April 17, 2007 -- Last season, the Phoenix Suns developed a reputation for struggling in tight contests. Despite compiling an impressive 54-28 record, the Suns posted a 5-9 record in games decided by five points or less, while only sporting a 1-4 record in overtime games.

But on two separate occasions this season, Phoenix used double-OT victories to send a message that the 2006-07 campaign would be different.

The first glimpse of the Suns' metamorphosis took place as a former understudy tried to eclipse his mentor. As teammates from 1996 to 1998, Steve Nash played the part of apprentice to Jason Kidd's headlining role.

On Dec. 7, 2006, a decade later and far removed from their days battling in practice, the tables turned as the two went toe-to-toe in what would become the third highest scoring contest in league history.

Everyone got into the action for the Nets, highlighed by Vince Carter's 31 points and Richard Jefferson's 25. The Suns countered with Shawn Marion's 33 points, Raja Bell's 24 and Amare Stoudemire's 23 and 11 rebounds.

But the real story of the game was Kidd and Nash. The Nets' floor leader recorded his 78th career triple-double, tying the legendary Wilt Chamberlain for third on the all-time list, by totaling 38 points, 14 rebounds and 14 assists.

But Nash would not be outdone. He dished out 13 assists and shot 6-of-7 from downtown en route to a career-high-tying 42 points. With only three seconds left to play in regulation, the two-time MVP drilled a 3-pointer to force overtime. For an encore, he rattled off nine points in the second OT to secure a 161-157 victory.

"I think we can go home and turn on Classic NBA,'' Suns coach Mike D'Antoni said afterward. "It will be on there already. That's the best game I have ever seen.''

Perhaps Coach D'Antoni spoke too soon.

The stakes would again be raised on March 14 when Nash squared off against his best friend and former teammate, the Mavs' Dirk Nowitzki, in a matchup of the top two players and teams in the league.

In a game of extraordinary swings, Dallas overcame a 16-point third-quarter deficit to head into the fourth with a 15-point lead. Although the Mavs seemed in control, the combination of Stoudemire and Nash overwhelmed their usually stingy defense, registering 25 of Phoenix's 35 points in the final quarter to help Phoenix cut the deficit to seven with just over a minute to play.

Dallas gave Phoenix an opening by missing four free throws in the final minute of regulation, including two by Nowitzki with 13.6 seconds remaining. Nash uncorked 10 points in the last 57.2 ticks, three of which came on a desperation heave with 2.7 seconds left that forced OT.

"That was a playoff atmosphere,'' said Stoudemire, who finished with 41 points on 16-of-19 shooting and 10 rebounds. "Both teams played with high intensity. Both teams were in it until the end."

Indeed they were, as Jason Terry shook loose in the extra period to score five of his 27 points in the final 48 seconds, including a dagger from downtown with 4.9 seconds to play that sent the game to a second overtime.

Jerry Stackhouse finished with 33 points on 5-of-6 shooting from 3-point land and Nowitzki played like an MVP himself, racking up 30 points, 16 rebounds and six assists. But Nash and the Suns were too much; they came away with a 129-127 road victory and also broke the Mavs' 23-game home winning streak.

On the surface, Nash's performances provided further credence to his supporters that he is indeed the league's best point guard and frontrunner for the MVP. While those assertions may be true, the real message in these dramatic wins lies in Phoenix's newfound success in pressure-packed games. Its improved 61-19 record can be attributed to a 14-8 record in contests decided by less than five points (14-4 after Nov. 20), as well as its 4-3 mark in overtime games.

Like their superstar, the Suns have matured into a dangerous force -- one that appears to have found its ability to close out narrow victories.