Suns Coach Delivers 5-Word Message After Play-In Loss

Jordan Ott looks ahead to securing No. 8 seed after heartbreaking defeat.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 5:47pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball court scene, with overlapping shapes and planes in vibrant colors representing the energy and intensity of the game.Suns coach Jordan Ott remains focused on the team's playoff aspirations despite a heartbreaking play-in loss.Phoenix Today

Phoenix Suns head coach Jordan Ott spoke to reporters after his team's tough play-in loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, delivering a brief but focused message about the team's next steps.

Why it matters

The Suns' loss in the play-in tournament was a disappointing end to their season, but Ott is already looking ahead to securing the No. 8 seed and getting another shot in the playoffs.

The details

After the game, Ott told reporters, "We addressed it right away. The goal is get in, just get in any way." He also discussed the team's strategy in the final moments, saying, "The goal is to get Book the ball and get our spacing around him. He drove it. Jalen's got help. He made the right play. Got a pretty good look. Holiday got a great contest."

  • The Suns lost to the Trail Blazers in the play-in tournament on April 15, 2026.

The players

Jordan Ott

The head coach of the Phoenix Suns.

Devin Booker

The star player for the Phoenix Suns.

Jalen Smith

A player for the Phoenix Suns.

Jrue Holiday

A player for the Portland Trail Blazers.

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What they’re saying

“We addressed it right away. The goal is get in, just get in any way.”

— Jordan Ott, Head Coach, Phoenix Suns

“The goal is to get Book the ball and get our spacing around him. He drove it. Jalen's got help. He made the right play. Got a pretty good look. Holiday got a great contest.”

— Jordan Ott, Head Coach, Phoenix Suns

What’s next

The Suns will now focus on securing the No. 8 seed in the playoffs and getting another chance to compete for the championship.

The takeaway

Despite the tough loss, Suns coach Jordan Ott is keeping his team's eyes on the prize - making the playoffs and giving star player Devin Booker another shot at a deep postseason run.