Suns stinker in Game 7 overshadows excellent season

Chris Paul worked his way around the perimeter and got the shot he wanted on the first offensive possession for the Phoenix Suns an open 14-foot jumper near the free-throw line that he’s made plenty of times during his 17-year NBA career.

It rattled in and out of the basket.

The unwelcome surprises were just beginning for the Suns.

Two hours later, the topseeded Suns walked off their home floor after a 123-90 loss to the Dallas Mavericks in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals that will go down as one of the most embarrassing no-shows in NBA playoff history.

If it’s possible, the final score didn’t indicate how lopsided the game actually was. The Mavericks led by 46 points at one juncture and the game was never even remotely competitive.

Instead of going back to the NBA Finals, the Suns are left to wonder what went wrong.

“We didn’t step up to that challenge today,” Suns forward Cameron Johnson said.

“I can’t tell you enough how much I wish I could rewind the clock a few hours.”

It’s difficult to know what to make of the Suns’ season. Yes, they won a franchise-record 64 games during the regular season. Yes, they had an All-Star backcourt of Paul and Devin Booker. Yes, Monty Williams was the NBA’s Coach of the Year. Yes, when they were rolling they were one of the most entertaining teams to watch in the league.

And then the season ended ... like that.

Williams tried to put on a brave face following Game 7.

“We were the best team in the league all season long,” Williams said. “We made it to the second round and lost in a game seven. That is no a bad team, we are a really good team. We had an off night. We probably had an inconsistent two weeks if I am directly honest. But I am proud of what we accomplished. These guys are the new standard of Suns basketball.

“That is something to be proud of.”

Maybe so. But it’s going to take a while for the sting of a Game 7 stinker to wear off before that becomes clear.