Entering the 2025-26 NBA season, Phoenix Suns governor Mat Ishbia faced widespread skepticism as most experts, including oddsmakers, predicted the team would struggle and finish near the bottom of the Western Conference. The Suns were expected to win fewer than 31.5 games, a projection that seemed certain at the time. However, by the All-Star break, Phoenix had defied expectations, holding a 32-23 record and sitting just one game behind the sixth-seeded Los Angeles Lakers for a guaranteed playoff spot, marking a remarkable turnaround.
Ishbia openly challenged doubters and specifically pointed out Bill Simmons of The Ringer for underestimating his team, emphasizing the cultural shift within the Suns organization that has taken hold this season.
32 wins for the Suns and all before the All-Star break… think that puts us above your season prediction/bet of under 31.5 wins @BillSimmons! [eyes emoji] You guys usually have great content and good stuff… thanks for all you do,
Mat Ishbia, Phoenix Suns governor
But also keep your eye on the Suns, like I told you… we have a different culture and team in PHX these days. We still have a long way to go but we are working hard to get there. Go Suns!
Mat Ishbia, Phoenix Suns governor
Key Changes Fueling Phoenix’s Improvement
The Suns’ progress stands in sharp contrast to last season’s 36-46 campaign, which included star players Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker yet failed to deliver consistent success. Despite the offensive talent, Phoenix ranked only 14th in offensive rating and missed the play-in tournament, while their 27th-ranked defense exposed them as a vulnerable and inconsistent team.
Significant offseason moves have reshaped the Suns’ identity, notably through trades acquiring defensive specialists Dillon Brooks and Mark Williams. These additions, alongside increased responsibilities for younger players such as Collin Gillespie and Jordan Goodwin, have strengthened the team’s defensive toughness. A coaching change further accelerated this shift, with Jordan Ott replacing Mike Budenholzer, prompting immediate positive results and a renewed team culture focused on intensity and accountability.
Bill Simmons Addresses the Suns’ Surge
Responding to Ishbia’s remarks, Bill Simmons acknowledged his previous misjudgments involving the Suns, referencing last season’s disappointing results despite his earlier predictions of a 50-plus win outcome under Budenholzer’s leadership.
For the record — I picked the Suns to win 50+ games last season and never heard a peep from you when you went 36-46. So I was wrong twice,
Bill Simmons, sports analyst
Just before the All-Star break, Phoenix suffered a 136-109 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the reigning NBA champions with an outstanding 42-13 record. The Suns will next face the San Antonio Spurs on February 19 as the team continues their push toward a potential 50-win season, though making the playoffs remains a daunting challenge in the ultra-competitive Western Conference.
Leadership and Team Spirit Driving New Success
Many attribute the Suns’ cultural transformation to the influence of Dillon Brooks, who has brought a relentless work ethic and intensity to both games and practices. Head coach Jordan Ott praised Brooks for elevating the work rate and competitiveness among his teammates.
I’ve been around some guys that only bring it out during games,
Jordan Ott, Phoenix Suns head coach
But he brings it out every day in practice, and I think he’s dragged a couple people with him. Some guys that I probably wouldn’t assume practice that intense every single day. He raises everyone’s level.
Jordan Ott, Phoenix Suns head coach
As the Suns continue to build on this playoff turnaround, the team’s resilience and cohesive approach could redefine their future in the Western Conference, signaling a shift toward sustained competitiveness and hope for fans eagerly awaiting postseason success.
32 wins for the Suns and all before the All-Star break… think that puts us above your season prediction/bet of under 31.5 wins @BillSimmons! 👀 You guys usually have great content and good stuff… thanks for all you do. But also keep your eye on the Suns, like I told you… we…
— Mat Ishbia (@Mishbia15) February 11, 2026
Congratulations on a very good season so far. I’ve enjoyed watching you guys and think you picked a terrific coach. Fun league pass team,
For the record — I picked the Suns to win 50+ games last season and never heard a peep from you when you went 36-46. So I was wrong twice.
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) February 11, 2026
