Feb. 26<\/a>, Phoenix was just one game behind the No. 6 seed. As of March 12, they\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/901f551bf74cc378b3a460b1a514dd88.jpeg\"\/)
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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<\/p>\n
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The Suns\u2019 recent stretch has included several important wins and a noticeable uptick in consistency on both ends of the floor \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
Many fans are now wondering if that loss to Chicago \u2014 a game in which the Suns appeared to have the clear edge \u2014 could eventually come back to hurt them. Two weeks later, instead of holding the No. 6 seed, they remain in the same position.<\/p>\n
But does that position in the standings really tell the full story of where the Suns are right now?<\/p>\n
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They\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s simply the reality of sports, multiple teams getting hot at the right time as the final stretch of the season approaches.<\/p>\n
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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<\/p>\n
Phoenix isn\u2019t necessarily doing anything wrong, but one costly loss has them stuck in a place they\u2019ve been trying to move out of. While the Suns are playing with the urgency required down the stretch, the timing hasn\u2019t worked in their favor so far.<\/p>\n
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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\u2019t end up looming larger when the standings are finalized.<\/p>\n
*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<\/p>\n
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