Phoenix Suns Blog [Category - Gary Bender]

A Fine Line Between Success and Failure in the Playoffs

Mon, 28 Apr 08 03:30:00 UT

It’s a strange game isn’t it!! There’s a fine line between success and failure in the NBA.

Raja Bell and Amare Stoudemire enjoy a moment during the Suns' victory on Sunday.
(NBAE Photos)

After being counted out of the series by most, the Suns kept their season alive with a superb game four performance! What happened?! They looked like the Suns Team we have all come to love. The Suns had two players step-up, big time! Raja Bell had his best game of the season, scoring the first seven points of the game and tying his season high with 27 points. The Suns haven't lost this season when he scores 20 plus points, going 12-0. Boris Diaw proved again he is a much better player as a starter. Coach Mike inserted him into the starting five for the 20th time and he just missed his sixth triple-double of his career. Boris has said it doesn’t matter to him if he starts, but I beg to differ.

It still comes down to making shots. Tony Parker - as hot as he was in Game 3 - cooled off, Manu Ginobili likewise looked human and Tim Duncan was not his usual dominating self. In the previous game, the Big 3 scored a combined 84 points, on Sunday they were held to 42. The trio had 90 points in the first game of the series.

All in all, the Defending World Champions looked vulnerable. Yet, remember they had a cushion to work with, needing only one win in the next four games. Now, they must capture one more victory in the next 3 outings. The Spurs are a team that thrives on pressure. That’s when the mental toughness kicks in. They have seen everything during their run to four titles in nine years and they have a ton of pride. They are a team that knows how to play and how to win. However, if the Suns get this series to a game 6 - look out!! The Suns could make history with a back door sweep!

Hey, let’s make some history!!

Suns Still Standing Despite Spurs' Heavyweight Punches

Mon, 21 Apr 08 02:00:00 UT

“That’s one of the best games I’ve ever seen in all my years in the NBA” Those were the words of ABC analyst Jeff Van Gundy during the telecast Sunday in LA between the Lakers and Nuggets. He of course was referring to the double over-time thriller in game one between the Suns and Spurs.

Steve Nash has willed his team to victories in the past and will do it again in this series.
(NBAE Photos)

It was a bitter, painful loss for the Suns, but I look at it as an encouraging game for Phoenix. It was a heavyweight fight, with the Spurs throwing all their punches, but the opponent, the Suns, are still standing and are ready for round two.

I don’t think the Spurs can play any better, but the Suns can, and I think they will! How many times will Duncan hit such a big three point shot, or will the Suns get in as much foul trouble early? I question if the Spurs have enough fire-power, if they can score enough points to win the series.

The series features two of the best big men to ever play the game in Duncan and Shaq. They are bigger that life. Each man wants a coveted 5th ring. Duncan may be the best power-forward to ever play the game, but how many 40 point games does he have in him? Shaq, one of the most dominating big men of all-time, doesn’t need to have such an outrageous game, as he has a better supporting cast. The Spurs have no answer for Amar'e. He can dominate. He is the best player on the floor. As Van Gundy put it, “He just has to think he is the best.” Steve Nash has willed his team to victories in the past and I believe it's going to happen again! He is too good to be denied a first round series win. Grant Hill will continue to get healthier, Diaw and Barbosa will bring crucial bench points and Raja will get under Ginobili’s skin.

It’s just the Suns time. It’s their time because this series is deeply personal. It’s about settling a score! Bring on round-two!

Thoughts on the Shaq Trade

Fri, 08 Feb 08 21:48:00 UT

It has truly been a surreal week for Suns Basketball Fans! The trade for Shaquille O'Neal has been if not shocking, certainly surprising!

When the trade first went down, an ESPN Poll indicated that 71% of the country thought it was a bad trade for Phoenix. At first blush, I must admit I did as well. After watching Shaq during his time in the Valley of the Sun, I have started to change my thinking.

I am convinced that Steve Kerr had to "go for it". The move gives the Suns a chance to win the title and offsets what the Lakers were able to pull off getting Pau Gasol from Memphis. Having said all that, I can't quite get my arms around what it is going to look like with the "Diesel" in a Suns Uniform. Shaq brings a magnetic personality, a bigger than life presence to the Suns. Does he have anything left in the tank? The Suns Medical Staff was pleasantly suprised how good his hip looked and feel they can get him rolling.

