Empire of the Suns

Game 1 of Suns vs. Thunder went about as we expected

20 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Devin Booker didn't get much help with Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green struggling, while the other Phoenix Suns gave even less. The Oklahoma City Thunde...

The Suns beat the Warriors and played into the playoffs

18 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Phoenix Suns will face the Oklahoma City Thunder thanks to a win over the Golden State Warriors that included a big Jalen Green effort and some Jo...

Devin Booker's got the spotlight on him as Suns face do-or-die

16 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A loss in the 7-8 play-in game by the Phoenix Suns raised big-picture questions about Devin Booker and led to a flood of Jordan Ott complaints. How wi...

It's Suns-Blazers in the NBA Play-In Game

14 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Portland Trail Blazers have size and rebounding to cause problems for the Phoenix Suns in their NBA Play-In matchup. Where do the Suns have the ed...

Should the Suns prefer a play-in against the Clippers or Blazers?

09 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Phoenix Suns, who are now locked into the No. 7 seed, have injuries and changing rotational pieces. It'll be a thrilling, odd play-in matchup agai...

The Phoenix Suns have TONS to figure out before a likely play-in berth

04 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Phoenix Suns have Dillon Brooks and Mark Williams back, but they'll be faced with tough questions about rotations as the offense has faltered and ...

Are the Suns set for the seventh seed?

27 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Phoenix Suns might be locked into the No. 7 seed, but there is still room for slippage if they falter in the next five games. Plus, Kellan Olson a...

Suns might've hit their ceiling, plus an NCAA Tournament preview from NBA Draft lens

18 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Phoenix Suns are in the thick of a race to avoid the play-in, but their recent run makes it look like they've hit their ceiling on offense, which ...

Suns' rebound includes a win over Hornets, and the rookies are showing out

10 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Phoenix Suns responded to their worst loss of the year with two wins, including one against the surging Charlotte Hornets. Khaman Maluach and Rash...

Mark Williams' stock is down, Rasheer Fleming's is up for the Suns lately

05 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Phoenix Suns coach Jordan Ott appears aggressive in finding out lineup answers quickly, and we're at a tipping point for Mark Williams in a bad way an...

Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks injuries stack up for Suns out of the NBA All-Star break

24 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks, Jordan Goodwin and Grayson Allen have already gotten hurt, the Phoenix Suns are still surviving and rookies Rasheer Flemi...

Suns duck the tax with Nick Richards trade at the deadline

05 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Nick Richards was dealt in a three-team deal that brings back Amir Coffey and Cole Anthony's contract. What did the Phoenix Suns gain by standing pat,...

How can Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks make the NBA All-Star Game? It's complicated

31 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Dillon Brooks is coming off a career game against the Detroit Pistons, while the Phoenix Suns hope to get Jalen Green back from injury. We talk about ...

Which Suns have value at the NBA trade deadline?

16 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Dillon Brooks, Grayson Allen, Royce O'Neale and others have built strong value on the Phoenix Suns. How tradeable are they? And would the Suns even co...

As the Suns remain feisty, how will they approach the trade deadline?

08 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The win of the year against the Oklahoma City Thunder was more evidence that the Phoenix Suns will make the postseason. So a month from the trade dead...

Soon, the Suns might have the GOOD kind of rotation problems

02 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Suns beat some struggling Pelicans and Wizards teams before falling to the Cavs. What could their rotations look like once Jalen Green and Grayson...

Are the Phoenix Suns coming down to Earth?

19 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dillon Brooks has produced a few whoopsie moments lately, but the Phoenix Suns are still treading water despite individual players, including Devin Bo...

Great-vibes Suns win over T-Wolves precedes clunker against Thunder

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Phoenix Suns stole another game they probably should not have against the Minnesota Timberwolves before getting clobbered by the Oklahoma City Thu...

The Suns are good! Really!

04 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Devin Booker has gone down with an injury, but the Phoenix Suns have showed they might be able to stay afloat behind hot starts from Dillon Brooks and...

Suns' roster atrophy hits a limit in loss to Rockets

25 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Devin Booker has had a rough go of late, but the Phoenix Suns' bench has kept things relatively afloat more than we thought possible. A review of a lo...

