Suns Stumble Into the All-Star Break: Fourth-Quarter Woes, Return of Booker & Green, and a Quiet Deadline
The Phoenix Suns opened Week 16 with a promising win on national television, taking down the Portland Trail Blazers despite being shorthanded. But once they returned home, the momentum didn’t follow.
The Suns dropped two of their next three games, marking their first sub-.500 week of 2026. And while injuries played a role, the bigger concern lies in how the team is closing games-and what that might mean as they inch closer to the All-Star break.
Letting One Slip: Suns Collapse Late Against a Shorthanded Warriors Squad
Sunday’s loss to the Golden State Warriors wasn’t just a missed opportunity-it was a gut punch. The Warriors were without Stephen Curry and Kristaps Porzingis, yet Phoenix let a double-digit fourth-quarter lead vanish in real time. Up 90-76 with under 9:30 to play, the Suns managed just seven points the rest of the way, falling 101-97 after a 25-7 Golden State run.
The offense completely stalled down the stretch. Phoenix didn’t score a single point in the final 3:55 of the game.
It wasn’t just a shooting slump-it was a total breakdown in execution. The ball stuck, the movement stopped, and the Warriors took full advantage.
Yes, the Suns were without Devin Booker and Jalen Green in that game, but the issues didn’t magically disappear when both guards returned the next night against Philadelphia. The team’s offensive rhythm remained inconsistent, and the inability to close games is starting to raise some red flags.
This isn’t just about missing stars-it’s about how the team functions when the pressure ramps up. And right now, Phoenix is showing cracks in those moments.
Booker & Green Return, But Can They Stay Healthy?
Saturday’s matchup against the Sixers saw the return of Devin Booker, who had been sidelined for over two weeks with an ankle injury. Booker looked solid in his first game back, posting 21 points and nine assists on 5-of-12 shooting.
He struggled from deep (1-of-7 from three), but got to the line consistently and converted (10-of-11). It wasn’t a vintage Booker performance, but it was a steady one-and a necessary spark for a team that’s lacked offensive flow in his absence.
Jalen Green also made his return after missing over a week. He played just 17 minutes, scoring eight points on 2-of-6 shooting while adding three rebounds and three assists. The Suns clearly eased him back into action, and rightfully so.
Now comes the question: with a back-to-back looming and the All-Star break just around the corner, do the Suns play it safe and rest one or both of their guards on one end of the set? It’s a delicate balance.
Phoenix needs wins, but they also need their key players healthy for the stretch run. Given the recent injury history, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the team prioritize long-term health over short-term gains.
Trade Deadline Moves: Low-Key, Cap-Savvy
While other teams made headlines with splashy trade deadline deals, the Suns opted for a quieter approach. Phoenix shipped out Nick Richards and Nigel Hayes-Davis, bringing in Amir Coffey and Cole Anthony in return. On paper, it’s not a move that shifts the Western Conference landscape, but it does have practical implications.
First, the trade gets the Suns out of the luxury tax for the first time since the 2021-22 season. That’s a notable financial win, especially for a team that’s already invested heavily in its core.
Second, the move opens up a roster spot-likely paving the way for Jamaree Bouyea’s two-way contract to be converted into a standard NBA deal. Bouyea has shown flashes in limited minutes, and securing him for the rest of the season gives Phoenix a bit more flexibility at the guard spot.
As for Coffey and Anthony, neither is expected to take on a major role right away. But they’re both capable depth pieces who can step in if needed-especially if injuries continue to be a storyline.
Looking Ahead
The Suns are still very much in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race, but the margins are thin. This past week exposed some of the team’s late-game vulnerabilities, and the return of Booker and Green, while encouraging, doesn’t instantly solve everything.
Phoenix has to figure out how to close games, how to keep its stars healthy, and how to build cohesion heading into the second half of the season. The trade deadline didn’t bring a major shakeup, but the pieces are there. Now it’s about execution-and that starts with finishing games the way they start them.
With the All-Star break approaching, the Suns have a chance to regroup. But if they want to be taken seriously in the West, they’ll need to show they can handle the big moments.
This week was a reminder: talent alone isn’t enough. Timing, chemistry, and poise under pressure matter just as much.