I'm like the guy who just bought a brand new sports car and can't wait to drive it. I can't wait for Shaq to make his debut!!! If you think its surreal now, wait until that night he comes onto the floor with his new teammates. I get chills just thinking about it!

Gut-Check Time For Suns

Wed, 16 Jan 08 22:22:00 UT

BULLETIN: The Suns aren't as good a team as last year!! Now, before I am criticized for being negative or overreacting, let me explain.

Nash and the Suns will try to right the ship when they play the Lakers in L.A. on Thursday night.
(NBAE Photos)

The Suns aren't in trouble or destined for failure this season, but it is a "gut-check" time for them. The loss to the Clippers Tuesday night gives the Suns the dubious distinction of losing to three teams in last place in their respective divisions....Miami, Minnesota and the Clips. The good new is...Dallas and San Antonio are going through their own travails.

So what's going on with the Suns? I once was told by a very respected coach that players don't deal with reality. Quite frankly they don't always look at the "big picture". They don't suffer the short term consequences like coaches do. Players assume that the window of opportunity always remains open, when in fact a team may never find themselves positioned as well as the previous season to make a run for the title.

This is still, at times, the most exciting team in the NBA, and there is enough talent to win it all. But...the players need to know you can't just throw on a switch in April and expect to go to a different level. The switch the Suns need to throw right now is the one marked intensity or energy.

How important is the regular season? Most players will tell that how they play in April, counts. But. it looks like the Suns could in effect lose a seeding spot or home court advantage the way they're going now!

Some questions:

Selfishly, we as broadcasters want the Suns to play well, because we "sound better" when they do! A struggling team brings criticism to all associated with it, including Tom, Eddie, Dan and yours truly. We are all spoiled, as the Suns Success these many seasons has been remarkable. Sometimes, we the media, are criticized for creating a crisis, a story for all to react.

This blog isn't suggesting a crisis is at hand, but just a concern about where the Suns are as we approach the halfway-point of the season.

Suns Still in Search of First NBA Title

Tue, 22 May 07 16:33:00 UT

As you look back on the Suns season, you sense the Suns just needed a break! They certainly didn't get any breaks in Round 2 with the Spurs.

A dejected Steve Nash walks off the AT&T Center in San Antonio after the Suns were eliminated by the Spurs on Friday night.
(NBAE Photos)

Between Steve Nash's bloody nose and the suspensions of Amaré Stoudemire and Boris Diaw, the team's "Eyes on the Prize", came to grinding halt. It will be a series that will always be tainted!

The question now being raised is... will the window of opportunity to win a title remain open? So often teams assume they will get in position to win it all, several times or at least the next season.

NFL coach Dick Vermeil, who won one Super Bowl and lost another, once told me, "You better win it now, because you may never get back here again." Certainly, the Suns let a golden opportunity get away.

Dallas had been eliminated, the Suns had home court advantage the rest of the way and the team for the first time in two seasons was healthy. The quick exit makes a third straight Pacific Division title, a franchise record 17-game winning streak and a 61-win season be almost forgotten. The Suns admit that their entire success would be determined only by what they accomplished in the post-season.

Many experts would like to tell you that the Sun's high-octane, up tempo-style of play, just doesn't hold-up in the playoffs. I disagree!!

The style can work, especially now that the defense has tightened up. The Suns showed some new found toughness that bodes well for the future.

Will the Suns stand pat, or make wholesale changes?? Steve Nash has urged patience, to take time to let the season to sink in.

The Suns face a luxury -tax hit, estimated at $ 12 million dollars if they return to core of players and sign 3 first round draft picks.

They can expect continuing growth from Amaré, Leandro and Boris, and Nash shows no signs of slowing down. It seems everyone is quick to trade Shawn Marion, but I remind those who do, that his style of play is perfect for the Suns System.

I would like to see Mike D'Antoni be able to expand the bench, get more players into the rotation. This season's additions, Banks, Rose, Piatkowski and Jones never made an impact. Mike has been criticized for being stubborn and not playing them more, but I honestly believe he didn't feel they were good enough to invest minutes. Mike since the end of the season has admitted the Suns need depth and that he's "on it."

