The Sun is Rising

Just after the Suns fell to 3-6 since Shaq began to play, many critics and so-called experts asserted that the loss of Shawn Marion was devastating as their defensive ace and that Phoenix may not find themselves in the playoffs after sinking to the sixth seed in the Western Conference. The Suns couldn't help but hear all the doubters. They responded by winning seven straight games.

They got it off to a nice start with a home win against San Antonio in which Shaquille O'Neal expressed his desire for winning by diving into second-row seats. They rode that wave of momentum to win their next six games, with a chance to extend the winning streak to eight tonight against Detroit. The winning streak has been highlighted by wins against Golden State and Houston.

Phoenix has held their opponents to under 100 points on three occasions. Shawn Marion was able to guard multiple positions and there was a void when he left. It didn't help when Raja Bell could not play against Tracy McGrady and the surging Rockets. But Leandro Barbosa and Grant Hill have stepped up on defense. Last Saturday against the Rockets, Tracy McGrady scored 30 points, but did it on 11-of-31 shooting. Against Seattle, rookie sensation Kevin Durant shot an uneven six-of-13 from the field while holding his own on offense, scoring 20 points on a perfect six-of-six from downtown.

When Shaquille O'Neal fist arrived, Mike D'Antoni first took The Big Cactus out of his game. Shaquille O'Neal's name is not setting screens 20 feet away from the basket. When that happens, Shaq will get the ball 15 feet away from the hoop and not know what to do. This usually results in a turnover or an ill-advised shot. However, D'Antoni has been able to tailor Phoenix's game to the style of Shaq, which has been noticeably easier.

Against Houston, O'Neal was able to put up 10 shots that night and made an additional nine trips to the free-throw line, sinking seven of them. He frequently got deep post position, which resulted in an easy layup or dunk. O'Neal has also been positioned closer to the basket even when Phoenix does not go to him. This makes it easier for The Diesel to grab offensive rebounds. A few weeks ago, O'Neal would be out of the paint when a shot went up.

Amare Stoudemire has been able to continue tearing up the League since The Daddy has arrived. Stoudemire has been averaging nearly 29 points per game during this recent string of games Phoenix has managed to emerge victorious. Why? Because Shaq has been setting up down low. Stoudemire is playing his more natural power forward spot. His agility is showcased more, as he is able to operate from anywhere between the low block and 17 feet out, as he has perfected his jump-shot. Shaq has consistently been double-teamed, even at 36, and STAT has been reaping the benefits.

To be fair, the real test will come this week, when the Suns will go to the East and play Detroit and Boston this week on the road. Phoenix has gone from six to three during their wave winning. Holding their own in the East may indicate the Suns are the team to beat in the West... not just be their play, but by their standing.