Suns’ 20th win in blowout fashion against Kings mirrors 2020-2021 season

That 20th win came with an interesting piece of history attached to it.

According to PHNX Suns, Phoenix had not reached the 20-win mark this quickly since the 2020-21 season — the year the Suns advanced to the NBA Finals. This team’s foundation closely mirrors that of the Finals team that came within a few wins of a championship.

With composure, depth throughout the rotation, and the ability to adjust against a wide range of opponents, the Suns are shaping up to be a legitimate postseason contender. Reaching 20 wins at this pace matters, especially as Phoenix sits within a game or two of other top Western Conference teams such as the Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers.

The team’s new identity has not gone unnoticed in the Valley and the Suns are once again entering the broader championship conversation. The rebuild appears complete and Phoenix is now continuing to establish itself as a threat to teams that may have viewed it as inferior during the preseason.

Dominant win! These are the types of games we just couldn’t finish last year – beating teams we should on paper. Booker with his 2nd straight 30+ point game, let’s take that momentum into OKC on Sunday! #SunsUp https://t.co/rRFk5JESCR

— Lucas Randall (@DoradoVoice) January 3, 2026

Ayyyy. This team is very scary pic.twitter.com/3oJ0bRHx0q

— Lock Authority (@LockAuthor) January 3, 2026

Great win! Team started to play with greater focus in the second half. This team has been special to start the season. I can’t wait to see a fully healthy squad. Now time to rest up for a tough game on Sunday 👏🏾

— Mr. Bucketlist (@khiry_alvin) January 3, 2026

Jan 2, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) and Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) guard Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (13) during the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Consistency matters in a long season, and through 34 games, Phoenix has demonstrated both consistency and durability against all types of competition.

While the season is far from over, the Suns’ rapid turnaround from last year has set a familiar tone for the remainder of the schedule as the team continues its push toward playoff contention — much like it did five years ago.