PHOENIX SUNS

Suns coach Alvin Gentry explains the team’s success

Mar 19, 2012, 4:12 PM | Updated: 5:15 pm

Only the NBA-leading Chicago Bulls have played better
since the All-Star break.

“We’re playing as good as we’ve played all season,” said
Grant Hill.

“It seems like we’re all clicking on all cylinders right
now,” added Jared Dudley.

The reason for the Suns recent success? It’s quite simple,
really.

“Coaching,” Alvin Gentry deadpanned Sunday after his team
won its season-high fourth straight, moving to within a
half-game of the eighth and final playoff spot in the
Western Conference.

“I think that the chemistry has just come together,”
Gentry continued. “I don’t know how that happens but I
think our guys feel pretty good about themselves. Our
bench is starting to play better. Because of that I think
guys are starting to feel more comfortable in their
roles.”

The Suns bench has outscored its counterpart in each of
the last three games with Sunday’s 47-point effort, the
unit’s third-highest total of the season.

“It’s phenomenal,” Michael Redd explained of the chemistry
inside the Suns locker-room. “Everybody genuinely likes
each other. It’s just been fun, a fun atmosphere every
day.”

Redd, who invited the team over to his house Saturday
night, scored a season-high 25 points against Houston.
The game before it was Robin Lopez leading the reserves;
and prior to that, Markieff Morris had the most points.

“Different guys step up different nights,” Hill said.

“I think we’re more cohesive,” stated Steve Nash.

That togetherness was missing in the first month-and-a-
half of the season. However, then came the five-day All-
Star break followed by two straight days of practice —
the first back-to-back practice says since training camp,
and now Marcin Gortat and the Suns have won 9 of 11.

“Chemistry is just outstanding right now,” the center
said. “Everybody feels good.”

Phoenix Suns

Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets is guarded by Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns during th...

Kellan Olson

Suns respond to season’s low point with thorough win over Nuggets

The guessing game of which Suns team shows up on which night persists. The best current version did on Wednesday in a win over the Nuggets.

4 hours ago

Bradley Beal #3 of the Phoenix Suns looks on during the second half against the Boston Celtics at T...

David Veenstra

Bradley Beal in, Jusuf Nurkic out for Suns’ matchup with Nuggets

Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal is active for Wednesday's matchup with the Denver Nuggets while center Jusuf Nurkic is out.

8 hours ago

Tyler Kolek, Marquette...

Damon Allred

Here’s who Phoenix Suns fans should watch in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16

The Suns' first round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft sits at No. 19 overall, and they could select a star from the NCAA Tournament.

12 hours ago

Phoenix Suns take on San Antonio Spurs...

Arizona Sports

O’Neale: Phoenix Suns took Spurs ‘too lightly’ in glaring loss

The Phoenix Suns' lack of effort was on display Monday night against the San Antonio Spurs, leading to an honest film session.

1 day ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Royce O’Neale: Suns took Spurs “a little too lightly”

Phoenix Suns forward Royce O'Neale joined Burns & Gambo to talk about the team's disappointing loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night, and to look ahead at the team's remaining schedule, as they continue to make a push toward the NBA playoffs.

1 day ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: How the Suns lost to the Spurs before they stepped on the court

Burns & Gambo react to the Phoenix Suns stunning loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night, and try to figure out why it happened.

1 day ago

Suns coach Alvin Gentry explains the team’s success