Suns fans have gotten a bad rap lately. It was just a few weeks ago where Steve Nash seemed to call them out of after a game, saying their lack of energy contributed to the Suns' problems on the court.

Known as everything from fair-weather to lackadaisical, they tend to be reserved bunch, only standing up and getting loud when they are asked to. Friday night, as the Suns battled the Heat, the fans got into the heat of the moment.

I have been to a few games this year, and this was the loudest I remember the arena getting. Head Coach Alvin Gentry said after the game the fans always do a great job of giving the team a boost, but at one point late in the fourth quarter Friday, after a particularly egregious call by an official, the fans protested so loudly it reminded me of the 06-07 season.

Granted, the fans have had moments of loudness, when the game was on the line or when they really disagreed with a call, but from that missed call on they were into the game.

In fact, forward Jared Dudley lamented the fact that the Suns could not pull out the win.

"They definitely were willing us to the victory and I wish we could have gotten it," he said after the game. "They got loud and made them miss some shots they normally make, but we missed shots that we are supposed to make."

But the Suns did not make the shots and did not get the win, and one has to wonder how much longer the fans will keep up this pace if their team starts to fall off the map some.

Honestly, it is easy to cheer for a team that is a dominant contender like the Suns used to be or a surprisingly fun and competitive team that the Suns seemed to be early in the season. But after a great start, one that included making winning at US Airways Center a regular habit, the Suns have struggled a bit.

And, if the struggles continue, a fanbase that was great Friday against Miami may find itself running out of motivation, patience and energy, which are all things most people think Suns fans lack anyway.

Adam can be reached with your questions and comments by e-mail here.