During the postgame press conference, Booker didn’t hold back, issuing a scathing critique of the officiating on Wednesday night. “In my 11 years, I haven’t called a ref out by name, but James (Williams) was terrible tonight, through and through,” Booker told reporters. “It’s bad for the sport, bad for the integrity of the game. People are going to start viewing this as the WWE if they’re not held accountable.”

The veteran guard’s frustrations stemmed from a series of questionable whistles by James Williams that Booker believes swung the momentum of the contest. The reigning champion Thunder capitalized on the chaos, securing a 120-107 victory to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the series.

By speaking out, Booker is making good on his preseason promise to be the vocal heart of this new-look Suns roster. He is signaling that he won’t just lead on the stat sheet; he’s prepared to draw fire to protect his team’s interests, even if it means challenging the league’s officiating standards.

Inside the officiating controversy

To understand the depth of Booker’s “WWE” comparison, one must look at the specific sequence in the second half that saw the game’s intensity boil over into technical fouls and heated exchanges.

• The primary flashpoint occurred with 2:05 remaining in the third quarter when Williams assessed Booker a technical foul.
• The Suns’ star argued that instead of a standard common foul on the defense, the official took a directive from the opponent. Booker claimed Alex Caruso told the ref to “call the tech,” and Williams immediately complied.
• Teammate Dillon Brooks added fuel to the fire postgame, suggesting officials were protecting Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Brooks took a swipe at the modern game’s whistle, contrasting it with the physical “man’s game” he grew up watching.

A hefty fine looms for Booker

Based on recent NBA precedent for public criticism of officials, Booker is almost certainly facing a significant financial penalty. By calling out a referee by name and comparing the product to professional wrestling, the bill could easily exceed $50,000, a consequence Booker seemed prepared for the moment he stepped to the mic.

The Suns‘ fanbase now awaits the inevitable league office response. While the fine is a formality, the real question is whether Booker’s gambit will result in a more favorable whistle when the series shifts back to Phoenix for a must-win Game 3.

This isn’t just another postseason game—it’s a winner-takes-all battle for the Western Conference’s No. 8 seed, with the victor advancing to the playoffs and the loser seeing their season come to an abrupt end.

With a first-round series against the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder awaiting the winner, the implications are massive. There are no second chances left, no safety nets, just one game that will determine everything.

What happens if Warriors beat Suns today?

With a win over the Phoenix Suns, Golden State would officially secure the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference and claim the final playoff spot through the NBA Play-In Tournament. This game is the final stage of the Play-In.

By advancing, the Golden State Warriors would earn a first-round matchup against the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder, turning their late-season push into a full playoff run. It would also complete a difficult path for them.

What happens if Warriors and Suns tie today?

An NBA game cannot end in a tie—if the score is level, it goes to overtime until there is a winner. Unlike some other sports, there are no draws in the NBA, especially in high-stakes games like this one.

If the Warriors and Suns are tied at the end of regulation, they will continue playing additional overtime periods until one team wins. That’s especially important in the Play-In format, where this is a single-elimination game.

There must be a definitive outcome because one team advances to the playoffs and the other is eliminated. So, the reality is simple: the game will keep going until either Golden State or Phoenix secures the victory.

What happens if Warriors lose to Suns today?

A loss in this matchup ends Golden State’s season immediately. Unlike earlier Play-In rounds where some teams get a second chance, this is the final qualification game for the No. 8 seed, meaning the loser has no path forward.

For the Suns, a win would keep their season alive and send them into the playoffs, while the Warriors would head into the offseason after falling short of postseason qualification. In short, there’s no margin for error.

The Play-In format has turned late-season positioning into a high-pressure sprint, with teams seeded 7 through 10 in each conference battling for the final playoff spots. In this environment, every possession carries weight and momentum.

The outcome will determine whether the Suns continue their push toward a potential Western Conference playoff berth or begin an early offseason after one of the most decisive games of their 2025–26 campaign.

What happens if Phoenix Suns beat Portland Trail Blazers today?

If the Phoenix Suns beat the Portland Trail Blazers, they automatically clinch the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference and advance directly to the 2026 NBA Playoffs, where they would face the No. 2 seed, the San Antonio Spurs, in the first round.

A win would also eliminate them from NBA Draft Lottery contention, meaning they would receive a later first-round pick based on their final playoff finish. If they lose, however, they would remain in the Play-In and still have a path.