Finally, it was a remarkable run. I wish the regular season had ended in January, after the team went 15-1 and were the talk of the basketball world. At that time the Suns looked invincible!!

But, still there is no NBA Title.

It leaves the Suns as the best franchise to have never won a championship.

It hurts to know this season was probably the best shot the Suns have ever had at winning the coveted Larry O'Brien Trophy.

A Classic in the Making

Fri, 04 May 07 19:17:00 UT

Many times we in the media can get carried away in our preview of a game or series that's to be played. But, this year's series between the Suns and Spurs warrants all the attention we can give it. The second round meeting between these two teams will be a war!!

The Suns and Spurs tip off the Western Conference Semifinals on Sunday afternoon at US Airways Center (12:30 p.m., ABC). (NBAE Photos)

Bill Walton said this week that the winner of this series will win it all! With the number one seed, Dallas eliminated, it does appear that could be the case. However, nobody wants to play the Warriors right now!! The Suns have to overcome a lot of history to get by the Spurs.

Since Mike D'Antoni took over, the Suns have won only 4 of 18 meetings. We all know how good the "Big Fundamental" Tim Duncan is, (he averaged 20.2 pts and 10.6 rebounds vs.. Denver) carving up the Nuggets with his passing out of the double teams.

Gregg Popovich called him a wonderful quarterback as Denver went after him physically. We realize the speed at which Tony Parker plays, second only to Leandro Barbosa, and are braced for the fanatic play of Manu Ginobili.

The Spurs have their version of Shawn Marion defensively in Bruce Bowen, but what has really thrown this series into such a potential epic is the play of two veterans. Through the years 36 year old Robert Horry has been a post-season phenomenon. He leads all active players with six NBA titles. He has appeared in the playoffs all 14 NBA seasons, making big shot after big shot. He buried the Nuggets with a 3-pointer in game #4 with 30 seconds left.

"Big Shot Rob", rests up for the post-season and be assured he will find a way to impact this series. The other veteran, who created havoc in the first round, was Michael Finley. The two-time all-star was on fire! In the deciding game five against Denver, the former Sun hit 8 shots behind the line. He registered 19 three point hits the 3rd most ever in a five game series.

Having said all that, Amaré Stoudemire should offset all that. Two seasons ago STAT scored a playoff career-high 42 points in game five of the Western Conference Finals vs. the Spurs. Even Tim Duncan was impressed.

Amaré makes the Suns such an elite team, and if he can avoid early foul trouble, look out! Nash will be Nash, Bell will be Bell and Barbosa will be Superman. Without beating a dead horse, I wonder how the series will be officiated?

The Spurs are the biggest complainers in the league, and now that Joey Crawford has been banished, who can hold Duncan accountable??

As Suns vice president of basketball operations, David Griffin, put it, "We're going to find out if we've really taken a step forward" Spurs’ coach Gregg Popovich has said the Suns have never beaten them when it matters. Well it matters, and the Suns plan to overcome some history in what will be a classic!

The Brazillian Superman

Mon, 23 Apr 07 00:18:00 UT

Before Game 1 of the playoffs, the Suns' Amare Stoudemire stated, "the regular season consists of great professionals, but the playoffs are where stars are born." Well... after Game 1, the Suns have a newborn star in Leandro Barbosa.

Leandro Barbosa led the Suns to a 95-87 win in Game 1 of the playoffs on Sunday.
(Barry Gossage/NBAE Photos)

He "toasted" the Lakers tying his career playoff-high with 26 points. L.A. had no answer for LB, who is unguardable with his warp speed. Coach Mike D'Antoini in the press conference following the victory said, "to play at that speed must be fun."

Barbosa, like the rest of the team, appeared "tight" early in the game, but then exploded for 15 points in the 3rd quarter, including a huge three-point shot to energize the Suns heading into the 4th.

After the game I asked Suns Chairman Jerry Colangelo who Barbosa reminded him of; who could he recall in his almost 40 years with the Suns played at his blurring speed? He couldn't come up with anybody. That's what is exciting and so promising about the Brazilian Blur. He's so unique, he's an original. He should soon be named the Sixth Man of the Year, and I believe he will end up being named an All-Star in the near future.

