The Scorching Suns

The Scorching Suns

            “In this offense every night it’s going to be someone different.” Phoenix Suns guard Jason Richardson, who bounced back from a scoreless game to score a season high 34 points and ten rebounds. That’s the way it has been for this refreshed and rejuvenated Sun’s team, who not too long ago flirted year after year with the idea of a run at the NBA title. Thing’s went downhill with the acquisition of Shaq and the departure of Shawn ”The Matrix” Marion and run and gun head coach Mike D’Antoni. After a turbulent year under succeeding head coach Terry Porter, the Sun’s reverted back to their old style. Firing Porter and replacing him with Alvin Gentry and shipping Shaq out to Cleveland, the Sun’s extended Steve Nash’s contract in hopes he still had some gas left in the tank.

            Nash is really aging like fine wine. The 35 year old is averaging 19 points and a league leading 11 assists a game. Not including his recent 17-assist game against the Wizards. He also contributed 20 assists in a recent rout over the Warriors. The Sun’s are going back to their old run-and-gun style but it’s too early to give that to be their identity just yet. Joining two time MVP Nash is micro fracture survivor Amar’e Stoudamire, Grant Hill, Jason Richardson, and Leandro Barbosa.

            The blazing hot Sun’s are off to their best start, 6-1, in franchise history. Their only loss comes at the hands of the defending Eastern Conference Champions Orlando Magic, but their impressive record already include victories over the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat. All players are contributed in every category for the wins. In their most recent victory over the Wizards, four of the five starters finished with double doubles, and the one that didn’t, J-Rich, led the scoring with 22 points.

            It’s much too early to give this team consideration for the title, despite the fact that their first place in the Western Conference standings. But it may be time to consider them in the NBA’s elite. You have the stereotypical 5 of Boston, Orlando, San Antonio, Cleveland, and Los Angeles, but the Nuggets and Suns seem to be right their, with Cleveland and San Antonio not living up to the preseason standard that was set for them.

            Quality old wine can really separate a good gathering and a bad gathering, and with Nash aging like wine, the pass first point guard is proving, that age ain’t nothing but a number.