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In the waning moments of a nationally televised clash between the Phoenix Suns and New York Knicks, Knicks guard Alec Burks missed a free throw that would have put his team up three with mere seconds remaining. The moment opened the door for Cam Johnson’s heroic buzzer-beating three pointer to secure the dramatic win for the Suns and a social media avalanche that would last for 24 hours.

Johnson’s clutch shot was the latest example of a squad not just weathering the storm without its All-Star backcourt of Devin Booker and Chris Paul, but extending its lead in the Western Conference and best record in the NBA.

Paul suffered an avulsion fracture in his right thumb in the final game leading into the All-Star break and Booker hit the injured list due to the NBA health and safety protocol on March 2.

Still, the Suns have extended their lead in the Western Conference by going 3-3 without Paul and 2-1 since Booker went out. It has taken career nights up and down the roster to make up for Paul and Booker’s absences.

The Suns punctuated their next man up mentality without Paul and Booker with a 30-point dominance against Portland and frenzied victory over New York. The Portland victory marked the first time since December 6, 2018, that Phoenix’s leaders in scoring (Johnson), rebounding (JaVale McGee) and assists (Aaron Holiday) all came off the bench.

Against New York, the Suns were led by forward Johnson, who scored a career-high 38 points and knocked down the game-winning buzzer-beater to close out the victory. In five games without Paul, Johnson is averaging 23.4 points per game on 60.3 percent shooting from the field and 58.5 percent shooting from three.

If the question is who has stepped up during this period of adversity, the answer has to start with Johnson. But on the decisive final play of the win over New York, Johnson was the beneficiary of a clear step forward by the Suns in handling winning time without their leaders.

"The fight that we show night in and night out no matter who plays is something that I’m proud of."

- Monty Williams, Phoenix Suns | Head Coach

In a situation reminiscent of a flub against Utah, it was Knicks guard Alec Burks who missed with a few seconds left and his team leading Phoenix. This time, Mikal Bridges grabbed the rebound and found Payne instantly, who zoomed the ball up the floor as the game clock ticked away. Johnson plodded behind the play, caught a pass from Payne and, down two, dribbled into a heave to win it. Game over.

Prior to entering the protocol, Booker had been running point, filling both the scorer and distributor roles on his way to nightly heroic state lines. He left at the worst time, coming off the disappointing loss to the Jazz.

Yet in just a week, the Suns flipped their fortune in a tight spot, a testament to the team’s determination to figure things out while they are shorthanded. Having Payne on the floor was key. As an understudy to Paul the past year and a half, Payne has absorbed a ton about how to read the game and take what’s given in any given moment.

Payne, who had a career-high 16 assists in the win over the Knicks, has embraced a key lesson from Paul this season. Especially within Williams’ point-five offensive scheme, it’s not so much about where Suns players might be on the court, but where the defense is rotating.

With Payne sliding into the starting point guard position, it created a new opportunity for recently acquired Holiday to elevate his play with increased minutes and performances while still learning the Suns’ offense.

Holiday’s presence is hard to miss off the bench. Infectious energy and tenacious defense and eyes for open teammates, Holiday currently ranks fourth in the NBA in total assists (25) off the bench since the All-Star Break.

Shooting guard Landry Shamet has found his stroke and is contributing to the team’s winning ways making two or more three pointers in five of the last six games since the halfway point of the season.

Each night, a different Sun has stepped up, a shining example of the depth created by general manager James Jones and the organizational pillar of staying ready. Despite being without the NBA’s assists per game leader in Paul, the Suns rank fourth in the NBA with 28.7 assists per game since the break with Payne, Booker, Shamet, Johnson, Mikal Bridges and Jae Crowder all setting or matching season highs in assists over this recent stretch.

In a tightly contested matinee NBA Finals rematch in Milwaukee last Sunday without Booker, Paul or Johnson, the short-handed Suns fought valiantly behind a season-high 30 points from Deandre Ayton in the loss.

Even in defeat, head coach Monty Williams praised his team’s effort.

“The fight that we show night in and night out no matter who plays is something that I’m proud of.”

