PHOENIX – The NBA calendar doesn’t label “must-win” games in March, but players and fans know the difference. For the Phoenix Suns, tonight feels like one.
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Mar 21, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) drives against Milwaukee Bucks forward Ousmane Dieng (21) and Milwaukee Bucks center Myles Turner (3) during the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
A team that briefly found rhythm during a six-game stretch lost four straight heading into Saturday night’s matchup. That’s not just a skid, it’s a signal. Phoenix sits seventh in the West, with the play-in tournament looming like a tax on inconsistency.
Mar 21, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix guard Booker (1) shoots against Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma (18) during the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
The Suns’ depth carried the Suns early on Saturday night, as their star shooting guard Devin Booker didn’t have a bucket until 6:44 left in the second quarter and started the game shooting 1-for-7. Collin Gillespie and Jalen Green held it down and kept the offense moving while their star started cold. Jalen Green ended the first quarter with 15 points while Gillespie had eight of his own.
Devin Booker scores his first points of the game with 6:44 left in the first quarter, drains a three pointer as the Suns and Bucks are tied 37-37 halfway through the second quarter.
Can Booker get it going at the end of the first half?
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— Burn City Sports (@BurnCitySports) March 22, 2026
Milwaukee arrived with its own tension. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s ankle situation isn’t just about the severity of his injury; it is the direction in which he takes it. The organization is weighing long-term preservation, though Antetokounmpo wants to compete. With him sitting, Phoenix is facing a rare opening. Good teams capitalize, and desperate teams must. For Suns fans, the frustration isn’t effort; it’s squandered margin. Close losses and depleted lineups don’t earn sympathy in the standings.
Mar 21, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Jordan Goodwin (23) shoots against the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
In today’s NBA, momentum isn’t found; it’s taken. If Phoenix can’t seize a compromised opponent at home, the path forward narrows to the uncertainty of the play-in. Though if their depth and coaching adjustments continue to work, Phoenix might be in a good position to gain some momentum and get back in the win column.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
