After losing seven of their last eight games, Phoenix Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer made a tough decision on Monday night—taking guard Bradley Beal out of the starting lineup and playing him off the bench. It was the first time since 2015-16 that the 31-year-old didn't start in an NBA game.

PHILADELPHIA — Bradley Beal did not see the decision coming. He did not think that he would be moved out of the starting lineup, a position he had occupied for all 76 games he’d played with the Suns. It had been so long since he came off the bench — March 4, 2016, if you’re counting — that he did not have an indication a change was on the horizon.