“That’s who we are,” he added. “Who steps up or who’s got a uniform on, it does matter, but the style of play is always there, and the grit and toughness is there.”

The Suns’ look to bounce back after the loss to Milwaukee with back-to-back games against the Orlando Magic and Eastern Conference-leading Miami Heat to close out the road trip.

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Stepping Up

Suns Legacy Partners, LLC, home to the NBA and WNBA finalist Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury, is getting accustomed to setting new records and raising bars, on and off the court. Now, the Suns are setting a new standard for its PayPal SixthMan Season Ticket Memberships and honoring the best fans in the NBA.

For the first time in 10 years, the Suns are going to cap season tickets at 12,100 memberships. The organization will leave the remaining 5,000 seats available for game-to-game purchases, community groups, and programs sponsored by players, Suns partners and Suns Charities.

“It was an important decision to cap membership so we can extend seating to more fans every game to cheer on their team firsthand, and experience everything the transformed Footprint Center has to offer,” said President and CEO Jason Rowley. “The Valley has really turned out for us, and we want to make sure that every fan who wants to watch the Suns play in person gets that opportunity.”

The Suns, on pace to return to the NBA playoffs in 2022, have proven to be a formidable force in the NBA and playoff contender making season ticket membership more valuable than ever before. Priority access to playoff tickets saved PayPal SixthMan members $5,500, on average, over the course of the 2021 NBA playoffs compared to average pricing paid by non-members.

“We have the best fans in the NBA, hands down. We celebrate those who have made an investment in the organization, our PayPal SixthMan members, who are here game after game and living up to their namesake, and we’re committed to making memories for those fans whose one game a year should last a lifetime,” said Kyle Pottinger, SVP of Ticket Sales and Services. “Combined, they show up loud and proud to represent the Valley at every game, making Footprint Center the most dreaded venue to visit for opposing teams.”

Less than 170 memberships remain for upper-level seating. All lower arena membership seating is sold out. A waitlist for first access to memberships has been started for club-level seating. The Suns will add tiered waitlists for lower and upper bowl seating once all 12,100 memberships have been sold. In addition to priority access to playoff ticketing, members receive discounts on the hottest gear in the NBA and exclusive events throughout the year to hear from Coach of the Year Monty Williams, Executive of the Year James Jones, All-Stars Devin Booker and Chris Paul, and the rest of the Western Conference Champions.

The decision to cap memberships was two-fold: keeping membership at a manageable level to provide existing members with the service and attention they deserve; and leaving nearly one-third of the arena open every game for loyal fans who aren’t ready to make the investment of membership, and for community programming that allows every fan to get access to games at affordable pricing.

"I’ve been saying this for a while now, ‘it’s a good time to be a Suns fan,’” said Jones. “The Footprint Center transformation not only makes for an exhilarating experience for fans and members, it translates to a home court advantage for our players. Add the state-of-the-art Verizon 5G Performance Center to our upper hand and you can start to appreciate why the benefits of membership have never been more valuable.”

Suns Legacy Partners, LLC is among sports and entertainment’s best-in-class organizations, but not because of elite basketball alone. Footprint Center’s $250M transformation has made it one of the most attractive venues in the country for hosting the world’s best concerts and shows.

The ultimate fan engagement experience begins as fans first step foot into the main pavilion surrounded by more than 8,000 square feet of hi-res LEDs. No matter which direction fans turn the exquisitely designed clubs and bars each present a different persona, from the exclusive Annexus Social Club speakeasy to the come-one-come-all Jim Beam Barrel Bar country western saloon. The FanDuel Sportsbook is the No. 1 gaming retail destination in the market, distancing Footprint Center from other venues. The Hornitos and Jameson corner bars overlooking the court join the newly designed suites as fan favorites for their communal nature.

Be one of the last PayPal SixthMan Members this year by visiting Suns.com/Memberships for more information and to get started.

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PHOENIX SUNS TO CAP PAYPAL SIXTHMAN MEMBERSHIPS, FIRST TIME IN A DECADE

Its 3 p.m., four hours before 16,000 fans file into Footprint Center for a Phoenix Suns playoff game.

