Surprisingly, the Phoenix Suns have a shot

At the beginning of the season, there’s not a chance that anyone could have predicted that Phoenix would be in the running for the last playoff spot in a highly competitive Western Conference. In 2018-19, they finished 19-63. This year in a shortened campaign, the Suns are 30-39 and just 2 games out as well from the play-in spot after their victory on Thursday over the red-hot Indiana Pacers.

Monty Williams has guided them to a perfect 4-0 start in Orlando, including a huge win over the Clippers on Tuesday thanks to Devin Booker’s game-winner at the buzzer. The former Kentucky star has been one of the sole reasons this team is even in any type of contention, emerging as one of the most exciting superstars in the association.

Booker is averaging 30.6 points through three contests, including a 35-point performance against LA, who are one of the best defensive teams in the league.

They have their franchise center in DeAndre Ayton, who is a serious physical presence in the paint. Kelly Oubre Jr. is out with a knee injury, but he also plays a crucial part when healthy. With Ricky Rubio and Dario Saric providing experience and stability, the Suns do have a solid core who will surely be a playoff team sooner or later.

For now, they’re surprising everyone in the bubble after three wins against very strong teams. Their remaining games are against all playoff contenders though, but anything is possible considering their first few performances since the restart.