A crazy gameplan helped the Suns rebound from a loss in a big way

19 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A blown lead against the Atlanta Hawks led to a loss, but the Phoenix Suns rebounded against the Portland Trail Blazers. It was a good sign about this...

The Suns are fun. Are they good?

14 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Phoenix Suns are 8-5 and appear to have a clear identity. They shoot threes and are top 10 in offense and defense. Devin Booker is back. Dillon Br...

The win vs. the Spurs gave the Suns credibility

06 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As the Jalen Green debut nears, the Phoenix Suns have found some traction in the past week with Devin Booker picking his spots and Mark Williams in th...

Phoenix Suns leave a lot of room for improvement 4 games in

29 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are the Phoenix Suns the gritty, fiesty, defensive team they said they would be? Through a 1-3 start, they're hitting only some of the marks and only ...

Suns ready to lean on Devin Booker: 2025-26 preseason review and a season preview

17 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Devin Booker is the man. Jalen Green and Mark Williams have been slow-rolled. Which rookies and young guys stood out in the preseason and how will the...

Suns formally move on from the Big 3 era: 2025-26 Media day recap

25 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Devin Booker has unfinished business, coach Jordan Ott and GM Brian Gregory have already hit the ground running and now it's time for the Phoenix Suns...

We're back after a hiatus, and Suns training camp is here

23 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With media day set for Wednesday, Kellan Olson and Kevin Zimmerman are back as the Phoenix Suns ramp up for 2025-26 with a weird, reset roster. 

Bradley Beal is gone, and a 2025 Suns Summer League review

18 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bradley Beal is gone but the Phoenix Suns still have roster questions. Plus, we recap the four Summer League games where Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro st...

2025 NBA Draft review: The Suns have a crop with Maluach, Fleming and Brea

27 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Phoenix Suns have more moves to make, but their 2025 NBA Draft haul of Khaman Maluach, Rasheer Fleming and Koby Brea is a promising crop, especial...

Suns draft Khaman Maluach and trade for Mark Williams

26 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Phoenix Suns double-dipped at center by picking Khaman Maluach 10th and trading for Mark Williams. Kellan Olson and Kevin Zimmerman are joined by ...

Who could the Phoenix Suns pick at No. 10 in the 2025 NBA Draft?

24 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Collin Murray-Boyles, Thomas Sorber and more are potential options for the Phoenix Suns in the 2025 NBA Draft. It's tomorrow. So let's cram!

Kevin Durant is a Rocket, and the Suns' return in the trade is confounding

22 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Suns traded Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets, whose package in exchange included Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and picks, leaving the Suns with an...

2025 NBA Draft preview as a Kevin Durant trade lingers

16 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Who could fit the Phoenix Suns in the 2025 NBA Draft if they stick at No. 29? What if they move into the top 10 with a Kevin Durant trade?

Kevin Durant trade season has begun for the Suns

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We go over what teams like the Spurs, Rockets, Timberwolves, Clippers, Raptors and more that might be willing to offer the Phoenix Suns for Kevin Dura...

Suns hire Jordan Ott as head coach, and Mat Ishbia sends a letter

04 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mat Ishbia's internal memo that followed the Jordan Ott hire as head coach might be the bigger news for Phoenix Suns observers.

The Suns' head-coaching search is down to a few guys

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Phoenix Suns are eyeing Micah Nori, Sean Sweeney, Chris Quinn and a handful of other head-coaching candidates. That and NBA Playoffs talk.

The optics don't look great around the Suns' promotion of GM Brian Gregory

02 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Brian Gregory is now in charge of the Phoenix Suns' front office, a move that leaves a lot more questions than answers for Mat Ishbia as CEO Josh Bart...

Mat Ishbia's accountability about Suns is self-aware but still leaves questions

18 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mat Ishbia, James Jones and Josh Bartelstein held a press conference to discuss Mike Budenholzer's firing and the Phoenix Suns' direction moving into ...

Reaction to the Phoenix Suns firing Mike Budenholzer with Sam Cooper from The Timeline

15 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sam Cooper from The Timeline joins Kellan Olson to discuss the firing of Phoenix Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer on Empire of the Suns.

Kevin Durant is hurt and the Suns are tailspinning to the end

01 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Will the Phoenix Suns still make the play-in despite Kevin Durant's injury and a return to poor play before it? We look at the final stretch of the se...

