Phoenix Suns’ alarming collapse in Charlotte raises new questions
After a new lineup produced a positive result, the Suns followed it with an embarrassing collapse to the 7-win Hornets.
The Phoenix Suns end a three-game homestand Sunday against the Charlotte Hornets, who handed them their worst loss of the season last week, 115-104, at Spectrum Center.
The Hornets had just seven wins going into the game.
The Suns then begin a five-game road trip on Tuesday at Atlanta as they play every other day during the trip. Phoenix defeated the Hawks last Thursday at home.
Here’s a breakdown of Phoenix’s five-game road trip that includes a matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The Cavs have the NBA’s best record.
Tuesday at Atlanta Hawks: Last meeting – Suns won 123-115 Jan. 9, 2025 in Phoenix as they had four players score at least 20 points with Bradley Beal scoring a game-high 25 points.
Thursday at Washington Wizards: Last meeting – Suns won, 140-112 Feb. 4, 2024 in Washington D.C. as Beal scored 43 points in return game against his former team.
Saturday at Detroit Pistons: Last meeting – Suns lost, 133-125, Dec. 21, 2024, in Phoenix as Kevin Durant scored 43 points in the loss. Phoenix committed 19 turnovers that led to 34 Detroit points.
MLK Day Jan. 20 at Cleveland Cavaliers: Last meeting – Suns won, 122-101, April 3 in Phoenix as Devin Booker posted 40 points and eight assists.
Jan. 22 at Brooklyn Nets: Last meeting – Suns lost, 127-117, Nov. 27 in Phoenix as Booker scored 31 points. Nets forward Cam Johnson scored 11 points against his former team.
The Suns are 6-11 on the road this season. Last season, they finished 24-17 in away games under Frank Vogel, who was fired after one season and replaced by Mike Budenholzer.
Have opinions about the current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at dmrankin@gannett.com or contact him at 480-810-5518. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @DuaneRankin.
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