By Peter Sblendorio

For years we have heard about why the Suns cannot win in the playoffs. Their core is too old, they don’t play defense, their top scorers are too inconsistent, etc.

In 2009-10, however, the Suns have showed that their fast pace run and gun offense can be effective against the NBA’s elite, and they are growing closer to the Western Conference Finals with each transition dunk or spot up jumper. 

Their success this season, which netted them the three seed in the west, starts with Steve Nash. Nash’s age would suggest that he is well past his prime, yet he posted a sparkling 11.0 assists. His ability to lead the Suns transition offense has made him the team’s MVP. 

They have also gotten extreme production from forward Amar’e Stoudemire, who has seemingly recaptured his pre-2006 form, when he missed all but three games due to several ailments. Stoudemire posted 23.1 points per game and 8.9 rebounds in 2010, both highs for Phoenix, and his production has not stopped this postseason. 

And now this postseason, Jason Richardson has emerged as a potent scorer for the Suns. Richardson already has a 50-point performance to his name this postseason, and he has been deadly from behind the three point arc. 

This trio, among a productive bench unit, has given the Suns a 2-0 lead over the Spurs with a chance to go up 3-0 tonight. This year, the Suns have looked like the 2004-2005 versions, and if this pace continues, they will be a worthy opponent for any team moving forward.

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