Senior Director of Live Presentation Shawn Martinez is going through his final preparations before show time. It may be another weekday night in downtown Phoenix, but for Martinez it's another night living out his lifelong dream.

"Growing up, the dream was always to play in the NBA."

Born and raised on a Navajo reservation in the farthest corner of northeast Arizona, Martinez always aspired to make it to basketball's biggest stage.

"Basketball on the reservation is king. Basketball was always the number one priority," said Martinez. "Basketball brings the community together. Every time we'd play, the gym was packed. Family, friends, aunts, uncles, everybody was there, it brought us all together and basketball did that for all of us."

Martinez grew up across three different towns on the Navajo reservation – Chinle, Ft. Defiance, and Window Rock. He said the game of basketball was vital to his upbringing and to the community he calls home.

The youngest of four brothers, Martinez recalled having to work a little harder to keep up with them on the court. His daily practices consumed his free time and became the center of his life, constantly working to sharpen his game.

"Watching them play and dreaming about making it to the NBA was always there," Martinez said. "Basketball was the steady thing. It was the sport I loved the most."

His dream was fortified on occasional family trips to Phoenix to catch Suns games at the iconic Madhouse on McDowell, cheering on Alvan Adams, Paul Westphal and other legendary NBA stars of the era.

After hooping through high school and playing at Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO as a walk-on, Martinez could start to see the end of his competitive playing days, but he was still determined to continue his journey into the NBA, even if it meant taking a different route.

Martinez's passion for music led him to pursue a career as a DJ. He caught the eyes and ears of professionals in the NBA and MLS in the Denver market. He worked his way up from the coordinator level of game presentation to the director for NBA and MLS leagues in the area.

For Martinez, his love of music and skill of hyping a crowd translated perfectly into live sports and eventually lead him to an epic Arizona homecoming. After time grooming his talent with the Denver Nuggets and Detroit Pistons, Martinez joined Suns Legacy Partners, LLC in 2020 as Senior Director of Live Presentation.

Timing could not have been better. Paired with a resurgence in Phoenix basketball with both the Suns and Mercury, Martinez and his team have helped turn Footprint Center into the most electric home crowd atmosphere in the NBA.

"I'm able to read a crowd when I DJ and it ties into when you're directing a game," Martinez said. "You are trying to create energy and make that person in the corner dance. Here in Phoenix, we are always trying to push the right buttons to get the crowd involved. While we cannot control what is happening on the court, we get to control the atmosphere. And as a director or a DJ, I'm always asking myself how to bring this party to life."

Martinez may not be crossing up defenders on the court anymore, but he is responsible for hyping players and fans with his choreography to make life unpleasant for visiting teams.

"While I couldn't play basketball anymore, I found a different way in," Martinez said. "I have found my seat at center court making an impact on the game my own way. From animation to audio to video and entertainers, the team and I are doing everything we can do to enhance the fan experience, and that's how I get to be a part of the NBA."

Through his travels and success, Martinez has never forgotten his Navajo roots.

"I cried a lot when I got the job because I was able to come home, and have an impact on not only my family, but for the kids growing up here on the reservations who can see someone like me who grew up there, and make it to this point in the NBA," Martinez said. "I am here to help any of those kids who want to talk and I'll happily teach and mentor them, I want to share my story and be a positive role model."

Martinez played a central role in planning the Native American Heritage Night supported by APS, Friday, November 19.

"It will be incredible to have full Native American representation here that evening," Martinez said.

The night will be filled with indigenous-themed entertainment beginning with a pregame performance of traditional hoop dancing by Tony Duncan Productions. Fans entering the arena will be greeted by the sounds of DJ Neon N8TVS of Navajo and San Carlos Apache decent in the Footprint Center pavilion and DJ Tomahawk Bang of Akimel O’odham decent located in the Dos Equis Beer Garden. The national anthem will be performed by Phoenix vocalist Kahara Hodges in her native Navajo, Diné language (Navajo meaning, "The People"). The celebration continues at halftime with a performance of powwow style dancing with a hip-hop influence by renowned troupe Indigenous Enterprise, recently featured in the New York Times.

In collaboration with local indigenous artist Breeze who is of Tohono O'odham decent, the first 5,000 fans in attendance will receive a Phoenix Suns t-shirt dedicated to Native communities across the Valley.