According to the official NBA Play-In format, the 7 vs. 8 matchup is a “double-chance” game for the two highest seeds in the Play-In bracket. The winner secures immediate qualification to the playoffs as the No. 7 seed.

For Phoenix, that means a win ends all Play-In uncertainty in one night. They would also gain extra rest before the playoffs begin on April 18, 2026, giving them time to prepare for a best-of-seven first-round series.

What happens if Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers tie today?

There is no tie in the NBA Play-In Tournament, as games are decided through overtime until a winner is determined. NBA rules do not allow draws in any regular season or postseason game, and the Play-In format reinforces that.

If the Suns and Trail Blazers are level after four quarters, the game continues into overtime periods until one team wins. This guarantees that one team advances directly to the playoffs while the other is sent to the second-chance elimination round.

What happens if Phoenix Suns lose to Portland Trail Blazers today?

If the Phoenix Suns lose to the Portland Trail Blazers, they are not eliminated immediately but drop into a final elimination game to fight for the last playoff spot in the Western Conference.

Under the NBA Play-In structure, the loser of the 7 vs. 8 matchup gets a second chance by facing the winner of the 9 vs. 10 game. That final matchup determines the No. 8 seed in the conference and the last available playoff berth.

For Phoenix, that means a loss does not end the season, but it significantly increases pressure. They would need to win one more win-or-go-home game to reach the 2026 NBA Playoffs.

The Suns have been without Devin Booker over the last four games as he has been dealing with a hip strain suffered in the team’s 121–94 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on February 19. However, the latest update indicates that his return to action could come soon.

According to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM Phoenix, the 29-year-old guard is expected to return during the first week of March. Booker could be available either for Tuesday’s matchup against the Sacramento Kings or Thursday’s game against the Chicago Bulls.

“Devin Booker is progressing well from a hip strain and trending towards being back after this four-day break, likely either Sacramento on Tuesday or Chicago on Thursday.”

The Suns fighting to remain in contention

That represents encouraging news for a Suns team firmly competing in the Western Conference playoff race. Phoenix holds the No. 7 seed with a 34–26 record as of Friday, February 27, and Booker’s return should provide an important boost entering the final stretch of the regular NBA season.

The 11-year veteran has remained the face of the franchise throughout the season. Although many expected the Suns to struggle, they have stayed competitive, particularly when Devin Booker has been available on the court. Booker is averaging 24.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game while shooting 45.5% from the field and 30.8% from beyond the three-point line.

After defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 113–110 on Thursday, the Suns do not play again until Tuesday’s matchup against the Kings. Phoenix receives three consecutive days of rest, giving Booker and his teammates valuable time to recover and prepare for Sacramento.

His presence on the floor carries weight on both ends of the game, influencing scoring balance and defensive matchups. Any uncertainty surrounding the lineup draws attention, particularly in a matchup that features two competitive Western and Eastern Conference contenders.

As game time approaches, pre-game reports and official injury updates become central to understanding the rotation. Whether listed as active or sidelined, the decision impacts Boston’s approach in a high-profile meeting that continues to draw league-wide interest.

Jaylen Brown’s status for Celtics vs. Suns game

As the Celtics prepare to face the Suns on Feb. 24, Boston’s injury report reflects some late-breaking uncertainty around their star wing. Jaylen Brown is officially listed as questionable with a right knee contusion, the result of a minor knock sustained late in Sunday’s win over the Los Angeles Lakers.

That designation means his status won’t be confirmed until closer to tipoff, with Celtics personnel monitoring his reaction to pre-game treatment and warm-ups. With teammate Jayson Tatum out on the Achilles injury report as well, how Boston manages its rotation figures to be one of the central storylines.

On the other side, Phoenix enters the game with a depleted roster of its own, giving context to the importance of Boston’s health check. Brown’s eventual decision to play or not could influence not only rotations but also strategic matchups in what remains a tightly contested late-season clash.

Boston Celtics vs. Phoenix Suns possible starting lineups

Boston Celtics

• PG: Baylor Scheierman
• SG: Derrick White
• SF: Jaylen Brown
• PF: Sam Hauser
• C: Neemies Queta

Phoenix Suns

• PG: Collin Gillespie
• SG: Jalen Green
• SF: Ryan Dunn
• PF: Royce O’Neale
• C: Mark Williams

Booker spoke with azcentral’s Duane Rankin about the challenge the Thunder presented and what the matchup meant for the Suns moving forward. He expressed confidence in his group while acknowledging the high level of play Oklahoma City brought into the tournament.

