Every failed team has a last gasp, the moment desperate players pour all their remaining energy into a dying cause.

That moment has arrived for the Suns.

Whatever their inspiration for a heartbreaking loss Tuesday night in Memphis, it must be repeated on a nightly basis until no games remain on the schedule. With even better second-half defense.

There must be cohesion, sincerity and real emotional investment. They must play with great pace and great passion. They must care more about the outcome than we do, something that has been frequently questioned over their first 58 games.

There are no delusions. The Suns are not winning an NBA championship in June. But if they can hang 148 points on the Grizzlies in an overtime loss on the road, they can stage some upsets and make a late run at a play-in berth.

At the very least, they can restore a chunk of dignity to basketball fans in Phoenix. For all the torment and divisiveness on Planet Orange, they owe us that much.

If the last gasp fails, heavy decisions loom on the horizon, along with shame and indignity. Trading Kevin Durant becomes a certainty. His legacy in Phoenix grows dim.

With all due respect to the future Hall of Famer, it’s a shame he wouldn’t sign off on a proposed trade to Golden State at the deadline. Netting Jimmy Butler, Jonathan Kuminga and draft picks would’ve saved the current season and the future in Phoenix, staving off the inevitable teardown.

Next, Devin Booker. Nobody wants to see our homegrown hero leave the Valley. But he is eligible for a very pricey extension (over $70 million annually) and is no longer playing like an insatiable first-team All-NBA player. And while spending money is never an issue for owner Mat Ishbia, there’s a larger picture to ponder.

Refitting the Suns around Booker and Beal, primarily with assets gained from a trade of Durant, will only get you so far. You are not beating Oklahoma City anytime soon.

The current state of the Western Conference strongly suggests the Suns won’t be a title contender for at least five years, thereby best suited to demolish the house and start from scratch. The architect needed for such a painful rebuild is a story for another day.

For now, the Suns can do us one last favor. Play for your lives. Give us your best. Make basketball in Phoenix fun again. It’s the least you can do.

Reach Bickley at [email protected]. Listen to Bickley & Marotta weekdays from 6 a.m. – 10 a.m. on Arizona Sports 98.7.

Follow @danbickley