"It's important for them to know they have one of their own in a position to help tell our story and remind people that we are still here," Martinez said.

Tickets for Friday's Native American Heritage Night are still available in limited supply and can be purchased by visiting Suns.com/SingleGame.

coming-home

Coming Home

PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns today signed free agent center JaVale McGee. 

McGee (7-0, 270 pounds) is a three-time NBA champion who earlier this month won an Olympic gold medal as a member of the U.S. men’s national team. He teamed with Suns guard Devin Booker for the U.S. in Tokyo, totaling 25 points on 10-of-13 shooting in 20 minutes played over four games. McGee began last season with Cleveland before being acquired by Denver where he faced the Suns in the Western Conference Semifinals. He averaged 7.3 points on 51.1% shooting, 5.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 14.7 minutes in 46 appearances during the 2020-21 season.  

An NBA veteran entering his 14th season, McGee has won league titles with Golden State in 2017 and 2018, and the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. He holds career averages of 7.8 points on 57.1% shooting, 5.2 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 747 games (319 starts) with Washington, Denver, Philadelphia, Dallas, Golden State, the L.A. Lakers and Cleveland. He has also appeared in 62 career playoff games (23 starts), averaging 5.4 points on 59.9% shooting, 4.0 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 12.6 minutes. The Flint, Michigan native entered the league as the 18th overall pick by Washington in the 2008 NBA Draft following a two-year collegiate career at the University of Nevada, Reno. His mother, Pamela McGee, is a member of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame and an Olympic gold medalist herself as a member of the U.S. women’s national team in 1984.

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SUNS SIGN JAVALE MCGEE

PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns today announced the promotion of Kevin Young to associate head coach, as well as the additions of Bryan Gates, Jarrett Jack and Steve Scalzi as assistant coaches. 

Young served as an assistant coach in his first season with the Suns in 2020-21, helping the team win the Western Conference and advance to the NBA Finals. He joined the Suns following four seasons as an assistant coach with the Philadelphia 76ers, helping the Sixers qualify for the playoffs in each of his final three seasons with the team. During the 2018-19 season he worked alongside Suns Head Coach Monty Williams in Philadelphia. Young also served as the Sixers’ head coach at NBA Summer League in 2018.

Prior to his time on the Sixers’ coaching staff, Young spent nine seasons as a coach in the NBA G League, including time as head coach of the Delaware Blue Coats, Iowa Energy and Utah Flash. His first coaching position in pro basketball was as head coach of the Shamrock Rovers in the Irish Super League for the 2006-07 season, which followed time as an assistant coach at Utah Valley University and Oxford College. Young played collegiately at Clayton State University prior to his coaching career. 

Gates joins the Suns following two seasons as an assistant coach with the Minnesota Timberwolves. An NBA assistant coach since 2009, he also holds experience on the bench of the Sacramento Kings from 2016-2019, a first tenure with Minnesota in 2015-16, five seasons with the New Orleans Hornets/Pelicans from 2010-2015 and a first tenure with Sacramento in 2009-10. Gates served as an assistant coach on Williams’ staff for each of their five seasons in New Orleans. 

Before beginning his career as an NBA assistant coach, Gates spent three seasons as head coach of the NBA G League’s Idaho Stampede from 2006-2009, compiling a 101-51 (.644) record, twice winning the NBA G League Coach of the Year Award and guiding the Stampede to the 2008 NBA G League Championship. A graduate of Boise State University, Gates also has experience as an assistant coach in the G League and as head coach of the Oklahoma Storm in the United States Basketball League, Hickory Nutz in the Carolinas Basketball League and Beirut Blues Stars in the Lebanese Basketball League. 

Jack joins the coaching ranks after a 13-year NBA career as a player from 2005-2018. He averaged 10.8 points and 4.6 assists over 867 career regular season games with Portland, Indiana, Toronto, New Orleans, Golden State, Cleveland, Brooklyn and New York. Jack played two seasons with Williams as his head coach in New Orleans, teaming with Chris Paul to make the playoffs in 2010-11 and averaging a career-high 15.6 points in 2011-12. Jack and Williams also were together in Portland from 2005-2008, Jack’s first three NBA seasons as a player and Williams’ first three NBA seasons as an assistant coach.  

