Suns Among West Elite

As NBA fans welcome in 2010, they say goodbye to a decade that witnessed the Phoenix Suns make the playoffs seven times and the Western Conference Finals twice. Ever since Steve Nash returned to the desert in the summer of 2004, the Suns have consistently been a championship contender with last season being the one exception.

Arguably the most interesting team in the NBA the past six seasons, Phoenix has seen injuries and suspensions in the most inopportune times end their dreams of bringing a championship to one of the most title hungry cities in America.

Regardless of past pains, when the Suns set to tip off their 2010 schedule Saturday night against the Grizzlies, they do so as the third seed out west trailing only Los Angeles and Dallas. What makes this team different from Suns teams from the past? For one, they've held their own against the leagues best. Though Phoenix is only 9-9 against teams currently in playoff position, they have wins over the Lakers, Magic, and a have already swept the Boston Celtics. The Suns are also defending their homecourt like a championship contender; 13-2 at home so far.

Another reason for their early season success is Amare Stoudemire, who has made an excellent transition back into the starting lineup after eye surgery ended his season prematurely last year and is leading all Western Conference Centers in all-star voting.

Steve Nash is also having an all-star caliber season; putting up numbers similar to his two MVP seasons. Nash is averaging over eighteen points a game and more than eleven assists per contest.

As the Suns head into 2010 there is no doubt they will be overlooked by most experts. "They shoot too many three's...They don't defend...Nash is old and fatigued." We've heard it all before, but one thing is for sure. If you can beat the best, you can be the best.