LB's metamorphosis started on January 2nd in Chicago, when he hit a three-pointer to beat the Bulls. Since that time his confidence has grown. As D'Antoni put it, "he thinks he's Superman."

Coach may just be on to something. After all, Superman is faster than a speeding bullet and can leap tall buildings in a single bound. The Suns' Superman does that at times, plus a few things the other Superman never thought possible.

Reality

Fri, 30 Mar 07 15:37:00 UT

It's often been said that athletes don't deal with reality. They don't see the big picture. It's understandable when you see the commitment it takes to compete at such a high level individually.

Mike D'Antoni and the Suns are weeks away from another run at an NBA title.
(NBAE Photos)

Since the Suns’ sensational win in Dallas on March 14, the team has come down to earth. In January, when the Suns posted a 15-1 record, I felt we were witnessing some of the best basketball I have seen in my 25 plus years in the NBA. The Suns were playing at such a level, that they had captured the entire attention of the basketball world.

It all started to slip when Steve Nash's shoulder froze on him just prior to the all-star game. The team’s game started to freeze as well. I personally think the Suns became bored with little to play for and lost some focus.

Mike D'Antoni felt the team lost a little confidence that the club was pressing. Nobody handles all this better than Mike, who is the last to panic, but he is ticked off it happened. Ironically, the two long winning streaks of 15 and 17 games has seemingly made the season even longer.

After those remarkable stretches, the Suns looked up and still had a month and a half left. It was apparent they weren't going to catch Dallas for the number one seed and their rear view mirror told them that the Spurs had little or no opportunity to pass the Suns for the number two seed.

So, the reality of the situation is, we're okay, we will be ready when the playoffs hit. The Suns have a very difficult finish to the regular season, playing four games in five nights.

How will that prepare them for post-season play? Can the Suns get razor sharp during that span of games, or will it take a toll on a team that isn't all that deep?

To win the NBA Championship, you must win 16 games. Those 16 games could occur within 28 games or ideally it would be nice to shorten the number of games in the first round, as you can almost bet the second round with San Antonio and the Western Conference Finals with Dallas will go the full distance of seven games. My point being that the Suns could use a break and not have to play four seven-game series.

So what is the reality of what's ahead? Will Shawn Marion's shot return? Is Boris Diaw's back still a factor? Will James Jones’ shooting slump continue? Will the Suns’ defense get better? Will the Suns win the title?

I don't know!

Can they win the title?

The reality is, they can!

The Real McCoy

Sun, 04 Mar 07 05:20:00 UT

One of the traits you learn as a sportscaster is survival. The sportscasting business is fraught with politics, subjective evaluation and huge egos. But, one guy was honored this past Friday for surviving all that with class. Al McCoy for 35 years has described the action for the Suns.

Al McCoy has been the Voice of the Suns for 35 years.
(NBAE Photos)

Not only did he survive, but he crafted a style that will never be duplicated. His ability to paint the picture has been a way of life for Suns Fans. As my producer David Hughes of the Fox Arizona Games put it, "he is the greatest Sun ever." Al for David was the Suns.

I marvel at the way Al coined phrases such as "Shazaam" and, “Oh brother" to let you know immediately what happened. He became the way people talked about the games, continually repeating his trademark phrases around a cup of coffee or their favorite brew.

What is so nice about the recognition for Al is that he such a good guy. An Iowa farm boy who admitted he just can't believe he lived out his dreams! The Suns Organization is to be commended for giving Al this honor now instead of posthumously. The Lakers had their own legend in Chick Hearn who for 40 years was the "voice" of the Lakers only to struggle with failing health at the end of his career and then not having a street and media room named in his honor until he passed on.

It seems everybody thinks they can do play-by-play! Admit it, you who are reading this probably think you can do a better job that I can. Recently the trend at the networks is to take a "studio host" move him into an arena and turn him loose. But, the guys like Al who learned a discipline, developed a style in the small towns like Iowa are… special!

When somebody tells me that Al can be difficult, my response is, he's earned the right to protect his territory. I tell young guys in the business don't be so quick to think you are Al McCoy. There is only one "Real McCoy", and we have all been blessed to have him! For 35 years his has gotten the job done with excellence.

I am just proud to have him as a friend and peer. Shazaam!!!

