The Phoenix Suns fell just short of qualifying for this weekend's NBA play-in tournament despite a brilliant showing inside the bubble.
Phoenix earned respect from some of its competition after an impressive 8-0 run in Orlando.
The Portland Trail Blazers, who eliminated Phoenix by edging the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday night, responded to the Suns' well-wishes by complimenting them on their performance.
Future is bright, @Suns. What a run.
โ Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) August 14, 2020
All our love back ๐๐ https://t.co/ABP0ntRHnJ
Brooklyn's 134-133 loss to Portland sealed Phoenix's fate, preventing the club from becoming the Western Conference's ninth seed. The Nets made sure to console the Suns after failing to play spoiler against the Trail Blazers.
sorry guys. y'all had a hell of a run.
โ Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) August 14, 2020
The Suns' memorable eight-game winning streak helped them finish just 1/2 game back of the Trail Blazers. Phoenix and ninth-seeded Memphis both finished 34-39, but the former is ranked lower in the standings via losing the season series 3-1.