If people think the Boston Celtics are frauds for dropping a game this postseason, I can only imagine the impending dialogue surrounding the Phoenix Suns.
Like many new owners, Matt Ishbia wanted to go all in. His first significant splash with Phoenix was acquiring future first-ballot Hall of Famer Kevin Durant to pair next to superstar Devin Booker. Then, in the off-season, the Suns dumped the aging Chris Paul for three-time All-Star Bradley Beal to form the NBA's latest "big three."
Despite the trio failing to log much playing time together, they still managed a 49-33 record and drew the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round, a team they went 3-0 against in the regular season. It seemed like a favorable matchup for the group against a relatively inexperienced opposition. They were the sleeping giants out west.
Fast-forward to Sunday night, and the Suns were officially extinguished. It wasn't a grueling seven-game affair but rather a sweep. A franchise that was a clear-cut title contender before the season was the first team out in April. It's so stunning that analysts have flooded social media with their take on the unprecedented collapse.
Former Celtics center and ESPN personality Kendrick Perkins took to X to share his thoughts -- and they were predictably spicy.
"Y'all got swept," Perkins said. "Bradley Beal, Kevin Durant, Devin Booker—swept? It's one of the biggest disappointments in NBA history, if not the biggest. At the end of the day, here we go again, pointing the finger at Frank Vogel. That team has been lacking leadership all season long. They haven't had a leader since CP3. Y'all went out sad, man, cupcakes with cream in the middle."
The Boston Celtics would get relentlessly ridiculed for such a disgusting display
Phoenix is undoubtedly going to get a pass from the media. They'll catch flak for a few days, but it'll quickly fade as the playoffs churn along. Promises of a coaching change and a retooled bench will ignite passion amongst the fanbase, as "experts" will love to sell this team as a sneaky championship threat. Casual fans and people with a podcast love name value, and a squad with Durant and Booker will avoid heavy scrutiny.
The Suns' biggest issue is that they don't play as a unit. There's no table setter on offense and no lockdown bruiser on the defensive end—it's a logistical mess. No coach can come into this disastrous situation and make it work in a conference loaded to the brim with talent.
Boston and Phoenix were popular Finals picks across the industry. Even if the Celtics had injuries to Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday throughout the regular season, could you imagine the response if this team was swept? Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown would need to enlist in the witness protection program.
It goes to show the unfair expectations thrust onto certain teams.
For once, I'm glad Perkins said something. He held a team oozing with top-end stars accountable. This series should leave a stain on the careers of Booker, Beal, and Durant. It was an embarrassing display. Now it's time to see which one of the three asks for a trade first.