The Phoenix Suns have had an unlucky run so far in the season. The team roped in star guard Bradley Beal ahead of the season, making the team strong on paper. But, things didn’t go as per their plans because of the constant injuries. The team barely played with the big-3 three on their line-up consecutively. However, the Big-3 finally managed to get back together after a break during the Sunday night game against the Memphis Grizzlies. And, unfortunately, couldn’t live up to the hype.
The Suns have often faced criticisms for the lack of depth in the roster and it continued on this season as well. They currently hold the 9th seed in the West with an underwhelming 19-17 record. Despite having three stars in their line-up, the lack of depth in their roster continues to strangle their run this season.
Kevin Durant responds to expectations set on the Big -3
Kevin Durant returned to the court after missing out on three games due to a Hamstring injury. While the expectation on the Sunday night game skyrocketed as the Big-3 made a rare get-together. Unfortunately, they picked the wrong day to come together. The Grizzlies have been on the hunt ever since Ja Morant came out of his suspension.
USA Today via Reuters
Fresh off their victory against the Lakers, the Memphis side pulled off a repeat performance against the Suns. The home side had the game in their hand till the 3rd quarter with a steady lead. While the fans expected the Suns Big-3 to go off in the last quarter, it was the Grizzlies trio, Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane, and Marcus Smart, who lit up the light. In the end, the Suns fans went home without meeting their expectations.
In response to the towering expectations on the Big-3, Kevin Durant broke his silence his after the game. He said, “Expectations from the outside shouldn’t concern us.”
I asked KD if the Big 3’s lack of reps together could be overlooked in a loss like this:
“Expectations from the outside shouldn’t concern us, but we understand with the talent that we have, people expect so much out of us and will be disappointed when we take losses like this” pic.twitter.com/nIdSyyv1I3
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) January 8, 2024
He continued, “but we understand with the talent that we have, people expect so much out of us and will be disappointed when we take losses like this,” during the post-game press conference.
Now that the Big 3 has an opportunity to play consecutive games together, will the Suns turn lethal in the upcoming games?
Will the Big-3’s arc eclipse at the right time?
Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and Kevin Durant had an underwhelming game when it came down to shooting. KD dropped 23 points with a poor 11-23 FG, and Beal dropped 12 points with 5-12 FG. Among the three, only Booker had a decent night with a percentage slightly above 50%, dropping 24 points with 9-17 FG.
Now that they are on track for a stretch of games together; the trio has the opportunity to turn things around for their side. The Suns have 40-odd games left in the regular season, and the question is, will it be too late?