Stevie Wonder

Wed, 21 Feb 07 17:08:00 UT

Nobody has summed up the Suns Fortunes better than veteran Eric Piatkowski. "The Polish Rifle," a 13-year NBA veteran stated, "As long as superman stays healthy, we could win a championship."

"Superman" donned his cape again in the Suns' win over the Clippers. (NBAE Photos)

It was never more evident than Tuesday Night in L.A, as "Superman" Steve Nash returned to the lineup after missing 41/2 games due to an inflammation in his right shoulder. Nash returned versus the Clippers and instantly re-established the Suns moxie, their breathtaking style of play. During his absence the Suns looked quite ordinary, suffering through a three-game losing streak. Nobody, but nobody in the league changes the personality of a team like Steve

Sometimes you can take for granted what he does, only to see in the first five minutes vs. the Clips, that he is the system, he is the one who makes it all work! If your vote for MVP is based on how one player changes the entire personality, the entire fortunes of a team, Steve is your man!

Sports Illustrated in their midwinter break claims that Nash has the inside track for his third straight MVP Award, unless his friend Dirk Nowitzki's Dallas Mavs significantly outdistance the Suns for the league's best record.

"Stevie Wonder" is back and as long as he stays healthy, he will not be dethroned by his friend, Dirk.

The No. 1 Seed

Tue, 13 Feb 07 17:38:00 UT

Just how important is a No. 1 seed in the Western Conference?! In the past, the team with the best record has reached the finals 14 times and won 12 championships (since expanding to 16 teams in 1984). Teams with the second best record have won six titles, including three of the last six.

Amaré Stoudemire is the Suns' X-factor the rest of the season.
(Barry Gossage/NBAE Photos)

The way the Dallas Mavericks are rolling right now, it's going to be a challenge for the Suns to overhaul them for the No. 1 seed. The general consensus is that the Suns would have to go on another double-digit winning streak to catch the Mavs.

The Suns, with a 3-4 record since their 17 game win streak, can find some solace in that Dallas has a very difficult closing schedule. My broadcasting partner, Dan Majerle, doesn't think the No. 1 seed and the opportunity to host a game seven at home is all that important.

"I've been in both situations, winning a seventh game at home and losing it,” Thunder Dan told me. “I just think the best team wins, regardless. However, I want the Suns to get a 7th game at home, so I'll have a great crowd at Majerle's (Grill).”

Mike D'Antoni puts it this way: "It's not all that important, you have to keep it in perspective. We are not going to die if we don't have the No. 1 seed. However, we obviously will try to do it."

In years past a No. 1 seed allowed you to avoid have to play both Dallas and San Antonio. But the question surfaces, who would you want to avoid this season? The Suns are 1-6 versus the best of the West (0-3 vs.. Utah, 0-2 vs. Dallas and 1-1 vs. San Antonio). Mike continued on to say, "Despite our current record against those three, we feel we match up well with all of them. All we do is play, if we are rolling; we are as good as anybody."

The X-factor is Amaré Stoudemire. The Suns are counting on his addition to get them past the Western Conference Finals. Amaré has matured as a person and as a teammate.

“I am really proud of Amaré; he has become such a good teammate," says Steve Nash.

Amaré gives the Suns a dimension, a powerful dimension they so sorely lacked. He has become a monster inside!

The season is such a marathon. The Suns have had a remarkable season thus far, putting together 17- and 15-game winning streaks. Yet, there is still a lot of basketball left to be played!! The health of the team is being tested.

Meanwhile, they are committed to just trying to get better and improve in time for the playoffs. It's a team that hopefully is building something special!!!

Getting a Little Lucky!

Thu, 01 Feb 07 01:20:00 UT

I don't believe in luck, except to say I think you have to be a little lucky to win an NBA
Title! At least lucky enough anyway to be ready, rolling at the right time.

Last season, the Miami Heat got hot late in the season, peaked going into the playoffs and assisted by the Dallas Mavericks a team that gave the finals away. They are now the defending NBA Champs!

In 1977 The Portland Trailblazers got an amazing season, an unusually healthy year from Bill Walton and won their only title. The Sonics in the finals for a second season in a row, won their only championship in 1979, just in time before Magic and Bird made their entry and set up a Celtic and Lakers Domination for a decade.