The Suns are finally playing good ball: Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro appreciation

26 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ryan Dunn, Oso Ighodaro, Cody Martin and Collin Gillespie have given the Phoenix Suns juice enough to revive their season. It's good basketball! Plus,...

James Jones could be the Suns' scapegoat. Or he could help them dig out of this hole

20 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If the Phoenix Suns find James Jones to be the scapegoat, well, the next general manager better draft as well as him. We talk the importance of the up...

It gets noisy around the Suns, plus a Bol Bol hat-tip

03 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The tumult around the Phoenix Suns has gone public with the Devin Booker and Mike Budenholzer friction. Plus, Bol Bol is doing some positive stuff!

Where do the Suns go from here?

21 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Kevin is back on the podcast but the Phoenix Suns' problems have only gotten worse in the past three weeks.

Trade deadline recap w/ Sam Cooper

07 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Kellan Olson is joined by guest co-host Sam Cooper to run through the trade the Suns made before the deadline, and more importantly, the ones they did...

This is a Suns podcast but Luka Doncic was traded to the Lakers

02 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This is a Suns podcast but Luka Doncic was traded to the Lakers for Anthony Davis. It might make the teams better this year? But the Dallas Mavericks ...

A pre-NBA deadline Q&A: Jimmy Butler and other Suns trade options

29 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Will the Phoenix Suns trade for Jimmy Butler? Is it a good idea? What else can they do before the NBA trade deadline. We answer our listeners' questio...

Phoenix Suns make a trade before the possible Jimmy Butler trade

24 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It sure looks like the Phoenix Suns took another tiny step toward landing Jimmy Butler. What do we make of a 1-for-3 draft pick trade with the Utah Ja...

Suns keep digging for answers with Nick Richards trade

17 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Phoenix Suns traded for Nick Richards, but it appears the rest of the NBA sees their busy phone lines as a desperate team trying to fix things by ...

Bradley Beal is benched and the smoke around Suns' Jimmy Butler trade interest is suffocating

07 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Jimmy Butler apparently wants the Suns. Phoenix apparently is interested in Jimmy Butler. Meanwhile, Bradley Beal doesn't appear entirely pleased afte...

The sample size is too large to ignore: The Suns are one of the worst teams in the NBA lately

02 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Phoenix Suns have failed to defend due to a handful of reasons of late. We run through the numbers of what's made them one of the worst teams in t...

Devin Booker gets hurt, and a loss to the Pacers is a microcosm of the Suns

20 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Devin Booker is hurt just as Bradley Beal returned. Defensive lapses against the Pacers showed the Phoenix Suns are who they thought they are, regardl...

Jimmy Butler is apparently interested in the Suns, just like this podcast

13 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Jimmy Butler trade rumors are live thanks to reporting from Shams Charania and our John Gambadoro. What do we make of a potential Heat and Suns trade?...

The Suns need a break in the worst way

21 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We aren't making grand proclamations about the Phoenix Suns' losing streak! Or is this a shocker? They need to avoid losing stars Kevin Durant and Bra...

We're learning about the Suns' weaknesses with Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal out

14 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal have gotten dinged up, and the Phoenix Suns have come down to earth after a red-hot start. How worried are we?

Kevin Durant and the Suns' defense has them at 7-1 to start 2024-25

07 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Kevin Durant has been clutch. The Phoenix Suns' defense has been top-10 good. And that combination has Phoenix eeking out games despite some inconsist...

Suns' vibes are mostly good through 4 games

29 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Mike Budenholzer's Phoenix Suns have shown their depth and promising efforts even through rough patches over their first four games. Ryan Dunn's stock...

Are the Suns 2024-25 title contenders? Plus, preseason takeaways and more

19 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With the Empire of the Suns duo hosting Arizona Sports at Night, Kellan and Kevin take advantage to touch on the Phoenix Suns' preseason and their tit...

Promising Suns preseason so far: Rookies Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro, 3-point volume stand out

10 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We know it's the preseason, but the Phoenix Suns' spacing on offense and contributions from its two draft picks Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro are hard no...

