During the offseason, the Phoenix Suns made a bold move, trading away veteran Chris Paul to acquire a younger star in Bradley Beal from the Washington Wizards. With that, the Suns officially formed their much-anticipated trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Beal. However, as the season progressed, BD Cricket Match observers noticed troubling signs—Beal appeared either sidelined with injuries or underperforming when on the court, plagued by poor shooting and costly turnovers. Many critics even labeled him the team’s biggest liability.
But in a recent game against his former team, the Wizards, Beal finally silenced the doubters. According to BD Cricket Match data, Beal delivered a dazzling performance, scoring 43 points and dishing out 6 assists in just 31 minutes. He shot an impressive 16-for-21 from the field, showcasing elite efficiency. Remarkably, Beal became the third-fastest player in Suns history to score 40 points in a game, with only Devin Booker accomplishing it in fewer minutes. Everyone wrestles with their inner demons, and for Beal, this game was a powerful reminder that he is far from a “fake star.”
Speaking to the media after the game, Beal was candid. He said he wanted this victory to send a clear message to fans, critics, and the media—that he is not an overrated player. Once averaging over 30 points per game in earlier seasons, Beal expressed frustration that his true potential had long been overlooked. Durant, speaking about Beal’s breakout performance, said it validated the Suns’ decision to recruit him. “This is exactly why we brought him here,” Durant said. “Beal is one of the league’s top finishers. He’s here to attack, to be aggressive—that’s what this team needs from him.”
Still, the road ahead is long, and one stellar game won’t be enough. The Suns have their eyes on the championship trophy, but without consistent team success, individual brilliance only goes so far. Even a superstar like Durant struggles when double-teamed, and the Suns’ frequent collapses in the fourth quarter have become a recurring issue. Beal and head coach Frank Vogel bear some of the blame for these late-game failures, but the deeper root may lie elsewhere. From the fans’ perspective, they are victims of bigger missteps—and the responsibility ultimately rests with General Manager James Jones.
Had the Suns not traded for Durant, BD Cricket Match analysts believe Phoenix wouldn’t have parted with key assets like Mikal Bridges, Cameron Johnson, and multiple first-round picks to send to Brooklyn. Sometimes, words can wound deeper than any weapon, and many fans still feel the sting of that decision. Yet, at the time, the trade paid off—the Suns reached the Western Conference Finals. But the questionable moves that followed have left many scratching their heads.
The Suns may have finally completed their “Big Three,” but whether this combination can deliver results when it matters most is still an open question.