The Phoenix Suns cannot catch a break. They have once again found themselves on the wrong end of results, as they fall short against the New Orleans Pelicans. On Thursday, Phoenix lost the first of the two consecutive clashes between the two teams, 124-116. Phoenix were short-handed on the night, as shooting guard Bradley Beal was a late addition and ultimate scrap from the lineup.

The 31-year-old missed the game due to calf tightness. After the game, head coach Mike Budenholzer gave more insight on Beal’s absence. “He left a lot out there on the court, came in yesterday, had a great day on the table, put a lot of time in…I don’t think it was one incident, it’s just a physical game, the wear and tear of the game, his calf kinda had some tightness.” The Suns HC stated. He suggested that rather than a single incident, it is the physical nature of the game that has caused Beal’s injury.

So far, the Suns No. 3 has averaged 18 points, 3.6 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game. Although his performances have dipped, it’s hard to deny Beal’s quality. He’s a key player in the Suns roster and not having him available just adds to their misery. At the moment, Phoenix’s injury report, apart from Beal, comprises Monte Morris and Cody Martin. Morris is out due to a back problem. The 29-year-old point guard has been a solid rotational player and has featured in 40 games this season.

Whereas, small forward Martin has no set timeline for his return after suffering from a sports hernia. The Suns are in a very tough spot at the moment as they are 2-8 in the last ten matchups. Furthermore, Phoenix are 11th seed in a stacked Western Conference with a 27-32 record. Amid the poor form, tensions are starting to rise in Arizona as the hopes of securing a playoff spot are starting to diminish. Superstar duo Devin Booker and Kevin Durant had their say on the recent results.

“I feel like everybody’s pissed off, ” said Kevin Durant after a loss against the Pelicans

Phoenix dropped yet another game last night, making it three straight defeats. After this, the chances of them making a postseason run seem to fade away with each missed opportunity. Before the 2024-25 season’s start, the Suns were viewed as championship contenders. However, they have fumbled big time despite having the Big Three comprising– Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker.

Moreover, this star-studded lineup is led by none other than championship-winning coach Mike Budenholzer. Well, it is quite clear that things are not great at Phoenix. So, what do the superstars think? A reporter asked the Slim Reaper about the mood in the camp. “I feel like everybody wants to win. I feel like everybody’s pissed off. When you see bad body language, that means people care. And guys care in this locker room, and I can tell they’re pissed.” Durant said.

The veteran star stated that he feels everyone on the team is frustrated with the recent run and is working to fix this situation. Meanwhile, KD’s teammate and close friend Devin Booker believes the team is not communicating enough. “It could be fixed with just a little bit more talking, I would say. Things get tough, we get quiet as a team, and from my experience and what I’ve seen, that’s not the way to get through it.” Booker stated. Well, D’Book might be correct as the Suns haven’t been able to hit the strides this season.

Moreover, they have struggled with injuries because of which they haven’t had a lot of time together on the court. This could be a reason why they do not communicate during tough times like now. While not communicating might be an issue we cannot ignore that Phoenix just hasn’t been great on the court. The Suns have lacked a defensive identity and that has caused them a lot of games. Well, they have to find solutions to these problems soon enough, otherwise they can bid their playoff aspirations goodbye.