History of the Phoenix Suns

The Phoenix Suns joined the NBA as an expansion franchise in 1968 and have grown into one of the league's most successful organizations despite never winning an NBA championship. Known for exciting, fast-paced basketball, the Suns have featured Hall of Fame players across multiple eras, including Connie Hawkins, Paul Westphal, Walter Davis, Charles Barkley, Steve Nash, Amar'e Stoudemire, Devin Booker, and Kevin Durant. Throughout their history, Phoenix has consistently been one of the NBA's winningest regular-season franchises and a frequent playoff contender.

The Birth of the Suns

The NBA awarded Phoenix an expansion franchise in 1968, bringing major professional basketball to Arizona for the first time.

The team's nickname, "Suns," was selected through a statewide contest that reflected Arizona's warm climate and abundant sunshine.

Phoenix played its home games at the Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum during its early years.

The Suns struggled during their inaugural season, finishing with a 16–66 record, but began building through the NBA Draft.

Building a Contender

The franchise's fortunes improved after acquiring Hall of Famer Connie Hawkins, whose spectacular athleticism made him one of the NBA's biggest attractions.

Other key early stars included:

• Dick Van Arsdale
• Neal Walk
• Curtis Perry

Phoenix quickly became a competitive team in the Western Conference.

The Miracle of 1976

The 1975–76 Suns authored one of the greatest Cinderella stories in NBA history.

Led by:

• Paul Westphal
• Alvan Adams
• Gar Heard
• Curtis Perry

Phoenix stunned the basketball world by reaching its first NBA Finals.

The Finals against the Boston Celtics featured one of the greatest games ever played—Game 5, remembered for Gar Heard's dramatic buzzer-beater that forced a third overtime.

Although Boston ultimately won the series in six games, the Suns earned national respect for their remarkable playoff run.

The Walter Davis Era

The late 1970s and early 1980s were highlighted by the arrival of Walter Davis, one of the smoothest scorers in franchise history.

Joined by players including:

• Dennis Johnson
• Larry Nance
• Maurice Lucas

Phoenix remained a consistent playoff team throughout the decade.

The Charles Barkley Years

The Suns entered a new era in 1992 by acquiring Charles Barkley from the Philadelphia 76ers.

Barkley immediately transformed the franchise.

During the 1992–93 season, he won the NBA Most Valuable Player Award while leading Phoenix to a franchise-record 62 victories.

With stars including:

• Charles Barkley
• Kevin Johnson
• Dan Majerle
• Tom Chambers

the Suns reached the 1993 NBA Finals.

Phoenix battled Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls before losing in six games despite a memorable triple-overtime victory in Game 3.

The Seven Seconds or Less Era

Perhaps the most influential period in franchise history began in 2004, when the Suns reacquired Steve Nash.

Head coach Mike D'Antoni implemented the revolutionary "Seven Seconds or Less" offense, emphasizing pace, ball movement, and three-point shooting.

The team featured:

• Steve Nash
• Amar'e Stoudemire
• Shawn Marion
• Joe Johnson
• Leandro Barbosa

Nash won consecutive NBA MVP Awards in 2005 and 2006.

Although the Suns consistently ranked among the NBA's best teams, they were unable to reach the NBA Finals, suffering heartbreaking playoff defeats to the San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Lakers.

Rebuilding the Franchise

Following Nash's departure in 2012, Phoenix entered another rebuilding phase.

The Suns developed young talent including:

• Devin Booker
• Mikal Bridges
• Deandre Ayton

Booker quickly became one of the NBA's premier scorers and the new face of the franchise.

Return to the NBA Finals

The acquisition of veteran point guard Chris Paul before the 2020–21 season accelerated Phoenix's rise.

Led by:

• Chris Paul
• Devin Booker
• Deandre Ayton
• Mikal Bridges

the Suns won the Western Conference Championship and advanced to their third NBA Finals in franchise history.

Phoenix defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets, and Los Angeles Clippers before falling to the Milwaukee Bucks in six games.

The Modern Era

The Suns remained aggressive in pursuing a championship.

In 2023, Phoenix acquired superstar Kevin Durant, and later added Bradley Beal, creating one of the NBA's most talented rosters.

With Devin Booker continuing to perform at an All-NBA level, the Suns remain annual contenders in the Western Conference.

Home Arenas

Franchise Timeline

Franchise Greats

• Connie Hawkins
• Paul Westphal
• Walter Davis
• Alvan Adams
• Charles Barkley
• Kevin Johnson
• Dan Majerle
• Tom Chambers
• Steve Nash
• Amar'e Stoudemire
• Shawn Marion
• Leandro Barbosa
• Devin Booker
• Chris Paul
• Kevin Durant

Notable Coaches

• John MacLeod
• Cotton Fitzsimmons
• Paul Westphal
• Mike D'Antoni
• Monty Williams

Awards and Achievements

• 3 NBA Finals appearances (1976, 1993, 2021)
• Multiple Pacific Division championships.
• Charles Barkley – 1993 NBA MVP.
• Steve Nash – NBA MVP (2005, 2006).
• One of the NBA's all-time winningest regular-season franchises.

Legacy

The Phoenix Suns have built one of the NBA's richest traditions despite still seeking their first NBA championship. From the Cinderella Finals team of 1976 to Charles Barkley's MVP season, Steve Nash's revolutionary offense, and the modern era led by Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, the Suns have consistently played an exciting brand of basketball.

With a passionate fan base, a history filled with Hall of Fame talent, and a commitment to competing for championships, the Phoenix Suns remain one of the NBA's premier franchises and continue pursuing the elusive title that has narrowly escaped them throughout their history.