PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns fell to the Houston Rockets 111-104, marking their latest setback as they strive for a spot in the NBA's playoff picture. On March 12, 2025, at the Toyota Center, the Suns faced off against the Rockets, who secured their fourth consecutive victory, now boasting a record of 41-25. With the loss, the Suns dropped to 30-36, leaving them 2.5 games behind the Dallas Mavericks for the final spot in the Western Conference play-in tournament.
Suns coach Mike Budenholzer made the decision to sub out his starters with just five minutes left on the clock, putting the game beyond reach. The game itself was not without its drama. Bradley Beal made his return from a nagging calf injury, leading the Suns with 25 points on 9-of-14 shooting. This pivotal performance was undermined by injuries sidelining teammates Nick Richards and Grayson Allen, and Mason Plumlee was ejected during the second quarter following his altercation with Rockets player Steven Adams.
Plumlee's exit left Oso Ighodaro as the only available center, forcing the Suns to adjust their strategy on the fly. Both Kevin Durant and Devin Booker contributed significantly, scoring 19 points each. Yet, it wasn’t enough to keep pace with the Rockets.
Jalen Green shined brightly for Houston, leading the team with 29 points, along with seven rebounds and five assists. His lively performance included 14 points scored just in the third quarter, helping the Rockets maintain their lead. Alperen Sengun backed Green with 20 points, marking him as one of the standout performers by shooting 7-for-7 from the field.
The contest unfolded with early momentum shifts; the Rockets, bolstered by Green's 11 points at the end of the first quarter, halted what had been a 16-6 run by the Suns. This battle continued through each quarter, with the Rockets holding onto their advantage as they entered the final frame leading 88-79.
Throughout the first half, both teams composed strategic plays with notable performances. Beal led the Suns with 13 points, but they trailed at halftime, 57-52. Durant struggled to assert himself, failing to take any shots during parts of the second quarter. Ighodaro, making his presence felt defensively, blocked three shots during his brief stint on the court.
Despite backcourt challenges, the Suns managed to remain competitive. Beal's consistent scoring and Booker’s early game effort, including 10 points by halftime, showcased their resilience. Booker was the only Sun player to exhibit a positive plus-minus of +6 during the first half, which highlighted the struggles of his teammates.
Meanwhile, the Rockets' contributions came from more than just Green and Sengun; Dillon Brooks made significant strides as well, finishing with 10 points and delivering three three-pointers, shooting perfectly from beyond the arc.
The second half saw the momentum fluctuate wildly. The third quarter reflected this, showcasing Green and Durant as both players engaged offensively. Durant, who scored nine of his total 18 points during this period, saw his efforts matched by Green, whose scoring burst kept the Suns behind.
By the fourth quarter, with both teams searching for advantages, tensions escalated after Plumlee’s ejection, which arose from the scuffle with Adams. This altercation not only impacted the Suns’ structure but also proved to be pivotal as they attempted to rally without their full roster available.
The loss, continuing the Suns' struggle for consistency, raised questions about their ability to clinch the postseason. Currently, with every game counting, the Suns are fighting against time and distance, as they look to narrow the gap against Dallas, who also faced defeat but remains just 2.5 games ahead. The challenge ahead will necessitate full rosters and strategic focus if they are to claw back and secure their desired playoff position.
Following the game, Phoenix must regroup, focus on their training, and maximize their remaining matches to dispel the shadows of defeat. Their next steps will be monitored closely as fans await to see if they can turn things around.