Suns' Booker Hopes Ugly Loss to Bulls is 'Learning Lesson'

Phoenix star says team lacked energy in surprising defeat to shorthanded Chicago squad.

Mar. 6, 2026 at 6:49am

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Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker acknowledged his team's lack of energy and effort in their surprising 105-103 loss to the Chicago Bulls on Thursday. Booker said the Suns, known for their high-intensity play, failed to bring their usual intensity and physicality, allowing the shorthanded Bulls to outwork them. Head coach Jordan Ott also noted the team's wasted possessions and need to find ways to spark more activity and energy going forward.

Why it matters

The Suns have been one of the NBA's top teams this season, built on their relentless style of play. This loss to the struggling Bulls, who were winless in February, highlights how the Suns can be vulnerable if they don't bring their trademark energy and effort. Booker and Ott hope the team can learn from this experience and recommit to their high-intensity identity.

The details

The Suns, normally the team diving for loose balls and setting the pace, were outworked by the Bulls throughout the game. Chicago's Collin Sexton and Guerschon Yabusele put constant pressure on the Suns' defense, creating second-chance opportunities. Ott said he had to resort to blitzing defensive schemes just to try to spark some energy from his team, something he shouldn't have to do.

  • The Suns lost to the Bulls on Thursday, March 6, 2026.

The players

Devin Booker

The star player for the Phoenix Suns who acknowledged the team's lack of energy in the loss to the Bulls.

Jordan Ott

The head coach of the Phoenix Suns who noted the team's wasted possessions and need to find ways to increase their activity and energy.

Collin Sexton

A player for the Chicago Bulls who put constant pressure on the Suns' defense throughout the game.

Guerschon Yabusele

A player for the Chicago Bulls who created second-chance opportunities against the Suns with his physicality.

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What they’re saying

“That's been our MO all year. We see what happens when we do it, and tonight's an example of when we don't. Hopefully, this is a learning lesson from here on out.”

— Devin Booker

“We do it with honesty. We took the first time out, again, we had zero (forced) turnovers. The reason I know we have zero (forced) turnovers because I said it to the group. Then at halftime we just talked about wasting possessions.”

— Jordan Ott, Head Coach

What’s next

The Suns will have a chance to bounce back quickly, as they play the second game of a back-to-back on Friday.

The takeaway

This loss serves as a wake-up call for the Suns, who have built their success this season on their relentless energy and effort. Booker and Ott hope the team can learn from this experience and recommit to their high-intensity identity going forward.