“It’s going to be a great test for us. They have it rolling. They’re playing some of the best basketball the NBA has ever seen. I’m excited to match up against that. Another Cup game. We’re looking forward to that. We’ll see them Friday,” Booker said.

Phoenix entered the week with a chance to clinch the West Group A title with a win over the Thunder. Even in defeat, the Suns still had a path to the NBA Cup quarterfinals through the wild-card spot, which would depend on achieving a better point differential than the winner of the Memphis Grizzlies–Los Angeles Clippers matchup. The stakes were clear, and every possession carried weight.

How the Suns entered the matchup

Phoenix continued to exceed early expectations after its offseason overhaul, improving to 12–7 with a 112–100 NBA Cup win over the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night. The Suns entered the Friday game with a strong +35 point differential in Cup play, a number that trailed only Oklahoma City’s dominant +71 mark in West Group A. The group standings remained tight, but Phoenix stayed well-positioned.

Booker led the way through the first quarter of the season, averaging 26 points, 6.9 assists, and 4.3 rebounds while shooting 45.7 percent from the field and 32.4 percent from beyond the arc across 19 appearances. His consistency stabilized a roster still adjusting to significant changes in personnel and coaching. His role continued to be central as the Suns searched for rhythm and continuity.

The Suns’ growth extended beyond individual performances, as the team displayed improved chemistry and resilience in competitive moments. Their ability to close games and maintain composure reflected a group gaining confidence with each outing. The matchup with the Thunder represented a chance to validate that progress on a national stage.

Friday’s game carried both competitive and historical significance, as the Suns aimed to hand the defending champions their second loss of the season. The opportunity to stay alive in the NBA Cup motivated Phoenix, which viewed the tournament as a meaningful chance to secure early-season momentum. A win would have locked in their spot in the quarterfinals, while a loss would have shifted focus to point differential and the results elsewhere.

The Houston Rockets will be without superstar forward Kevin Durant for their next two games. According to Shams Charania, Durant is dealing with a family matter, which will keep him out at least until the Rockets’ game against the Utah Jazz on Sunday, Nov. 30.

Durant played two and a half seasons for the Suns, averaging 26.8 points in 145 regular-season games between 2023 and 2025. He was traded to the Rockets in the offseason as part of a seven-team deal that sent Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green, and the No. 10 overall pick to the Suns.

With Durant out of the lineup, Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., Amen Thompson, and other Rockets players will take on larger roles in the offense. Houston currently holds a 10-4 record this season and sits fourth in the Western Conference.

Durant’s impact on Houston

Durant’s arrival in Houston has been immediately noticeable. He’s averaging 24.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists, helping fuel the Rockets’ 10-4 start. Since Durant joined, Houston has built the NBA’s top-ranked offense and is considered one of the biggest threats to win the Western Conference alongside the Denver Nuggets and reigning champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Durant is also expected to miss Wednesday’s game against another former team, the Golden State Warriors, while tending to his family matter. A matchup between Stephen Curry and Durant would have been a highlight, but fans may have to wait, potentially until a playoff rematch between the Warriors and Rockets.

Even in his 18th NBA season, Durant remains one of the most dynamic and productive players in the league. Rockets fans will eagerly anticipate his return, especially with a roster full of talented players who can complement Durant’s style and maximize his impact on the court.

Some NBA seasons refuse to follow the script. A handful of teams stumble through months of uneven play, battered records and shifting lineups, only to find themselves still breathing when the postseason door cracks open just wide enough.

Their paths rarely feel glamorous. Wins come in streaks, losses in waves and doubts settle in early. Yet within the chaos, something holds—an edge, a burst of timing, a locker room that refuses to surrender even when the standings insist otherwise.

What emerges is a catalogue of improbable survivors. Teams that slipped past logic, reshaped expectations and turned flawed campaigns into unforgettable runs. Their stories endure because they prove that hope can grow in the most unlikely terrain. However, there are also teams that create expectations only to fail when it matters the most.

Teams that struggled in NBA playoffs

The NBA postseason is where legends are forged, but not all invitees arrive with elite credentials. Some slide into the bracket burdened by a turbulent regular season, or worse, dragging a legacy of ineffectiveness.

