The Phoenix Suns’ franchise turnaround under Monty Williams has been remarkable, but the results haven’t changed at all.
From an undefeated run in the bubble to making it to the NBA Finals one year later, it seems like this team has peaked already, and not even Kevin Durant’s addition was enough to get them over the hump.
The Suns didn’t find much trouble getting past the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round, but they didn’t find the same luck against the Denver Nuggets.
Needless to say, fans around NBA Twitter had plenty of reactions about this elimination.
It was a fun run to see BUT suns got some work to do this off-season and if they make the right moves around dbook n kd.. they’ll be top contenders next year!
— 🚀 (@rocketrandhawa) May 12, 2023
I never thought I’d say this but – KD & Book ruined Cam Payne’s masterclass. 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
— Ramaj Eroc (@RamajEroc) May 12, 2023
Something about them Fat European players that just puts the fear of god in the Suns lmaoooo
— Sir Neptunius III (@NeptuneEven) May 12, 2023
Not surprised
Devin Brick, when he counted the most, he hit the wall.
KD ( greatest ever ) are we for real, have not seen any MJ mentality in him.
Y'all better start giving Jokic his props.
Mad respects for the Nuggets, they took care of business.
— Paul C. (@aheO33) May 12, 2023
wow bro! thought Suns line up would have made it to the Conference finals. Nuggets Vs. Lakers I guess 🤣
— Kiss My Grits! (@HOLLEYWOOD9111) May 12, 2023
The Suns became the oddsmakers’ favorites to go the distance and win the NBA championship as soon as they landed Durant.
They were undefeated with him in the first eight games together, and that Big 3 alongside Chris Paul was as promising as one would expect.
But with Paul struggling with injuries — again, Durant wasn’t at his best, and not even Devin Booker’s historical scoring run was enough to keep this team afloat.
The Suns gave up a lot of their depth and defense to acquire Durant, and thin teams rarely fare well in the playoffs.
They also need to figure out what they’re going to do about Deandre Ayton and his big contract.
His effort — or lack thereof — throughout the series was a huge talking point, and rightfully so.
All things considered, the Suns still have a championship core on their hands, and their title window might still be open next season, but they’ll need to add several key role players to help their stars carry the load.
NEXT: Stephen A. Smith Makes A Surprising Claim About Suns, Chris Paul
