Phoenix Suns 2012 NBA Preview:
Besides its wonderful, top-notch training staff, the Suns are best known in the NBA for their terrific guard play. Of course, that’s easy when you have former MVP Steve Nash bringing the rock up and down the court every night. Last year the Suns ranked fourth overall in points per game, and third in assists, so whatever their place in the standings, you at least knew that you were going to give you an exciting game. With the super athletic shooting guard Shannon Brown added to the mix, it looks like the Suns are poised to give the fans again what they were looking for in 2011-12.
Recommended Suns Games
Suns vs. Dallas Mavericks (January 30) – Steve Nash’s former squad comes in wearing championship hardware—will that motivate him to another level?
Suns vs. Los Angeles Lakers (April 7) – Lakers & Kobe make the short trip into the desert.
PHOENIX SUNS FRANCHISE FACTS:
Founded: 1968
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Stadium: US Airways Center
Conference: Western Conference
Division: Pacific Division
Rivals: Los Angeles Lakers
Mascot: Gorilla
Dancers: Suns Dancers
Notable Players: Charles Barkley, Connie Hawkins
Phoenix Suns Championship Titles: 0
Phoenix Suns Conference Titles: 2
See Also:
Phoenix Suns Playoff tickets
Phoenix Suns Season Preview History
PHOENIX SUNS EXPERIENCE:
Arizona may be known primarily for its college and professional football teams, but the Phoenix Suns have given basketball fans something to cheer about since 1968. This franchise was the first major Phoenix professional sports team when it debuted as an expansion club, along with the Milwaukee Bucks in the same year. Despite expectations, the Suns hit the ground running upon beginning operations in Phoenix. In the 1969-70 season, Phoenix made its first appearance in the playoffs, although they ended up losing in the first round. The team's ambition that year became a sign of things to come.
By the 1975-76 season, the Suns were good enough to make it to the NBA Finals. Phoenix acquired new talent, including Paul Westphal, who already had a championship win under his belt with the Boston Celtics. The Suns ironically faced the Celtics after the pivotal trade that brought Westphal to the team, only to lose in Boston in the NBA Finals. However, the Suns proved that they are a club capable of winning in subsequent years.
While the team was making dominant strides in the 90s, Paul Westphal was at the helm, serving in the role of head coach after his playing days in the league were over. Westphal helped bring the team to the Finals once again in the 1993 season, even though Phoenix ended up losing to the Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls. That year the Suns were led by one of the game's most notable greats, “Sir” Charles Barkley, who has also been inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. Barkley wore number 34 while playing for the team, which was retired by the organization. Before ending his career, Barkley received the honor of being named the NBA's Most Valuable Player in 1993.
Steve Nash, a landmark guard for the Suns in the 2000s, followed in Barkley's footsteps by capturing the title of MVP in 2005 and 2006. Westphal was eventually inducted into the Hall of Fame following his time in Phoenix thanks to his honorable coaching and playing time in the league. The Suns continue to look for young talent who can bring the franchise back to its winning ways.
Phoenix Suns Ticket Information:
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