Phoenix Suns First to Qualify For the Playoffs With Win Over Miami Heat

The Phoenix Suns are on a fast track with their plans to return to the NBA Finals. They have already accomplished their first goal with approximately one month left in the season already.

With their dominant 111-90 win over the Miami Heat, Phoenix became the first team in the NBA to qualify for the playoffs after improving to 53-13. The Suns improved their road record to 25-6, which is tops in the league. Not only are they close to locking up the Western Conference’s top seed with an 8.5-game lead over the Memphis Grizzlies and a nine-game lead over Golden State, but they can lock up home-court advantage for the NBA Finals with a nine-game edge over the East-leading Heat. 

The reigning Western Conference champions have established their dominance by beating the other 29 teams after avenging their loss to Miami back in January. The last time they accomplished that feat was back in 2006-07 when the Suns went 61-21.

Head coach Monty Williams was prideful of the team defense that erased a double-digit lead stemming from a sluggish start.

“I told the guys it was one of the best defensive performances I’ve ever seen,” Suns coach Monty Williams said via ESPN.. “I’ve been around for a little bit.”

In Devin Booker’s return from a four-game absence in the NBA’s Health and Safety protocols, the Kentucky product messed around and nearly got a triple-double, finishing with 23 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds. Mikal Bridges had 21 points and nine boards, while Deandre Ayton collected a 19 point and 10 rebounds double-double.

Phoenix will try to add to their win total when they take on the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night.