternoon bout with the Philadelphia 76ers yesterday, the Suns begin this week though with some time off, not playing again until Wednesday evening. Of course, the Golden State Warriors are Phoenix’s next opponent—their biggest rival all season and a team which they already made history against this year.
Granted, Golden State will look far different this time out—playing minus Steph Curry. But regardless, it would be all too fitting for Phoenix to again pass a milestone against the Dubs, no matter how injured they might be.
But with six more regular season games on the table for the Suns after their game with Golden State, they’ll consequently have six more chances to take sole possession of the franchise’s win record. Their schedule goes as follows:
- at Memphis Grizzlies
- at Oklahoma City
- vs Los Angeles Lakers
- at Los Angeles Clippers
- at Utah Jazz
- vs Sacramento Kings
The Memphis game again presents Phoenix with a chance to make history against a rival opponent, with the Grizzlies likely to attain the West’s second seed this year and embody their biggest challenger in the postseason.
Even without Ja Morant, who will not suit up for the contest, the Grizzlies represent one of the league’s fiercer teams, assembling a 17-2 record. While playing on the road, Phoenix might drop that contest and need to wait one more game to break their record.
From that point though, the Thunder, Lakers, and Clippers all represent easier opportunities to earn that coveted 63rd win. Although the 21-53 Thunder bring forth the easiest win opportunity, beating the Lakers back at home would certainly be the sweeter route to take.
But regardless, the Suns are all but certain to get there over their next few days. Like 1995-96 Chicago Bulls once said, none of it will mean a thing without a ring. For the time being though, Phoenix fans should celebrate this historic moment whenever it does arrive.