The Phoenix Suns’ Quest for a Championship: A Look Back at Their Close Calls

The Phoenix Suns are one of the most exciting franchises in NBA history, known for their dynamic style of play and talented players. While they have yet to capture an NBA championship, the Suns have come agonizingly close on multiple occasions. In this article, we will take a closer look at five seasons in the Suns’ history where they came close to winning it all, from the 1976 NBA Finals to their recent run in 2021. Each of these seasons showcases the Suns’ talent, resilience, and pursuit of a championship.

The 1975-76 Phoenix Suns team was the first in franchise history to make it to the NBA Finals. The team was led by Hall of Famer Connie Hawkins and All-Stars Paul Westphal and Alvan Adams. The Suns had a dynamic offense and a solid defense that propelled them to a 42-40 regular season record. They made a splash in the playoffs, dispatching the Seattle SuperSonics and the Golden State Warriors to earn their trip to the Finals.

In the Finals, the Suns faced off against the Boston Celtics. After losing the first game, the Suns won the next two to take a 2-1 series lead. However, the Celtics bounced back to win the next two games, taking a 3-2 series lead. Game 6 would be a classic, as the Suns and Celtics battled to a standstill through four quarters and two overtimes. In the end, the Celtics would prevail, winning 128-126 and clinching the championship.

The 1976 Finals was an epic showdown between two of the NBA’s all-time great teams. The Suns’ performance in the Finals showed the league and its fans that they were a force to be reckoned with. The team’s dynamic offense and solid defense were key factors in their success, and their resilience in the face of adversity was a testament to their determination and grit.

The 1988-89 Phoenix Suns team was a talented squad led by All-Star point guard Kevin Johnson. They finished the regular season with a 55-27 record, good for second in the Western Conference. In the playoffs, the Suns defeated the Utah Jazz in the first round before facing off against the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers in the second round.

The Suns took the Lakers to seven games in the second round, with Kevin Johnson leading the way with a memorable 25-point fourth quarter in Game 4. Despite falling behind 3-2 in the series, the Suns came back to win Game 6 and force a Game 7. In Game 7, the Lakers won 106-93, ending the Suns’ playoff run.

The Suns’ 1989 playoff run was a remarkable achievement, with Kevin Johnson’s breakout performance establishing him as one of the league’s premier point guards. The team had a balanced offense and solid defense, with key contributions from players like Tom Chambers, Eddie Johnson, and Dan Majerle. While they fell short of the championship, the Suns’ success in the playoffs signaled a new era of competitiveness for the franchise.

The 1992-93 Phoenix Suns team was one of the best in franchise history. Led by NBA MVP Charles Barkley and All-Star point guard Kevin Johnson, the Suns had a high-scoring offense that was the envy of the league. They finished the regular season with a 62-20 record, the best in the league. They swept the San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Lakers in the first two rounds of the playoffs.

In the Western Conference Finals, the Suns faced off against the Seattle SuperSonics, who had finished the regular season with a 55-27 record. The series was a classic, with both teams trading blows throughout. In Game 7, the Suns pulled out a 123-110 victory, earning them a trip to the NBA Finals.

In the Finals, the Suns faced off against the Chicago Bulls, led by Michael Jordan. The series was another classic, with both teams winning two games apiece in the first four games. In Game 5, the Suns had a chance to take a 3-2 series lead, but Jordan had other ideas. He hit a game-winning three-pointer to give the Bulls a 99-98 victory, and they would go on to win the series in six games.

In the Western Conference Finals, the Suns faced off against the Seattle SuperSonics, who had finished the regular season with a 55-27 record. The series was a classic, with both teams trading blows throughout. In Game 7, the Suns pulled out a 123-110 victory, earning them a trip to the NBA Finals.

In the Finals, the Suns faced off against the Chicago Bulls, led by Michael Jordan. The series was another classic, with both teams winning two games apiece in the first four games. In Game 5, the Suns had a chance to take a 3-2 series lead, but Jordan had other ideas. He hit a game-winning three-pointer to give the Bulls a 99-98 victory, and they would go on to win the series in six games.

The Suns’ 1993 Finals appearance is remembered as one of the most thrilling Finals series in NBA history. The team was stacked with talented players, and Charles Barkley’s MVP season was one of the greatest individual performances in league history. The Suns’ high-scoring offense and solid defense were key factors in their success, and their ability to come back from deficits demonstrated their resilience and mental toughness.

The 2004-05 Phoenix Suns team was one of the most exciting teams in NBA history. Led by MVP Steve Nash and All-Stars Amare Stoudemire and Shawn Marion, the Suns had a dynamic offense that ran on a “Seven Seconds or Less” philosophy under head coach Mike D’Antoni. They finished the regular season with a league-best 62-20 record and swept the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the playoffs.

In the second round of the playoffs, the Suns faced off against the Dallas Mavericks. The series was a classic, with both teams trading wins throughout. In Game 5, the Suns pulled off a memorable 114-108 double-overtime victory to take a 3-2 series lead. However, the Mavericks won the next two games, taking the series in seven games.

The Suns’ 2005 playoff run was a showcase of their offensive firepower and Steve Nash’s playmaking abilities. The team’s success was built on a high-scoring, up-tempo style that was difficult for opponents to match. However, their defense was their Achilles’ heel, and they were unable to overcome the Mavericks’ scoring in the second round. The Suns’ success in the playoffs signaled a return to relevance for the franchise after a few down years.

The 2020-21 Phoenix Suns team was a surprise to many. Led by All-Star guard Devin Booker and veteran point guard Chris Paul, the Suns had a balanced offense and a tenacious defense that carried them to a 51-21 regular season record, good for second in the Western Conference. They dispatched the Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets, and Los Angeles Clippers in the playoffs to reach the NBA Finals.

In the Finals, the Suns faced off against the Milwaukee Bucks, led by two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Suns took a 2-0 series lead, but the Bucks came roaring back, winning the next three games to take a 3-2 series lead. In Game 6, the Suns fought valiantly but came up short, losing 105-98 and falling just short of their first championship in franchise history.

Despite falling short of the championship, the Suns’ 2021 playoff run was a remarkable achievement for the franchise. The team had not made the playoffs since 2010 and had not won a playoff series since 2010. Devin Booker and Chris Paul’s leadership and performances were crucial to the Suns’ success, and the team’s chemistry and the balanced offense made them a difficult team to beat.

The Phoenix Suns have had several memorable seasons in which they came close to winning the NBA championship. From the 1976 NBA Finals to their recent playoff run in 2021, the Suns have shown resilience and determination that make them a fan favorite. Along the way, they have had some of the most talented players in the league, including Hall of Famer Connie Hawkins, MVPs Charles Barkley, and Steve Nash, and current stars Devin Booker and Chris Paul.

Looking ahead, the Suns are once again in the thick of the championship race. After a disappointing start to the 2022-2023 season, the Suns made a blockbuster trade, acquiring two-time champion and Finals MVP Kevin Durant from the Brooklyn Nets. This trade catapulted their championship odds from +1800 to +460, the largest trade deadline odds shift since at least 2010. The Suns are currently sitting fourth in the Western Conference, but they have the shortest odds to win the Western Conference at +250, making them a serious threat to win it all.

If the Suns can capture the title this year, it would be the first in franchise history, and it would be a well-deserved achievement for a team that has come so close so many times. Regardless of the outcome, the Suns have established themselves as one of the most exciting and competitive franchises in NBA history, and they are sure to continue their pursuit of a championship for years to come. The future looks bright for the Suns, and their fans can’t wait to see what’s next for this talented and dynamic team.