The Phoenix Suns have transformed from underperformers into one of the NBA's most compelling success stories this season, and owner Mat Ishbia isn't letting critics forget their preseason doubts. In a highly public social media exchange, Ishbia directly called out renowned sports media personality Bill Simmons after his team surpassed the 31.5-win threshold that Simmons had predicted they would fail to reach.
The confrontation unfolded when Ishbia took to X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, to celebrate his team's 32nd victory—a milestone achieved with remarkable efficiency, coming well before the NBA All-Star break and with 28 games still remaining. The Suns' triumph over the Dallas Mavericks provided the perfect opportunity for Ishbia to revisit a preseason prediction that had clearly stuck with him throughout the campaign.
The Preseason Skepticism
The roots of this digital showdown trace back to October, when Simmons made his forecast public as part of his annual NBA predictions. In what he categorized as an "Increasingly Bold Predictions" piece, Simmons set the Suns' win total at under 31.5 games for the 2025-26 season—a figure that would place them among the league's bottom feeders.
For a franchise that had invested heavily in its roster and undergone significant organizational changes, this projection struck a nerve with the owner. Ishbia, who acquired controlling interest in the Suns in 2023, has been vocal about his commitment to building a winning culture. The prediction from such an influential media voice represented a referendum on the franchise's direction.
A Victory Lap on Social Media
Ishbia's post on X captured the triumphant mood perfectly while maintaining a tone that was both celebratory and pointed. "Thirty-two wins for the Suns and all before the All-Star break," he wrote. "Think that puts us above your season prediction/bet of under 31.5 wins Bill Simmons! You guys usually have great content and good stuff. Thanks for all you do. But also keep your eye on the Suns, like I told you, we have a different culture and team in PHX these days. We still have a long way to go but we are working hard to get there. Go Suns!"
The message acknowledged Simmons' influence while respectfully challenging his analysis. More importantly, it reinforced Ishbia's consistent messaging about the cultural transformation within the organization. Reaching 32 wins before the All-Star break meant the Suns had guaranteed they would exceed expectations with more than a third of the season remaining.
Simmons' Measured Response
True to his nature, Simmons responded within 30 minutes with a message that balanced graciousness with a subtle reminder of his own track record. "Congratulations on a very good season so far," he began. "I've enjoyed watching you guys and think you picked a terrific coach. Fun League Pass team."
The compliment toward head coach Jordan Ott was particularly noteworthy, as the first-year head coach has been instrumental in the team's dramatic turnaround. Ott's system has maximized the talents of a roster that many analysts believed was poorly constructed.
However, Simmons couldn't resist a gentle jab. "For the record — I picked the Suns to win 50+ games last season and never heard a peep from you when you went 36-46. So, I was wrong twice." This retort acknowledged his current error while pointing out that Ishbia had been silent when Simmons' optimism proved misplaced the previous year.
The October Prelude
This wasn't the first time Ishbia and Simmons had sparred. The foundation was laid months earlier when The Ringer published an analysis predicting Phoenix would field the NBA's worst defense. Ishbia responded directly: "Bill Simmons, you and your crew have some good takes and some that are terrible. You're the betting guru and even you know better than to actually take this bet. Tell you what, go put your money on this take. When you lose, I will donate the same amount to charity of your choice. Different culture and different team in PHX this year. Let's go!"
Simmons' reply introduced the win total wager: "To be fair — this was from a Ringer piece called 'Increasingly Bold Predictions.' My only Suns pick was UNDER 31.5 wins just FYI. Happy to wager on that. But you're an NBA owner and you're not allowed to bet? Maybe we should just bet Aspiration stock."
The reference to Aspiration stock was a tongue-in-cheek allusion to the financial restrictions facing NBA owners, who are prohibited from gambling on league outcomes.
Cultural Transformation on Display
What makes this saga compelling is what it reveals about the Suns' evolution. Under Ishbia's ownership, the franchise has embraced transparency and direct communication that stands in contrast to more guarded approaches typical of professional sports ownership.
The "different culture" that Ishbia references isn't empty rhetoric—it's evident in the team's performance and resilience. The Suns have become a "Fun League Pass team," playing an entertaining brand of basketball that has captured attention around the league.
This cultural shift extends beyond the court. Ishbia's active presence on social media demonstrates a modern approach to franchise ownership. Rather than operating behind closed doors, he has positioned himself as the public face of the organization's confidence.
Implications for the Season's Second Half
With 32 wins secured and 28 games remaining, the Suns find themselves in an enviable position. They have not only proven doubters wrong but have created meaningful momentum. The question is no longer whether they will exceed 31.5 wins, but how far they can climb in the Western Conference standings.
The team's success has transformed preseason narratives. What was viewed as a potential disaster has become one of the league's most pleasant surprises. Players written off as poor fits have thrived in Ott's system, and collective buy-in has produced results that speak for themselves.
For Ishbia, the victory represents validation of his vision. It demonstrates that his investments—in personnel, coaching, and organizational infrastructure—are yielding tangible returns. The public nature of the exchange ensures this validation is shared with the entire basketball world.
Looking Ahead
As the Suns prepare for the season's second half, they do so with confidence. The chip on their shoulder that Ishbia has cultivated may serve them well as they pursue playoff positioning and perhaps even a postseason run that seemed impossible months ago.
The exchange with Simmons will likely be remembered as a footnote in what could become a special season. But it also serves as a marker—a clear dividing line between old perceptions and the new reality Ishbia has created.
For his part, Simmons has shown the ability to acknowledge when he's wrong while maintaining his analytical perspective. His willingness to praise the Suns' coaching suggests the narrative is shifting even among the most skeptical.
This social media exchange encapsulates what makes modern professional sports compelling: the intersection of data-driven analysis, passionate ownership, player performance, and public discourse. The Suns have turned a preseason prediction into a midseason celebration, announcing their arrival as a team that demands attention from the entire NBA.