The Phoenix Suns weren’t supposed to be here. The Suns designed the star-studded trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal to dominate, not flounder outside the playoff picture. But after another frustrating loss (120-109)—this time to a Victor Wembanyama-less Spurs team, their season continues to spiral. Frustrations are boiling over, and it’s not just the fans feeling it. Beal had a pointed message for his teammates, too, while tensions on the court escalated into a heated showdown between Durant and an old rival. With the clock ticking, can the Suns salvage their season, or is their championship window already closing?

Notably, this was the Suns’ 29th loss of the season, as compared to 26 wins, and sees them as the 11th seed in a stacked Western Conference. So, naturally, after the game, fans and reporters raised questions about Phoenix’s struggles, to which the shooting guard Bradley had some strong words—particularly for his team. “We’ve got to show more resistance. Take on the challenges better. Help better. Rebound better.” Beal said. Well, that’s correct. The franchise hasn’t been up to the challenge all season and will need to figure something out soon. However, despite their poor performances, Beal believes that his team can compete.

“We control what we control, the deadline is over, and whatever it is like, we are all over here. We gotta compete, and whatever the case, we are usually mentally locked in for the rest of the year,” he added. To get back to winning ways, they’ll need to improve on their defensive struggles that saw them give a massive 50 points in the paint against the Spurs. Despite the positive message, it seems that the Suns locker room might be going through a crisis, which was further pointed out by sportswriter, and The Ringer‘s CEO, Bill Simmons.

“The Body Language Doctor almost needed medical attention in Austin last night after sitting near the Suns bench and watching them in person for 2+ hours. Wow. That’s an unhappy basketball team and there’s no counter-argument. Sorry,” he wrote on X, after assessing the players’ body language after the loss.

To make matters worse, the Spurs shot 47.3% from the field and outpaced the Suns 44-39, further highlighting Phoenix’s struggles. That’s been the case throughout the season, as the Suns now rank as the 25th-best defense in the league, which is not playoff-worthy, after their fourth straight loss.

Despite Wemby’s absence owing to a blood clot was located in his right shoulder. Having said that, unfortunately, during the Moody Center clash, the Spurs outscored the Suns 50-36 in points in the paint, with their opponents beaten on the boards 44-39, despite the French star’s absence from the lineup. While Royce O’Neale scored 27 points for the Suns, Beal added 19 points, and Durant scored 22 points in his return to the University of Texas campus, they were ultimately outshined by Chris Paul’s 13 points, 10 assists, and 5 rebounds, and De’Aaron Fox scoring 11 straight points in the final three minutes to secure the win.

Meanwhile, KD broke his silence on the exchange of words with Chris Paul.

Kevin Durant calls out Chris Paul’s ‘Gimmicks’ after Suns lost to the Spurs

Kevin Durant was face to face against his former teammate Chris Paul as the Suns faced the Spurs on Thursday. However, it wasn’t some wholesome reunion between the Slim Reaper and CP3 as the two veterans beefed throughout the first half of the matchup. The matter eventually led to a double tech for the two as Durant continued to yell at Paul, heading inside the tunnel.

After the game, the Suns’ superstar broke the silence on the matter. “You know, [Paul] likes gimmicks,” Durant said. “Anything to win the game. I think he was just trying to get in my head, knowing I was heating up a bit right around that time, too. So I think he was just trying to get in my head, get me to react, and get me out of the game. But as we kept talking, I knew it was just a game and a gimmick for him.” While the result ended in Paul’s favor, he wasn’t successful in throwing KD off his game.

Paul is known for his trash-talking, something he says he doesn’t initiate by himself. He’s also been successful in doing so. However, despite Paul’s antics, Durant dominated with 22 points and five rebounds, showing he remained unfazed.

Now, the Suns and their Big Three will shift their focus toward their next challenge. As they face the Bulls, Phoenix will be hoping to get back to winning ways.