Most recently, Jack averaged 8.9 points in 15 appearances for the NBA G League Ignite during the 2021 NBA G League season held at Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Florida this past February. Entering the NBA as the 22nd overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft, Jack played collegiately at the Georgia Institute of Technology where he led the Yellow Jackets to a national runner-up finish in 2004. 

Scalzi joins the Suns following seven seasons on the coaching staff of the Oklahoma City Thunder. He served as a player development coach for the Thunder the past two seasons, which followed five seasons as director of analysis and opposition scouting from 2014-2019, including when Williams was the team’s associate head coach in 2015-16. Scalzi first joined the organization as an assistant coach with the Tulsa 66ers, then the Thunder’s NBA G League affiliate, in 2013-14. 

Prior to joining Oklahoma City’s organization, Scalzi spent seven years as the director of basketball operations for the men’s basketball program at Northeastern University. A graduate of Boston College, he was a student assistant for the men’s basketball team during the winningest period in the Eagles’ school history from 2002-2006.

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SUNS ANNOUNCE COACHING STAFF ADDITIONS

When we think about the NBA in early June each year, most of us immediately picture a champion etching their names into the record books while hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy after a tightly contested NBA Finals. 

The year 2020 has given us COVID-19, and it has taken Kobe. We’ve experienced more innocent lives murdered at the hands of bigotry, and yet 2020 is seeing a powerful societal shift demanding change.

“Social distancing” has replaced the handshake as a form of respect; the mask has become the functional accessory of the year; voices from every walk of life are rising up in unity for black lives; and all while the country hurtles toward a November election that may itself prove to be unparalleled.

The Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury are introducing Don’t Sleep on Basketball, a content series dedicated to documenting the historic times we are living in through the unexpected aperture of the game, right up to the first Suns game with fans in the stands. Basketball sits at the unique intersection of culture, entertainment, and sport; a perfect position for the Suns/Mercury organization to serve as participant, voyeur and storyteller.

The dynamic initiative will be activated across multiple platforms, including FOX Sports Arizona, Suns and Mercury social channels, YouTube, and editorially on Suns.com. 

Over the first two episodes we’ll share the voices from the front lines of the pandemic and those rising up for social justice and equality. We’ll explore the new norms of basketball, on and off the court as the Suns and Mercury prepare for the return to play in 2020. New storylines will pop up week-to-week.

If 2020 has proven anything, it’s to expect the unexpected.

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Phoenix Suns & Mercury Introduce New Content Series

Following a historic season, the Suns built a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference Semifinals, but the Spurs held serve at home to tie the series 2-2. In the Game 4 loss, the Suns struggled shooting from the field while the Spurs controlled the boards and consistently got to the free throw line.

Neither team had lost at home in the series throughout the first four games as they returned to Phoenix for a pivotal Game 5 matchup at America West Arena. 

Western Conference Semifinals Game 5 vs San Antonio. Tuesday, May 18, 1993:

Homecourt advantage was crucial in the first four games and the Suns hoped it would stay that way entering Game 5. A back-and-forth battle through the first half had the Suns holding a narrow two-point lead at halftime.

However, the Spurs defense locked-down in the third quarter, holding the Suns to just 16 points as they took an 83-78 lead into the fourth quarter with the possibility of taking the series lead and one win away from advancing to the Conference Finals. The Spurs had shot 60 percent from the field throughout the first three quarters, but the Suns defense stepped up in the clutch and held San Antonio to just six points during the first 8:45 of the fourth.

The Suns’ defense was outstanding to close out the game and Frank Johnson was key to that turnaround. He hounded Avery Johnson to force the Spurs out of their offense while also making both his jumpers.

On the other end, Charles Barkley proved his MVP candidacy and began to take over as he put the team and the game on his back. 

Barkley erupted for 19 points in the fourth quarter, shooting 6-of-7 from the field and converting on three three-point plays. He scored 13 consecutive points for the Suns as the team battled back to outscore the Spurs 31-14 and outrebound them 13-4 in the fourth quarter. 

