Suns coach Alvin Gentry explains the team’s success

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.”

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