The Phoenix Suns have fallen short of lofty expectations this year. Despite entering the season with championship aspirations led by Kevin Durant, injuries have derailed their momentum. Now sitting 11th in the NBA Western Conference standings—on the verge of missing even the play-in tournament—Bradley Beal still believes the team has what it takes to make a serious postseason push.
Beal has battled injuries himself throughout the year, recently missing eight straight games due to a left hamstring injury suffered in a loss to the Lakers. He’s expected to return against the Celtics. In the meantime, the former Wizards star spoke to Duane Rankin of AZCentral and expressed confidence despite the Suns’ current struggles.
“We still can make a run,” Beal said. “Obviously we’ve got to be healthy, get healthy, be available. The playoffs, anything can happen, man, but we’re a talented team and believe in what we can do. We’ve just got to give ourselves that opportunity”.
The veteran guard also took accountability for his lack of availability this season. “It’s tough, it’s definitely tough. It’s definitely not the most ideal situation. I take a lot of it because my availability is a big piece of that,” Beal admitted. “It’s tough. It’s tough, it’s frustrating, whatever word you want to put behind it, but all I can do is continue to move forward, and we can continue to make this push to try to make a run”.
Bradley Beal #3 and Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns high five during the first half at Moda Center. (Soobum Im/Getty Images)
Adding to the Suns’ woes, they’re now without Kevin Durant, who suffered a left ankle sprain in a recent loss to the Rockets. He’s expected to miss at least two weeks, with only seven games remaining in the regular season.
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Beal understands fans’ frustration
Fans have voiced their frustration over Beal’s extended absences, and the three-time All-Star understands where they’re coming from. Last NBA season, Beal played 41 games alongside Devin Booker and Durant. This year, he’s suited up for just 48 games—his fewest since appearing in only 40 contests during the 2021–22 season with Washington.
“I get it, I get it,” Beal said when asked about the fan criticism. “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”.
Still, Beal remains optimistic about his health moving forward. “All I can do is keep my head up and keep getting better,” he added. “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”.
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