Phoenix Suns Tickets

Phoenix Suns 2010 Playoffs Preview For everyone who was writing off the Phoenix Suns over the past couple of years, Steve Nash and Co. are back.

After a disappointing 2008-2009 season, the Suns made a change at head coach, traded away Shaquille O' Neal and have gotten back to the quicker tempo we saw under Mike D' Antoni.

The result has been another marvelous season from Nash and a big year from Amare Stoudemire, who has been the subject of a lot of trade rumors because he can opt out of his contract.

Nash looks healthier and younger than ever while Stoudemire appears motivated by a potential big payday. The two work so well in tandem that it's hard to envision them breaking up.

Each player averages a double-double per game, and that's pretty hard for opponents to defend.

Grant Hill is a tremendous glue guy who does a little bit of everything and brings another veteran presence to the roster.

The Suns can be a tough matchup in the playoffs because of their up-tempo style. That said, their defense leaves a lot to be desired and they would probably want to avoid running into a slower-paced team like the San Antonio Spurs.

One major concern is Robin Lopez' back injury. He was hoping to be ready to go in time for the playoffs, but that is looking less and less likely. He provides terrific minutes off of the bench and is the type of high-energy player that can really lift up a team.

With Lopez likely out, the Suns are going to need someone, or maybe more than one player, to step up on the bench. Jared Dudley is arguably the team's best bench player, but he lacks the size to compensate for the loss of Lopez.

Nash and the Suns would love to finally break through and get back to the NBA Finals, but it doesn't seem likely. Despite their resurgence, the team's window likely passed a couple of years ago.