These are the most dramatic narratives of teams that, due to historical circumstances, fleeting momentum or advantageous geography, gate-crashed the playoff party:

Worst postseason winning percentage

The Indianapolis Olympians (1952-53)

In an era when the NBA was still finding its footing, and league rules often allowed a high percentage of teams into the playoffs, the Indianapolis Olympians etched a mark of historical postseason inefficiency that remains unmatched.

While other teams in the league’s formative years might have slipped in with a worse regular-season winning percentage, the Olympians achieved something unique: they hold the franchise record for the lowest winning percentage within the playoffs at a desolate 4-9 (30.8%).

Unlike modern teams that simply get dispatched 0-4 in a single series, the Olympians extended their playoff agony across their short four-season history. Their final, 1952-53, playoff appearance, coming after a modest 28-43 regular season (39.4%), resulted in a 0-2 loss in the Division Semifinals.

This collective 4-9 playoff record—a reflection of their overall fragility in crucial games across their existence—serves as a stern reminder that qualifying is only the entry fee. The Olympians, soon condemned to folding after that final season, left behind a record of playoff struggle as unique as their short, pioneering tenure.

The worst-to-playoffs resurrection

Detroit Pistons (2023-24 to 2024-25)

If success is measured by the speed of redemption, the feat pulled off by the Detroit Pistons in their swift pivot from the 2023-24 season to 2024-25 stands as one of the NBA’s most stunning modern achievements.

The 2023-24 campaign was an unmitigated disaster, ending with a miserable 14-68 record (17.1% winning percentage), the worst in the entire league, and a historically humiliating 28-game losing streak. The narrative was one of absolute, entrenched crisis.

Yet, the transformation was meteoric and historically unprecedented. The following year, under new leadership and with a newly solidified core led by Cade Cunningham, the Pistons didn’t just improve—they qualified for the playoffs comfortably (finishing 44-38, a 53.7% winning percentage).

Detroit became the first team in NBA history to go from holding the worst regular-season record league-wide to securing a playoff berth the very next season. This resurrection story is not just an underdog tale; it’s a powerful testament to the volatility that a single, focused offseason, good coaching, and player development can inject into a seemingly doomed franchise.

Other noteworthy early exits (The 0-4 club)

These teams share a painful distinction: the perfect sweep in the first round, leaving them with an ignominious 0-4 playoff record in a single series. While this mark is shared by many throughout league history, these recent examples starkly illustrate the vast chasm separating a mere playoff qualifier from a true contender in the modern NBA.

Memphis Grizzlies (2015-16)

The 2015-16 Grizzlies perfectly personified tenacity forced by attrition. That season of the storied Grit and Grind era was ravaged by injuries that utterly dismantled their identity.

Despite just managing to claw their way to the playoffs with a meager 42-40 record (51.2%), the squad that showed up against the San Antonio Spurs in the first round was a shell of its former self.

The result was a demoralizing 0-4 sweep. Missing key stars like Marc Gasol and Mike Conley Jr., the “Grindhouse” philosophy broke down, unable to compete with a healthy, elite Western Conference opponent.

Their swift exit was not just an elimination; it marked a tragic end to an era, proving that even the most determined spirit eventually succumbs when the body is overwhelmed by adversity.

Miami Heat (2020-21)

The fall of the Miami Heat in 2020-21 was a particularly brutal reality check. Unlike other teams on this list, the Heat were the defending Eastern Conference champions just months earlier, reaching the Finals in the Orlando Bubble.

While their 40-32 regular season (55.6%) earned them a playoff spot, their rematch against the Milwaukee Bucks was a cruel reminder of how quickly the league’s dynamics can shift.

The 2021 series became a public execution of a team that simply couldn’t replicate its bubble magic. The intensity and clutch play that defines Heat Culture evaporated in the face of the Bucks’ adjusted, physical, and highly motivated game plan.

The 0-4 sweep that sealed their fate was not just a loss but a humbling for a franchise that expected to redeem its previous Finals defeat, clearly demonstrating that past success guarantees nothing once the postseason lights turn on.

Phoenix Suns (2023-224)

The Phoenix Suns‘ 2023-24 narrative is the most contemporary and painful, tied directly to the crushing weight of stratospheric expectations. After consolidating a Big Three with elite offensive talent (Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal), the team was widely viewed as a legitimate title contender.

