Suns quit in an elimination game. Expect massive changes in the offseason
They quit.
That’s probably the worst thing that can be said about a team, and somehow it seems entirely too kind to describe the effort the Phoenix Suns put forth in a 125-100 Game 6 loss to the Denver Nuggets.
The Suns have suffered a blowout loss at home in a second-round elimination game for the second season in a row under coach Monty Williams.
The collapse throws everything into question. Will Williams stay on as coach? Will James Jones remain as general manager? Will injured center Deandre Ayton be traded?
Each one shares a measure of blame for this result.
Williams couldn’t motivate his guys in what should have been the biggest game of the season.
Jones traded much of the present and future to acquire Kevin Durant, a move that looks like a colossal failure at the moment. Jones put together a Big 4, but Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton got hurt, leaving the Suns without enough depth to chip off the Nuggets.
And Ayton sat out with bruised ribs, the sort of injury that leads to questions about his heart and will.
The game was over at halftime.
The Suns were down 81-51. The Suns gave up 81 points in a half.
The Big 2, Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, combined for 19 points on 6-for-23 shooting.
Denver wing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope had 21 by himself.
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It was a reminder of last year when the Suns trailed the Mavericks 57-27 at halftime of Game 7 and Dallas guard Luka Doncic had 27 by himself.
The Suns didn’t play defense Thursday, allowing Denver to shoot nearly 62 percent in the first half.
They didn’t take care of the ball, making so many turnovers that bakers across the city started to worry about getting put out of business.
And for anybody who thought the Suns would be better without Deandre Ayton, Nikola Jokic put up a 30-point triple-double, and I’m not sure he broke enough of a sweat to require a shower after the game.
The early hero of the playoffs, Devin Booker, wasn’t immune. In his first game after getting snubbed for the All-NBA team, Booker scored 12 points.
You’ve got to imagine a massive shakeup is coming.
Mat Ishbia didn’t spend billions of dollars to go out like this, did he?
His team quit. It’s the worst thing that can be said about a group of pro athletes, and somehow it seems entirely too kind.
More: Outside of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, is anyone else safe with Phoenix Suns after Game 6 flop?
Reactions: Suns should fire Monty Williams after loss to Nuggets, NBA Twitter says
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Suns quit in elimination game. Expect massive changes in the offseason