In 1994 and 1995 the Houston Rockets won back to back titles after Michael Jordan left the game to pursue a baseball career. Lucky Huh!!!

The Suns in 1976 and 1993 came so close to winning it all. Yet, in my estimation they are still the best franchise to have never won an NBA Title.

Two seasons ago who knows, what if Joe Johnson hadn't had his face re-arranged on the floor? What if Amaré hadn't been shelved by his knee surgery? The Suns with a little luck might have captured two NBA Trophies!

All right, at least one!

It's been said that luck is the "residue of design." The Suns have the design, the plan with which to get it done, now they need a break in the luck department. The Suns are the most exciting team in basketball!

Broadcasters from other teams continually come up to me and say, "How much fun is it to broadcast this team." The biggest problem we have is finding enough adjectives to describe what we see!! These Suns are the best show in the NBA. Can the league's best show win it all?!

Stay Tuned!

MVP Three-Peat

Mon, 29 Jan 07 21:52:00 UT

Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote that "Man tends to become what he thinks most about." Or in my case, what I was forced to think about. My dad, a very successful college coach had decided to leave his profession to take over his father-in-law's farm in western Kansas.

Wilt Chamberlain changed the way the game of basketball was played.

Now understand, it was not the type of farm you would see in a Better Homes and Garden Magazine. The farm was 40 miles from the nearest town, and I was forced to attend a one room country school. As a seventh grader, my total existence during the summer was on a tractor plowing a field.

I would get up at 5:00 a.m., milk two cows, eat breakfast, gas up the tractor, eat my sack lunch in the field, gas up the tractor again, plow until sundown and then milk those same two cows, eat supper and go to bed. Exciting, huh!!

So, to survive those long hot summer days I was forced to make up ballgames on the tractor. I would act like I was in Yankee Stadium one day, the Rose Bowl the next day and sing the National Anthem before every one of my imaginary broadcasts. I would even do the commercials!

My Dad, after suffering through four years of drought, couldn't make any money so we moved 40 miles into a small town and he resumed his coaching in the local high school. In my junior year we had the first undefeated football team in the school's history and as an end result my dad promised he would take me 400 miles to see Wilt Chamberlain make his debut at the University of Kansas. Freshman were not eligible to play in college at the time and so Wilt's first appearance would be against Northwestern at Home in Allen Field House as a sophomore.

The game was an epiphany for me! Wilt "the Stilt" appeared in a sold-out field house, bigger than life. At 7-1, he was all arms and legs. He exploded for 52 points in a performance that convinced me I wanted to be a sportscaster.

Why do I tell this story? All year long in the Suns Game Notes, it’s been noted that only three players in NBA History have captured three straight NBA-MVP Trophy – Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain and Larry Bird.

Steve Nash has a chance to be only the fourth to do so. I think it's a mistake to try to compare the previous three greats with Nash. For instance, Wilt one season averaged 50.4 points a game, in one contest scoring 100 points and in another game grabbing 55 rebounds. He with tremendous grace and power changed the face of the game.

But, so has Steve! He is changing how the point guard position is being played. Statistics don't completely tell the story, even though the reigning back-to-back MVP is averaging a career-high in points and assists, and on pace to be the first since Magic Johnson to average 19 points and 11 assists.

Joe Gilmartin, one of the best basketball minds I've ever been around, says Steve does things that only Boston Celtics Great, Bob Cousy was able to do. If you watch some old black and white TV games, you can see some similarities. Their creativity is matchless.

Steve does something nobody else does; he will dribble into the middle of an opponent’s defense, continues the dribble until he finds the open man, and then sets his teammate up for a wide-open shot. I could go on, but my point is this; Nash, like Russell, Wilt and Bird changed the way the game is played.

That's enough in my books to make him an MVP 3-peat!

Hitting the Coach's Buttons

Thu, 25 Jan 07 19:19:00 UT

If you want to hit the hot button of Coach Mike D'Antoni, just ask him if he is concerned about the minutes his players are averaging per game.

Mike D'Antoni has made all the right calls this seasons.
(NBAE Photos)

I made the mistake of inquiring about a recent article by the much-respected Paul Coro in the Arizona Republic, which voiced concern about the Suns work load. Mike wasted no time telling me, "Why is everybody so hung up on having to play more than seven or eight players in the rotation? Can't people change their thinking?"

