As the All-Star break hits, the Phoenix Suns find themselves sitting at 32-23 - good for seventh in the Western Conference. That’s a solid spot, but not one that owner Mat Ishbia is content to coast on. His expectations for the second half of the season are clear: keep the pedal down.
“Just more of the same,” Ishbia said when asked what he wants to see from his squad going forward. “We’re going to compete at a high level and have a team the fans can be proud of.
I think we’ve done that so far, but we’ve got to consistently do it. Fifty-five games are not enough.”
That’s the mindset of a team that knows potential alone doesn’t win playoff series. The Suns have the star power, but consistency - especially against the West’s elite - will be the key down the stretch.
Kawhi Leonard Reminds Everyone Who He Is
Meanwhile, in the All-Star Game, Kawhi Leonard gave fans a vintage performance - and a reminder that he’s still one of the most efficient scorers in the game when he locks in. In just 12 minutes, Leonard dropped 31 points on a ridiculous 11-of-13 shooting, including 6-of-7 from beyond the arc. It was a clinic in controlled aggression.
“When I come in to play basketball, I’ve got one way,” Leonard said. “Obviously nobody is trying to get hurt.
I’m going to try to attack, try to get some shots up. I don’t like people just scoring on me.”
Leonard, 34, has been on a tear since late December, averaging 30.2 points per game along with 6.7 rebounds and 4.0 assists. That’s not just All-Star caliber - that’s MVP-level production. And the respect is coming from his peers, too.
“Kawhi is special, man,” said Knicks big man Karl-Anthony Towns. “He can step up to levels at any time when he needs to. He’s one of those few players that flips a switch and turns into a different animal, a different beast.”
Leonard’s ability to elevate his game when it matters most has always been part of his mystique. If he’s this locked in heading into the final stretch of the season, the Clippers are going to be a serious problem come playoff time.
Devin Booker Has One More 3-Point Contest in Him
Devin Booker came up just short in this year’s 3-point contest, falling 29-27 to Damian Lillard in the final round - and he’s still feeling it.
“This one hurt a little bit. I wanted this one bad,” Booker said.
“Wish I was defending it in Phoenix but it’ll probably be the last time I do it next year if I get the invite. I’m looking forward to it.”
The good news for Suns fans: next year’s All-Star Weekend is in Phoenix, and Booker’s already eyeing one last run at the crown. He’s long been one of the league’s purest shooters, and with the home crowd behind him, don’t be surprised if he makes a statement in what could be his final 3-point contest appearance.
Warriors Set the Stage for a Busy Offseason
Golden State made headlines before the trade deadline by swinging a deal for Kristaps Porzingis from Atlanta - a bold move that adds size, shooting, and versatility to a team still trying to find its next identity post-dynasty.
But the Warriors might not be done yet. According to salary cap expert Yossi Gozlan, the Porzingis trade could be just the first domino. The deal has reportedly given Golden State the flexibility to pursue another significant move this offseason - one that could reshape the roster once again.
The Warriors have been walking the line between developing their young core and maximizing the twilight years of their veteran stars. With Porzingis now in the mix and more moves potentially on the horizon, it’s clear Golden State is still thinking big.
The Pacific Division is heating up, and the second half of the season promises no shortage of drama. Whether it’s the Suns pushing for consistency, Kawhi turning back the clock, Booker chasing one last 3-point title, or the Warriors eyeing their next big swing - there’s plenty to watch as the playoff picture comes into focus.