“The bottom line is who’s in the uniforms, it’s not X’s and O’s,” Head Coach Paul Westphal told the Arizona Republic. “Charles’ uniform isn’t big enough to hold his heart. Same for Frank.”

The Suns once again took care of business on their home court, defeating the Spurs 109-97. 

Sir Charles’ 36 points were the most he scored in a game at this point in the 1993 playoff run as he also added 12 rebounds while shooting 11-of-16 from the field and 13-of-15 at the free throw line.

The Suns bounced back strong from the Game 4 loss in which the Spurs held an advantage over the Suns in field goal percentage, free throw attempts and rebounding. The team clearly made adjustments in each of those categories, posting a better field goal percentage than San Antonio (59.7% to 56.0%), getting to the free throw line more often (20-of-25 to 8-of-14) and dominating the glass with more rebounds (31 to 27).

Both teams couldn’t seem to miss as they each shot over 55% from the field for the game. At the time this was just the fifth game in NBA Playoffs history in which both teams shot at least 55% from the field. To this day, there have only been eight such games in playoff history—four of those eight games have involving the Suns.

Phoenix was back on top, holding a 3-2 series lead, but with both of the home teams winning each of the first five games, the Suns would need to either stop the trend or prepare for a Game 7.

Western Conference Semifinals Game 6 at San Antonio. Thursday, May 20, 1993:

Unless the Spurs could come back to win the series, Game 6 would be the final game at the team’s original home, HemisFair Arena. The game was looking to fall into the same narrative as the first five as the Spurs led by double-digits early in the fourth on their homecourt and a Game 7 looming. 

But the Suns weren’t ready to concede just yet.

A 12-0 run helped them climb out of the hole to set up the heart-stopping finish. The score was tied 92 apiece with four minutes remaining before Kevin Johnson took control of the reigns. Johnson scored seven straight Suns points, culminating in a free throw to put the Suns up 99-95 with 30 seconds remaining.

Dale Ellis responded with a three-pointer for the Spurs to cut the margin to 99-98.

Danny Ainge converted on one of two free throws to put the Suns back up by two.

Barkley fouled David Robinson on the ensuing rebound to send The Admiral to the line with a chance to tie the game. 

After making the Suns pay for sending him to the free throw line in Game 4, Robinson once again was clutch at the charity stripe, knocking down both shots and tying the game at 100. The Suns had the ball in their possession in a tied game with 11 seconds remaining and, more importantly, the MVP. 

Barkley took the inbound and was quickly guarded by the 1991-92 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Robinson. He spun the ball in his hands, patiently watching the clock roll down. With just over five seconds remaining, Barkley attacked.

Faking going inside, Barkley created just enough separation as he pulled up just above the free throw line arc and let it fly over the outstretched arm of Robinson.

“I thought about trying to run up on him and make him hit a running jumper but by the time I started to move toward Charles, he had already taken a couple of steps inside the three-point line,” Robinson told the Arizona Republic. “He hit it. That’s why he’s my choice for MVP.” 

Barkley drained the 20-footer to put the Suns ahead 102-100 with 1.8 seconds left in the game. Robinson had a shot to tie the game on the next possessions, however, Oliver Miller blocked it to win the game, clinch the series and send the Suns to the conference finals with a 102-100 victory.

“I don’t think there is anything better than getting a shot to win the game, especially in a crucial situation like this,” Barkley said. “You don’t want to go to Game 7 because you don’t know what can happen.” 

In addition to the game winner, Barkley was dominant with 28 points, 21 rebounds, four assists, four steals and two blocks. He became just the second player in Suns history to record a 20/20 performance in the playoffs, joining Connie Hawkins who had 34 points and 20 rebounds in arguably the best performance of his NBA career, a win at the L.A. Lakers in Game 2 of the 1970 Western Division Semifinals. 

Beyond the clutch block, Miller again came up big in a closeout game, scoring 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting off the bench and blocking five total shots. Tom Chambers scored 10 points off the bench, including six points during the 12-0 run that put the Suns back in the game. 

