Phoenix Suns team owner Mat Ishbia tweeted his support of his team April 28 after it was eliminated from the NBA Playoffs.
“Losing is never easy, but I feel really good today about our team and am already thinking about where we go from here. I’m so proud of this season and want to thank every single person who made this year possible,” Ishbia posted on X.
The defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder won Game 4 April 28 at Mortgage Matchup Center to complete a sweep of the Suns in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.
Losing is never easy, but I feel really good today about our team and am already thinking about where we go from here. I’m so proud of this season and want to thank every single person who made this year possible. First, thank you to the fans who supported our team every single…
Phoenix returned to the playoffs with a 45-37 record as an eighth after missing the postseason last season with a 36-46 record with a Big 3 of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal.
“First, thank you to the fans who supported our team every single day,” Ishbia continued in his post. “...And the players, coaches, front office, and entire organization who worked so hard to give our community a team to be proud of."
The Thunder's star player had praise for the Suns as well after Monday's game.
Phoenix Suns forward Oso Ighodaro (11) defends Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during Game 4 of their playoff series at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April 27, 2026.Phoenix Suns vs Oklahoma City Thunder: Game 4 of NBA playoffs
1 / 8See Phoenix Suns take on Oklahoma City Thunder in NBA Playoffs Game 4Phoenix Suns forward Oso Ighodaro (11) defends Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during Game 4 of their playoff series at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April 27, 2026.Phoenix Suns vs Oklahoma City Thunder: Game 4 of NBA playoffs
Phoenix Suns forward Oso Ighodaro (11) defends Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during Game 4 of their playoff series at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April 27, 2026.Phoenix Suns vs Oklahoma City Thunder: Game 4 of NBA playoffs
“First and foremost, there's just a respect level (for Phoenix),” Thunder All-Star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said after Monday’s 131-122 win over the Suns in Game 4.
“We know how good of a team they were and how capable they are as players. It's a talented group. They play the right way, they play aggressive, they turn you over. They're good defensively. Have guys that can make shots, have guys that can space for and shoot, can make the next play. They're a dangerous team if you let them be. We just knew that going into the series.”
The voting panel for the 2025-26 NBA Basketball Executive of the Year Award consisted of basketball executives from NBA teams. Complete voting results ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/uPIrI0Uzvn
Suns general manager Brian Gregory received two second-place votes for 2025-26 NBA executive of the year in his first year in that role with the team.
Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens won the award. The voting panel consisted of basketball executives from NBA teams.
“So many fans have told me how much they loved cheering on this team and were proud of how we competed for 48 minutes every game,” Ishbia added in his post. “This season introduced a new era of Suns basketball and we have a lot more work to do, which I am truly excited about, and we are just getting started!”
Have opinions about the current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at dmrankin@gannett.com or contact him at 480-810-5518. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @DuaneRankin.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Mat Ishbia praises Phoenix Suns season after playoff elimination