PHOENIX — Winning is supposed to cure most problems in the NBA, but for the Phoenix Suns, it’s not quite working right now.

Mar 12, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) dribbles the ball while Indiana Pacers guard Kam Jones (7) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
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While the Suns have done their part to maintain a close position in the tight Western Conference standings — going 6-1 over their last seven games — they have essentially stayed in the same place for two weeks. Now, fans are wondering whether certain games could play a role in where the club ultimately finishes in the standings.
After defeating the Los Angeles Lakers on Feb. 26, Phoenix was just one game behind the No. 6 seed. As of March 12, they’re still one game back. The situation highlights the brutal math of the playoff race, where multiple contenders are following similar paths and every result seems to cancel out the last.

Mar 5, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Ryan Dunn (0) dribbles against Chicago Bulls forward Leonard Miller (11) in the third quarter at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Anna Carrington-Imagn Images
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The Suns’ recent stretch has included several important wins and a noticeable uptick in consistency on both ends of the floor — except when they faced the Chicago Bulls on March 5. With the Bulls missing several starters, it looked like the perfect opportunity to gain ground. However, Phoenix dropped the game in a 105-103 thriller.
Many fans are now wondering if that loss to Chicago — a game in which the Suns appeared to have the clear edge — could eventually come back to hurt them. Two weeks later, instead of holding the No. 6 seed, they remain in the same position.
But does that position in the standings really tell the full story of where the Suns are right now?
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They’ve made adjustments and have played with urgency through the final buzzer, even without key contributors during this stretch. One bad game has been followed by multiple wins in a row.
It’s simply the reality of sports, multiple teams getting hot at the right time as the final stretch of the season approaches.

Mar 10, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Grayson Allen (8) shoots in front of Milwaukee Bucks center Myles Turner (3) during the fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Phoenix isn’t necessarily doing anything wrong, but one costly loss has them stuck in a place they’ve been trying to move out of. While the Suns are playing with the urgency required down the stretch, the timing hasn’t worked in their favor so far.
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With the playoff race tightening and little room for mistakes, the Suns can only keep stacking wins and hope the loss to Chicago doesn’t end up looming larger when the standings are finalized.
*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde