The Phoenix Suns 2022-23 season ended on Thursday night as they were routed by the Nuggets at home 125-100 in Game 6 of their Western Conference semifinals series.
Denver wins the series 4-2.
The Suns, without Deandre Ayton(rib) and Chris Paul(groin), trailed by as many as 32 points.
Phoenix, whose season ended last season in blowout fashion by the Mavericks in Game 7 in the second round, went down without much resistance. Ironically, in this game and Game 7 against Dallas, where they lost 123-90, the Suns trailed by 30 points at the break.
Even with the injuries, losing the way they lost and losing in the second round is a disappointment for the Suns.
“It was a bad feeling,” Durant said of the loss. “Embarrassing.”
After he was acquired from the Nets in February, Durant missed time due to injury, and the Suns really needed more time to build chemistry. It’s no excuse, but it’s the reality of the situation.
The 34-year-old says he will work hard in the offseason and will do whatever the organization needs him to do.
“I just try to control what I can, which is working extremely hard,” Durant said. “Putting a lot of preparation into the game and my skill. Then just being present for the organization whenever they need me at any point, just making sure my phone is open. The dialogue is there; I am sure we will check in with each other throughout the whole summer. I just think my job is to continue to keep getting better and keep finding ways to get better as a player.”
Phoenix still has a formidable team going forward. Durant, Devin Booker, and Ayton are under contract, but based on how the season ended, you wonder if they will move on from Ayton. Regarding the 38-year-old Paul, he has a partial guarantee for the 2023-24 season, and maybe he could be on the move as well.
You may also have to question whether Monty Williams is safe after two straight second-round exits. On the surface, it appears he would return, but anything can happen.
This team could look different, but the core is still solid.
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