👋 GOOD MORNING

Happy Wednesday! We’re halfway through the week, and I hope yours is going well. I’ll get to the Suns in a minute, but first, timing is crazy sometimes, isn’t it? Yesterday’s newsletter took a quick peek at the D-backs’ starting rotation — Brandon Pfaadt was recently named the fifth starter — and highlighted the bullpen’s strength behind Ryne Nelson and Jordan Montgomery. Welp, yesterday’s news that Montgomery is having Tommy John surgery put a quick end to that thought, and essentially ends the pitcher’s tenure in Arizona following one very disappointing season.

The 32-year-old has already had the procedure once in his career, and assuming he has the operation, it will undoubtedly spell the end of his 2025 season before it even begins. Where he signs next is anyone’s guess, but we all send our best as he recovers and tries to move on with his career.

On to the show!

Is the Play-In Round Really Going to Happen for the Suns?

This is the version of the Suns we expected to see all season.

There was clutch shooting. There was timely defense. And superstars Kevin Durant and Devin Booker both showed plenty of fire as the Suns went toe-to-toe with the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night to secure their fourth consecutive win for the first time since November. Just like that, with just 10 games remaining in the regular season, Phoenix remains locked in to the final postseason play-in spot, tied with the Mavs, but the Suns own the tiebreaker.

Challenging Road for the Suns to Reach the Postseason

This one has been talked about for a while now, but the Suns continue to own the NBA’s most difficult schedule for the remainder of the season. They’re facing a gauntlet of the league’s top teams — most of them locks for the playoffs — including tonight’s matchup against the 53-19 Celtics. The good news? Phoenix has passed its early tests with flying colors, having recently toppled the 56-14 Cavs along with the Bucks, and it also has crept to within a half game of Sacramento for the ninth overall spot in the West. It’s not a situation we foresaw even just a few weeks ago, but credit to the team for stringing together wins when it matters most.

• KD dominated Milwaukee with 38 points and made several critical shots when it mattered most. He has 80 points over his last two games.
• Booker hit the game-winner with 1.7 seconds left, and the defense forced a horrendous shot attempt to ice the game.
• Ryan Dunn has been a huge contributor, averaging 13.75 points in the Suns’ most recent winning streak.
• It’s not unreasonable to think the Suns can catch the Kings, who have the eighth-hardest remaining schedule. Sacramento and Phoenix close the season against each other in California.
• The Celtics will be without leading scorer Jayson Tatum for tonight’s game.

My take: This can happen, but it’s going to take some luck. It’s hard to imagine the Suns running the table against playoff-caliber teams, but at the same time, Phoenix has the personnel to do it! It seems crazy, but any time KD touches the ball these days, especially in critical situations, it just feels as if he’s going to come through. Perhaps equally as important, Booker’s clutch instincts continue to climb, as evidenced by his smart shot decision when he had the look for Monday’s game-winner. Then there’s Bradley Beal, who was ruled out for tonight’s game but is expected to be fully healthy again soon.

I can’t believe I’m asking this … but should he be held out as long as the team keeps winning? It’s an interesting dilemma. Tonight’s homestand finale will likely be telling. Buckle up and enjoy the ride!

Take a deeper dive: Gerald has ​one simple question​: Are the Suns back?!

Leavitt To Us

Is it too early to talk about football again? No. The answer is always no. The Sun Devils kicked off their spring practice schedule this week, and all eyes have already turned to quarterback Sam Leavitt and his ability to help guide ASU to a second consecutive Big 12 title. Remember, there’s a spring transfer portal window to get through, as well (April 16-25), but it sure seems like the majority of the roster has completely bought in to Kenny Dillingham’s messaging.

Hear from Erik, Anthony and Kyle as they talk about the team’s spring practice activities, including what players you should be keeping an eye on, potential mind games Dillingham is playing, and how the Sun Devils can use their historic 2024 season to rise to even bigger heights in 2025.

Musings From Around (and Sometimes Beyond) The Valley

You’ve Got a Friend in Jay: Arizona men’s tennis star Jay Friend was named Big 12 Player of the Week yesterday, marking his third such honor this season. The junior ranks eighth in the ITA National Singles poll, is 26-4 on the season, and 15-1 in dual match singles play.

Saved: Congrats to ASU women’s lacrosse goalie Katie Vahle, who became the program’s all-time saves leader in the Sun Devils’ 18-17 loss to Marquette on Tuesday. She surpassed Berkeley Bonneau, who recorded 576 saves in her Sun Devil Career; Vahle has 583. Congratulations, Katie!

🧢 Tip of the Hat

Yes, all eyes are on the Wildcats men’s basketball team, but make sure to check out our incredible PHNX Wildcats coverage of the football team’s spring practice schedule, as well!