Suns media day reaction: Everyone is vibing, especially Bradley Beal

01 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Bradley Beal admitted he struggled last year. He's just trying to have fun. We give our Phoenix Suns media day reactions and touch on the change in th...

Al McCoy was more than a legend. Plus a look ahead to Suns media day

27 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We're back after an offseason hiatus. Kellan and Kevin remember Al McCoy being larger than life before looking ahead to Phoenix Suns media day.

Suns waive Nassir Little, and can Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro find rotation time?

23 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Phoenix Suns waived Nassir Little and E.J. Liddell in a move that saves $10s of millions in taxes. Was it related to the Suns' confidence in their...

The Tyus Jones signs with the Suns episode

01 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Why does the Tyus Jones signing only bring more questions for the Phoenix Suns? Plus, we take in what Devin Booker and Kevin Durant have done for USA ...

Suns land Monte Morris, Mason Plumlee in free agency

03 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Phoenix Suns didn't do anything groundbreaking but added two reliable veterans at point guard and center: Monte Morris and Mason Plumlee.

Oso Ighodaro is the Suns' 2nd-round pick, Jalen Bridges signs a 2-way

28 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Phoenix Suns' 2024 NBA Draft is complete with a couple of trades to add Oso Ighodaro out of Marquette, and the team even followed by signing Jalen...

Suns pick Virginia's Ryan Dunn after an NBA Draft-day trade with Nuggets

27 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ryan Dunn went 58th overall to the Phoenix Suns, who piled up picks from the Denver Nuggets in the process. While the Virginia wing is perhaps one of ...

Our Phoenix Suns NBA Draft big board for the 22nd pick

20 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We run down each of our top players in the 2024 NBA Draft who should be in range of options for the Phoenix Suns with their No. 22 overall selection.

The big 2024 NBA Draft preview: Do Suns swing big or play it safe?

11 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Phoenix Suns will have plenty of experienced, ready-to-go prospects available to them in the 2024 NBA Draft. But if they stay at No. 22, high-ceil...

Why the Suns will work out Bronny James before the draft + an NBA Finals preview

04 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Phoenix Suns working out Bronny James before the NBA Draft doesn't have much to do with that LeBron fella. Plus, a look at the new G League team's...

Mike Budenholzer's intro and the big 'Do the Suns need a PG?' discussion

20 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Mike Budenholzer held his introductory press conference, and we go deep on what having a "point guard" means for the Phoenix Suns.

Frank Vogel is fired, Suns eye Mike Budenholzer for job - May 9

09 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Frank Vogel was fired by the Phoenix Suns after a lengthy evaluation process, and it looks like they will quickly pursue a replacement for the job. Fo...

We're still waiting on Frank Vogel's future with the Suns

07 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Why are the Phoenix Suns still without a resolution to Frank Vogel's job status? Who are coaches on the market if the Suns move on? 

Suns' season mercifully ends and Frank Vogel's job is on the line

29 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Devin Booker and Kevin Durant couldn't pull the smallball Suns past the Timberwolves in Game 4, ending their season with a sweep. Now, head coach Fran...

The Suns look rudderless in Game 3 loss to T-Wolves

27 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Anthony Edwards went off, the Suns got away from the things that kept them in it and boos were heard in Game three of their series against the Timberw...

The Suns still turning the ball over as of Game 2 of the playoffs

24 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Timberwolves scored 31 points off turnovers as the Phoenix Suns fell apart in Game 2 of the first-round series.

The T-Wolves look legit in Game 1 win against the Suns

21 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Anthony Edwards went wild and the Phoenix Suns lost a lot of the key stats in a Game 1 first-round loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Suns get a full playoff series vs. the Wolves. How favorable is it really?

17 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Phoenix Suns somehow find themselves in a full playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, who they swept in the regular season. Can they c...

The Suns are still getting worse

12 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In the final week of the season, it looks like the Phoenix Suns have continued to get worse, whether it's due to basketball things or more. 

How much are we buying the Suns' spurts as the regular season nears its end?

04 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Phoenix Suns have shown signs of growth but haven't lost those periods of the bottom falling out. How are we judging them with six games left?

It's looking a lot like the Phoenix Suns will be a play-in team

30 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We take a peek at the Western Conference standings after an up-and-down week-plus for the Phoenix Suns. Plus, extended Cats Talk after the Arizona Wil...

