PHOENIX –The Phoenix Suns are spiraling. With a handful of games in the 2024-2025 regular season campaign, the franchise is fading and approaching the finish line. The team is 1.5 games out of the last Play-In spot, and the Kevin Durant injury won’t aid in the Suns’ effort to catch up. A saving grace for Phoenix could be the return of Bradley Beal, who’s been out since March 16th with a left hamstring strain.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Beal is polarizing around the Valley. His contract, injury history, and more have made him unpopular amongst fans. A resentment the three-time All-Star understands. Beal talked to Arizona Republic’s Duane Rankin, stating he “gets” why fans are unhappy.
Mar 14, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) reacts after a play against the Sacramento Kings during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Suns Beal on the fans anger:
“I get it, I get it,” Beal said. “They have every reason to be. I am, too. It’s not ideal, obviously, it’s not fun. You don’t enjoy it. You control what you can control. That’s all I can do. I always preach about being available and that’s something I’m definitely kicking myself about, but that’s sometimes how the cookie crumbles. All I can do is keep my head up and keep getting better. The staff has been great, my body is in a better place and I feel really good right now. Hopefully it continues to stay that way.”
Mar 2, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) reacts against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
The Durant injury has put even more pressure on Beal’s shoulder to return to the lineup for the Suns Play-In chase. In the final six games of the season, Phoenix has the hardest remaining schedule in the NBA, playing title contenders like the Boston Celtics and the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Beal is hopeful to return during the team’s three-game road trip. The 31-year-old has missed eight consecutive games after an injury sustained against the Los Angeles Lakers. In his absence, the Suns are 4-4, seesawing between a four-game winning streak and a current four-game losing streak.
Mar 12, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) scores a basket as Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) defends during the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Currently, it’s the Devin Booker show, as the plaguing injuries surrounding the team lead him to be the sole scorer on the roster. However, if Beal is somehow able to heal up during the Suns’ road trip, it would be a massive aid to the team’s Play-In chance and keep them afloat against the 10th-seeded Sacramento Kings in the final game of the season to secure its spot in the tournament.
Stephen A. Smith rips Suns, calls team ‘an atrocity’ on First Take
*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