Yet, the regular season was an exercise in inconsistency, chemistry issues, and a stark lack of depth. They entered the playoffs as the 6th seed and were comprehensively swept 0-4 by the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The result was not just a loss but a declaration of bankruptcy for a superstar experiment that failed dramatically at the most critical juncture. For the Suns, the 0-4 was not an underdog surprise; it was the painful confirmation that the mere accumulation of individual talent is insufficient to overcome a lack of team cohesion and robust depth in a well-built playoff roster.

However, Jalen Green will not feature in today’s game between the Phoenix Suns and the New Orleans Pelicans due to an injury. According to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM Phoenix, Green has re-aggravated a nagging hamstring strain and is likely to miss a few weeks as he works towards a full recovery.

Gambadoro reports that Green might return by the end of December, which is a major blow for the Suns as he was developing an excellent chemistry with the team’s leader, Devin Booker.

Facing this challenging setback, the Suns will take on the Pelicans, a team struggling with a 2-7 record and missing their main star Zion Williamson due to injury, along with other players who have been underperforming early in the season.

Suns fully staffed, while Pelicans face significant lineup challenges

Despite the absence of Green due to injury for the Suns in their upcoming matchup, the rest of the team is set to take the court, led by the dynamic Devin Booker. The roster is further bolstered by the talents of Dillon Brooks and Grayson Allen, poised to contribute significantly and help the team build momentum during this regular season.

Phoenix has a strong opportunity against the Pelicans, who are grappling with the absence of several key players. In addition to Zion Williamson, New Orleans will be without Jordan Poole due to a left quad strain, Dejounte Murray, recovering from a right Achilles rupture, and two G League two-way players, Trey Alexander and Hunter Dickinson.

Amidst these circumstances, the fan bases of both teams eagerly anticipate a high-caliber showdown as the Suns host the Pelicans. Despite the absences, both franchises are determined to exhibit their strengths and set the tone early in the regular season.

Suns guard Jalen Green is expected to make his 2025–26 season debut on Thursday night against the Clippers. Green (hamstring) missed the team’s first eight games of the season but is officially listed as probable for Thursday’s matchup.

With Green’s return in sight, the Suns enter as home favorites against a Clippers team that will be without James Harden and Kawhi Leonard. Phoenix holds a 3–5 record so far but has shown progress, winning three of its last four home games.

Last season, Green led the Houston Rockets in scoring, averaging 21.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game while shooting 42.3% from the field and 35.4% from three-point range. Now, he’s looking to make an immediate impact with the Suns as they fight for playoff contention in a competitive Western Conference, generating plenty of excitement around his debut.

How has Green progressed?

Head coach Jordan Ott said Monday that Green has been progressing well and continues to be evaluated on a day-to-day basis, according to Shane Young of Forbes. “He’s responded really well,” Ott said. “It’s been a productive few days for him. Today was a lighter day on the court, and we’ll keep evaluating him daily. But he’s in a good place.”

According to Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic, Green also participated in full-court five-on-five drills before Saturday’s practice — a strong sign that his return to the NBA is imminent.

Who’s leading the Suns?

Devin Booker continues to lead Phoenix with averages of 31.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game. Mark Williams has added 10.0 points and 6.4 rebounds per contest, providing consistency in the frontcourt. Adding Green to that mix could elevate the Suns’ offense even further — especially if he can maintain the form he showed during his time in Houston.

According to the latest official NBA injury report, the Warriors have listed Jimmy Butler as questionable (right low back soreness) for tonight’s contest against the Suns. Butler joins Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton, and Alex Toohey, who are all officially ruled out for tonight’s game.

The former Heat star suffered a setback with a left ankle sprain before the season began but recovered in time and has not missed any games with the Warriors so far.

Butler is enjoying a strong start in what is his first full season with the Bay Area franchise. Through the first seven games, the six-time All-Star is averaging 21.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.3 steals per game, serving as a critical contributor alongside Stephen Curry.

Butler challenges teammates

Butler’s status comes at a critical time after the Warriors were surprisingly defeated by the Pacers on the road. Despite playing with seven players out, Indiana managed to secure its first win of the season against the Warriors.

Amid the team’s struggles, Butler issued a challenge to his teammates, insisting they must return to their defined roles and increase their collective effort to recapture the form that saw them win four of their first five games.

“We’ve got to get back to playing our roles to a T,” Butler said, per The Athletic. “Giving a damn whenever we turn it over. Giving a damn whenever our man scores. We guard as a team, we score as a team, everybody’s got to be on the same page. I think we’ve gotten away from that a little bit”.