The we-don't-think-the-Suns-are-contenders podcast

19 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It would appear the Phoenix Suns are that inconsistent team with too many holes to plug for good. We talk expectations, drastic last-minute changes, t...

Ranking the Phoenix Suns' toughest playoff matchups

14 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We run through the top teams in the Western Conference to see if we agree on whether certain teams are good matchups or not against the Phoenix Suns i...

Bradley Beal gets some PG runs for the Suns

08 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Devin Booker is out, but Grayson Allen is going off and Bradley Beal is working the point as the Phoenix Suns strung together a pair of wins after a c...

It's go-time for the Suns as Bol Bol emerges

29 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Bol Bol has forced his way into the Phoenix Suns' rotation. We cover the talent out in the Western Conference to explain why the Suns have to turn it ...

What do the Phoenix Suns need to do to become true title contenders?

21 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We go over what the Phoenix Suns need to do to get back into title contender status out of the NBA All-Star break, take questions about the roster and...

Suns get a G League team, Royce O'Neale shines, Phoenix found an ID

14 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Did the Phoenix Suns find an identity in a win against the Sacramento Kings? We also touch on the first looks at Royce O'Neale, the Thaddeus Young rep...

Suns nab Royce O'Neale, David Roddy at the trade deadline - Feb. 8

08 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Suns traded four players and picks to add Royce O'Neale from the Brooklyn Nets and David Roddy from the Memphis Grizzlies. We react to that and gi...

A road trip is over: Now, a Phoenix Suns trade deadline preview

05 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkic had big games in the back half of a long road trip that ended on a positive note before the Phoenix Suns enter the week ...

The Suns' fourth quarters make for a copy-paste podcast - Jan. 31

01 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We discuss Dave King's lasting legacy, touch on Devin Booker's past struggles to make the NBA All-Star Game even as a reserve and dive into the perple...

Kevin Durant is going off as Suns begin 7-game road trip - Jan. 24

24 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Kevin Durant put together a pair of 40-pieces as the Phoenix Suns enter a seven-game road trip on a six-game winning streak.

What to take from the Suns' historic comeback against the Kings

17 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Suns burned through a 22-point deficit in eight minutes to beat the Kings thanks to a small-ball lineup. What are we taking from that run and what...

If it walks like an average basketball team and quacks like an average basketball team ... - Jan. 10

10 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Phoenix Suns have been perfectly average. Their roster has mostly underperformed on an individual level. Two losses to the Clippers over their las...

Suns hit a hard stretch after the Big 3 gets run - Jan. 3

04 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Kevin Durant is out against the Los Angeles Clippers, but he gave the Phoenix Suns a two-game stretch alongside Devin Booker and Bradley Beal to give ...

Did the Suns' win against the Rockets settle things down?

29 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Suns ugly loss to the Mavericks on Christmas Night came along with a vague report from Woj about Kevin Durant's frustrations. A win against the Ro...

The Suns probably need to be in urgent mode

21 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Phoenix Suns' loss to the Blazers and a near-loss to the Wizards lead to concern. Can they fix things? Sure. But the team hasn't made progress and...

The nuance of why the Phoenix Suns aren't in urgent mode yet - Dec. 15

15 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Phoenix Suns' Big Three debuted, but let's not let that loss to Mikal Bridges and the Nets send anyone into panic mode.

Devin Booker's value and an NBA In-Season Tournament preview

04 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Phoenix Suns with Devin Booker at poin guard are 9-2 this year as they prepare to face the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA In-Season Tournament.

Deandre Ayton and Chris Paul return to face the Phoenix Suns - Nov. 22

22 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Phoenix Suns hosted Deandre Ayton and are prepared to host Chris Paul. We break down the roster and those guys' starts for the Blazers and Warrior...

Bradley Beal is out 3 weeks, Devin Booker is back

17 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Bradley Beal's back has set him aside for at least three weeks, just as Devin Booker returned from his own injury issues. How much are we panicking ov...

Kevin Durant rides solo, Suns meet Wemby - Nov. 1

01 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Devin Booker and Bradley Beal remain injured, and the Phoenix Suns found a high offensive gear before blowing a lead against Victor Wembanyama and the...