The Phoenix Suns have surpassed many preseason expectations, outperforming projections that had them finishing with around 31.5 wins.
Instead, the team currently holds a 32-23 record, sits seventh in the Western Conference standings, and remains just three games behind the No. 3 seed.
According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, the turnaround comes amid a shift in organizational direction under owner Mat Ishbia.
Earlier in his ownership tenure, Ishbia faced league-wide criticism for relying heavily on relationships connected to his Michigan State background.
Rather than distancing himself from those ties, however, he leaned further into them during the most recent offseason.
Ishbia elevated former Michigan State assistant coach Brian Gregory to the role of general manager and collaborated with Gregory and CEO Josh Bartelstein to help shape a culture centered on effort and accountability within the franchise.
“When people wanted to blame me last time, I wasn’t actually doing it my way,” Ishbia told The Athletic. “Now, I am, and there’s no question about it.”
Suns Notes: Highsmith, Ishbia, Brooks, 2027 All-Star Game https://t.co/QyxuKXsPTM
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) February 15, 2026