The Suns closed out HemisFair Arena and returned to Phoenix to await their opponent for the Western Conference Finals. Elsewhere in Texas on that Thursday, the Rockets beat the SuperSonics 103-90 to force a Game 7 in their series. On Saturday, Seattle would need overtime but held on at home for a 103-100 win to take the series 4-3 and advance to face the Suns.

It set up the first playoff series between the Suns and Sonics since the 1979 Western Conference Finals, which Seattle won in seven games on their way to their only NBA title. It was the last step to reach the NBA Finals and the Suns were looking to make sure history didn’t repeat itself. 

Join us on a trip down memory lane, as Suns.com takes a look back at the team’s miraculous 1993 playoff run. Every Monday, we’ll recap the week ahead in team history as the Suns inch closer to their historic NBA Finals against the Chicago Bulls.

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Suns Road to 1993 NBA Finals: Barkley Closes-Out Spurs

Representing a city that is nearly half Hispanic, the Phoenix Suns understand the importance of leveraging their platform by embracing the significance of the Los Suns movement. All-Star guard Devin Booker, who is the son of a Mexican-American and Puerto Rican mother, decided to sport his Los Suns threads on one of the NBA’s biggest stages when he competed in the 3-Point Contest at All-Star.

"It means a lot," Devin Booker said about his hispanic background. "It’s a part of me, it’s part of my family, it’s a part of my bloodline. Growing up and not being as in touch with that part of my heritage, I’ve matured and grown up, now realize I want to learn more about that part of me."

Throughout the past decade, Los Suns has evolved into an iconic cultural element of the Phoenix Suns organization and its connection with the Hispanic community throughout the Valley. The Suns will proudly celebrate that history when the team hosts APS Los Suns Night against the Toronto Raptors at Talking Stick Resort Arena.

Those attending Tuesday night’s game will enjoy an array of pregame elements that are energized and influenced by Mexican culture, including four lowriders on display on the Fry’s Plaza along with a performance by Banda La Alterada.  Fans can also enjoy churro samples from the Churro Truck, Famous Churros to have a taste of Mexico while admiring the work of Lalo Cota, who will be live-painting in his signature style inspired by Mexican folklore and surrealism right before their eyes. As part of the special celebration, the first 5,000 fans in attendance will receive an exclusive Los Suns flag.

Suns in-arena host Alicia-Monique Blanco will pay tribute to one of her idols by dressing up as the Queen of Tejano music, Selena. Tomorrow night, Blanco will be joined by radio personalities from The Dana Cortez Show on Power 98.3, the first nationally syndicated morning show hosted by a Latina, to co-host various in-game activities and contests. In addition to the Suns wearing their Los Suns Noche City Edition uniform, The Gorilla and Suns entertainers will sport Los Suns apparel and fans will be treated to a variety of Mexican tunes throughout the night.

The Suns’ commitment to the Hispanic community permeates throughout every level of the organization, as the team recently donated “Los Suns” inspired uniforms to the Phoenix Police Department's Police Activities League (PAL) basketball team, which addresses the needs of at-risk youth and builds positive relationships between youth and the police through athletics. Upwards of 40 percent of the program’s participants are Hispanic.

Through Suns Charities, the team has distributed more than $32 million to local nonprofits and organizations in Arizona, many of which work directly with Hispanic communities. Recent examples from this season include support of the Chicanos Por La Causa De Colores Domestic Violence program to help children overcome the traumatic effects of domestic violence in their lives, a $2.6 million donation to the City of Phoenix Head Start program that specializes in early childhood education and affects thousands of children in Phoenix-Metro area and a $1 million donation to the Valley of the Sun YMCA.

In 2018, the Phoenix Suns in affiliation with Univision Arizona and the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce launched the Los Suns Small Business MVP program to recognize our local Hispanic Small Business owners that fuel the local economy and exemplify the program’s main pillars of local employment, philanthropic engagement, and innovation and competition. Tomorrow the team will recognize Tri Freedom Real Estate Partners owner Jessica Morel prior to the game, on Suns social media channels and with a halftime interview with Spanish broadcasters Arturo Ochoa and Jorge Moreno. 

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Celebrate Our Community with APS Los Suns Night

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