Suns Left Embarrassed in 1st Round NBA Playoffs Exit

Minnesota Timberwolves v Phoenix Suns - Game Four
(Photo : (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)) PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 28: Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns walks off the court after being defeated in game four of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Footprint Center on April 28, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Timberwolves defeated the Suns 122-116 and win the series 4-0. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

The Minnesota Timberwolves didn't hold back in their Game 4 victory over the Phoenix Suns. 

A vicious slam dunk by Anthony Edwards in the fourth quarter spelled the end for the Suns and put an exclamation mark to a disappointing season for Phoenix.  

RELATED ARTICLE: Suns: Kevin Durant Unhappy With On-Court Role, Coach Frank Vogel Loses Respect of Entire Team in Disastrous Season for Phoenix

Suns Disappointment in Regular and Postseason 

The Suns went all-in last offseason, trading for former Wizards shooting guard Bradley Beal in a deal involving point guard Chris Paul.

The idea was to pair Beal with Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, creating a trio of stars in hopes of cashing in on a championship.

The Suns tried to create a super team, or Big 3, a formula that has seen some success over the past few years with other NBA teams in the past.

Despite winning 49 games and making it to the postseason, the trio performed at a lower level than many had hoped, failing to mesh well with each other all year. 

Their regular season was full of inconsistencies and injury problems between Beal and Booker, which constantly hurt the teams chances of winning.

READ MORE: Timberwolves Star Anthony Edwards' Strong Message to All-Time Favorite Player Kevin Durant After Sweeping Suns

Suns Continued Postseason Woes 

The NBA Playoffs didn't bode any better for Phoenix, who struggled to register a win in their first-round matchup against a surging Minnesota Timberwolves team.

Many believed that the Suns had a strong chance of winning this series against a young and inexperienced Timberwolves team. However, the Timberwolves' defensive identity and Anthony Edwards' explosiveness were too much for the Suns to handle, despite Phoenix usually beating them each time they met in the postseason. 

The Timberwolves wings, Jaden McDaniels, and Alexander-Walker had played a significant role in the series with their defense, as Devin Booker had averaged only 20.3 points per game prior to Game 4.

Edwards had several star-making performances throughout the series, including a big Game 3 where he dropped 36 points on 23 shots.

READ MORE: Timberwolves Head Coach Chris Finch Feared to Have Suffered Major Injury After On-Court Incident

Kevin Durant's Future in the Valley

Kevin Durant may be on the move from Phoenix.

A source told The Athletic that Durant felt uncomfortable in the Phoenix Suns offense alongside Beal and Booker. 

The source revealed that Kevin Durant had persistent issues with the offense, feeling that he was being relegated to the corner far too often, along with not having the proper designs to play to his strengths, as the offense was built around pick-and-rolls.

Durant averaged 27.1 points last season, which was good for fifth in the league. He managed to shoot 52.3 from the field in doing this as well. 

It seems imminent that there will be changes next season for Phoenix Suns.

Reports have already revealed that a possible coaching change might happen, after the Suns signed Frank Vogel to a five year $31 million contract deal. 

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