Suns Suffer Loss to Rockets, Durant Injured

The Phoenix Suns faced a devastating 148-109 defeat against the Houston Rockets, marking their third consecutive loss and deepening their struggles as they attempt to secure a postseason spot. Head coach Mike Budenholzer criticized the team's lack of urgency and effort, while star player Kevin Durant left the game with a twisted ankle, raising concerns about his condition moving forward. With only eight games remaining, the Suns sit in 11th place in the Western Conference, trailing the Dallas Mavericks and Sacramento Kings, making their path to the play-in tournament increasingly precarious. Injuries have compounded the Suns' issues, as Bradley Beal remains out due to a hamstring strain. The team now heads into a challenging three-game road trip against playoff contenders, leaving little room for error if they hope to revive their playoff ambitions. This recent slump has made the urgency palpable among the players, particularly as the regular season winds down.