The Phoenix Suns are facing into a do-or-die meeting wth the Golden State Warriors to make the playoffs, and right now it looks like an uphill task.
The manner of their defeat at the hands of the Portland Trail Blazers still lingering, while for Mark Williams things could be about to go from bad to worse.
Warriors a nightmare matchup for Williams to redeem himself
Center Williams wasn't trusted by head coach Jordan Ott to play in the fourth-quarter of their loss to the Trail Blazers, managing only 22 minutes.
One less than second round pick Oso Ighodaro was given, and there's zero reason to think that can change against the Warriors.
Golden State boasting a big man in Kristaps Porzingis who is going to have a field day every time Williams is defending him.
The Warriors have had little time with Kristaps Porzingis, Steph Curry and Draymond Green on the floor together. Wednesday’s win gave Porzingis an example to envision before deciding on his future this summer.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) April 16, 2026
“That’s a good preview of what could potentially (be).” pic.twitter.com/UNYwteOwHH
If you watched the Warriors beat the L.A. Clippers, then you would have seen Brook Lopez (himself an excellent 3-point shooter) struggle with the range of Porzingis.
Not only that, but the Latvian international also got into the paint and even collected a successful "and-one" when driving at Lopez.
Porzingis is deceptively strong, while he is quicker than both Lopez and Williams on both ends of the court. Factor in that 3-point shooting with serious range, and it will likely be a wrap for Williams early.
Which is exactly what he does not want to have happen given he is a restricted free agent this offseason, although it does not have to be all negative.
There is a case to be made that Williams should have been brought back on against the Trail Blazers when Donovan Clingan was grabbing crucial boards as his side built up momentum.
Perhaps Williams himself can be that guy for the Suns, even if everybody from Porzingis to Stephen Curry are going to pick on him defensively.
No matter how the game ends up going, to not be trusted by your head coach in your first year with a new franchise is concerning.
So too is the fact Williams has shown he is not quick enough to hang with smaller forwards, while his physicality inside can be negated by opponents going small.
His offensive game is limited, although to his credit he is an excellent lob threat and is able to go into the paint and work when given the ball.
The Clippers would have been a better opponent to showcase what he can do, but instead Williams is going to have to do it the hard way to earn more minutes in The Valley moving forward.
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