Report: Suns Dealt with COVID-19 Outbreak Late in NBA Western Conference Semifinals

The Phoenix Suns dealt with a COVID-19 outbreak during their loss to the Dallas Mavericks, according to reports.

Bryan Gates was unable to coach in Game 7 because he tested positive after Game 6.

Suns support staffers were among the people who tested positive.

Multiple people within the Suns organization indicated that they weren't feeling well prior to Game 7, leading to questions about whether the Suns followed protocols by having everyone who was experiencing symptoms get tested.

According to Amick and Vardon, the Suns insist that they followed protocols. The NBA has seen no evidence of any rules violations by the Suns.

A source close to the Mavericks told The Athletic that they were concerned about the outbreak after hearing rumors that the Suns were facing an outbreak.

The Suns were the NBA's best team during the regular season and entered the playoffs as the favorite to win a title.

After making it that far the previous season, the Phoenix Suns were expected to reach the NBA finals.

The Mavericks advanced to the Western Conference Finals despite blowing 2-0 and 3-2 leads.

The Suns did not play like the team that dominated the NBA during the regular season in their Game 7 performance.

In the decisive game, Phoenix didn't have any of its own players score more than 12 points.

Booker was only able to score 11 points on 3-of-21 shooting.

The Suns should be a force again next season since they are in line to have largely the same roster if they re-sign center Deandre Ayton.