In the storied annals of the NBA, the Phoenix Suns stand out for a rather dubious distinction—they are the oldest franchise yet to win a championship. Established in 1968, the Suns have spent over half a century striving for the coveted NBA title. As they enter the 2024 Playoffs, the team is more determined than ever to shed this unwanted record.
Close Calls and Heartbreaks
Throughout their history, the Suns have come agonizingly close to glory. Their journey to the NBA Finals has been marked by remarkable performances and nail-biting series, making them a perennial contender that just couldn’t clinch the ultimate prize.
The 1976 NBA Finals
The first brush with victory came in 1976, just eight years after the franchise’s inception. Under the leadership of Alvan Adams and Paul Westphal, the third-seeded Suns showcased their playoff mettle. However, they faced a formidable opponent in the Boston Celtics. Led by the legendary John Havlicek and the Finals MVP Jo White, who scored 33 points in a pivotal triple-overtime Game 5, the Celtics managed to edge out the Suns in a tightly contested six-game series.
The Barkley Era: 1993 Finals
The Suns‘ next significant opportunity came in 1993 with Charles Barkley steering the ship. Barkley’s phenomenal postseason run, averaging 27.3 points and 13.0 rebounds, set up a finals showdown against Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. Despite Barkley’s heroics, Jordan’s awe-inspiring performance, averaging 41.0 points in the finals, led the Bulls to victory in six games.
The Recent Attempt: 2021 Finals
More recently, the 2021 NBA Finals saw the Suns, led by the dynamic trio of Devin Booker, Chris Paul, and Deandre Ayton, make a valiant effort in a season marred by pandemic disruptions. Securing a No. 2 seed with a commendable 51-21 record, the Suns faced the Milwaukee Bucks. Giannis Antetokounmpo, however, proved too much to handle, particularly in Game 6 where he scored a staggering 50 points to clinch the championship for the Bucks.
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The Current Season: A Renewed Hope
This season, the Phoenix Suns have once again positioned themselves as serious contenders in the Playoffs. Their persistent quest to lift their first Larry O’Brien Trophy continues to captivate basketball fans around the world. Will this be the year they finally break the longest championship drought in the NBA? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—the Suns’ relentless pursuit of that elusive title remains as fervent as ever.
