The Phoenix Suns were hoping to prove to the world that they are better than the last time we saw them play basketball, in Game 7 against the bottom-ranked Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference Semifinals. . After a tumultuous offseason with trade rumors, ownership sanctions and player extension drama, the Suns wanted to start their season off right in a preseason game against the Adelaide 36ers.
The Suns got anything but, being beaten by the Australian side who controlled the action for most of the game. A scorching barrage of fire late in the game by the 36ers meant they walked away with a 134-124 victory. NBA fans were shocked to see last season’s toppers fall like this to an unannounced team and ruthlessly trolled the Suns.
The preseason should never be a massive indicator of what’s going to happen in the regular season. The Milwaukee Bucks lost every preseason game they played in 2021, but still won the title. With all the negative energy surrounding the Suns this summer, this win could be the start of something worse for Phoenix.
Should the Phoenix Suns be worried?
Pre-season tends to get overreactions from fans who have been deprived of NBA content for the past 3 months. This game creates a lot of similar reactions. The 36ers were hot and easily outscored the Suns. However, that’s not necessarily a realistic way to view the talent the Suns still display on the field.
Either way, an NBA team shouldn’t lose to a foreign team, since the NBA is the pinnacle of basketball. It’s a great time for ocean basketball fans, but the NBA is supposed to be where the best of the best play. The Suns didn’t look like the juggernaut they were last regular season.
It may be a tough year for Phoenix as they try to work through all the issues that have plagued them all summer. Let’s hope this loss serves as an achievement and unites the team before the start of the 2022-23 season.