Mike has been on the cutting edge of changing some thinking on how to approach the game since he took over as the Suns Head Man. Initially, the naysayer's said the offensive system of the Suns just couldn’t work.

You can't run like the Suns do and survive! That theory or thinking has been put to rest, as many teams are attempting a facsimile of that approach. So as Mike is suggesting, those same doubters are surfacing in regards to mpg. He thinks the only concern is to slice Steve Nash’s minutes by maybe two per game, but he is very comfortable with what's happening with the rest of the team.

“We have some 24 year old players who can handle the load and I am not concerned about their minutes played," Mike said. Diaw just never gets tired, Amaré and Shawn thrive on their work load and would complain if asked to play less. Bell is so tough that the minutes he plays don't even compute.

What is so helpful is how productive Leandro Barbosa is when he comes off the bench. Mike continued, “LB thinks he is superman right now and there's nothing he can't do"

A healthy Kurt Thomas is critical come playoff time, as is the continued return of James Jones' shot now that he has his leather ball back.

Most experts will tell you that Dallas' depth will be the difference in the playoffs. The Mavs have a deep bench with many interchangeable parts. But, the Mavs don't have a Steve Nash and some believe the continued growth of Amaré Stoudemire's game will be huge by post-season play.

What if all means is... These two teams are headed on a collision course, with a broadcaster like me and fans like you, salivating for the showdown!

Stay tuned!

Suns Using Chemistry For Historic Run

Wed, 24 Jan 07 16:28:00 UT

The Suns have reached the halfway point of the season, having put together one of the best runs in NBA History! It's a team that has that one ingredient that makes it special.... Chemistry.

Suns Head Coach Mike D'Antoni. (NBAE Photos)

It's a team that's so uniquely individual, but in some grand way fits together. You have the "Frenchman," Boris Diaw, the poker-faced big man who has a pass-first mentally. His high basketball IQ allows him to give the team what it needs at critical stages of the game.

Then there's Raja Bell, the smiling assassin who brings to the team such toughness. He is borderline out of control and if you're his opponent, he scares you!

Amaré Stoudemire plays the game with such fury, with anger as he tries to overcome lost time with his injury. I think Amaré uses his game to overcome a difficult family background.

The Matrix plays the game in a different atmosphere, defying gravity, giving us an electric moment every night.

Then there's Steve Nash, who is playing point guard like nobody has ever played the position. Sometimes I want to freeze the moment and just keep replaying what he just did. His greatness has redefined how the position should be played. He leads the system that has taken the league by storm. I hope fans realize they are seeing a player in their lifetime that will be the standard by which all who follow will be judged

It's an old adage that a team is an extension of the coaches and that's where all of this great chemistry is coming from. All you need to do is sit in a corner of the coaches’ office and watch. They are on each other all the time! They like each other to the point that nothing is out of bounds. As Phil Webber put it with a smile, "What they say about me is none of my business."

Phil is the brunt of unmerciful kidding about all the beautiful women he dates. But, his ability to help the players with their shooting technique is huge. By no small measure he is the reason the Suns are the best shooting team in the NBA.

Mark Iavaroni, a quietly efficient coach with a fire in his belly, is in charge of the big men. Mark, who played on an NBA Championship team, attended several Pete Newell Big Men
Camps, the standard by which all coaches use. In his understated way, Mark holds his own in the intensely funny debates.

Then there's the vet, Alvin Gentry – very serious, a worrier who has a way of summing up the entire moment in a humorous way.

The two D'Antoni's couldn't be more different. The older brother, Dan, has a way of subtly causing the whole fracas. Dan, who has changed Leandro Barbosa into an almost unguardable player, comes to it naturally after developing so many outstanding point guards in his days as a high school coach in South Carolina.

But, the man who put them all together, who brought the system to the Suns, Mike, is hilarious. As intense as he can be on the sideline, he is as fun loving off the floor. He loves to stir it up, then sit back and watch.

If this team stays healthy, the franchises' first NBA Title may be a reality! Wouldn't it be timely that as Jerry Colangelo vacates his office in the Arena in June, that he takes an NBA Trophy with him!