A brief history of the Phoenix Suns on Mother’s Day

PHOENIX - MAY 12: Anfernee Hardaway #1 of the Phoenix Suns shoots a layup against Kobe Bryant #8 of the Los Angeles Lakers in Game three of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2000 NBA Playoffs at America West Arena on May 12, 2000 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Lakers defeated the Suns 105-99. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2000 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHOENIX - MAY 12: Anfernee Hardaway #1 of the Phoenix Suns shoots a layup against Kobe Bryant #8 of the Los Angeles Lakers in Game three of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2000 NBA Playoffs at America West Arena on May 12, 2000 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Lakers defeated the Suns 105-99. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2000 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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PHOENIX – MAY 15: Charles Barkley #34 of the Phoenix Suns dribbles against Otis Thorpe #33 of the Houston Rockets during Game Four of the Western Conference Semifinals played on May 15, 1994 at the America West Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. Houston defeated Phoenix 107-96 and won the series 4-3.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1994 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHOENIX – MAY 15: Charles Barkley #34 of the Phoenix Suns dribbles against Otis Thorpe #33 of the Houston Rockets during Game Four of the Western Conference Semifinals played on May 15, 1994 at the America West Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. Houston defeated Phoenix 107-96 and won the series 4-3.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1994 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Phoenix Suns 91 – Houston Rockets 87

(4-1)

Before a less-than sold out game in Houston, the Phoenix Suns used defense to fuel themselves to a game one victory in the Western Conference Semifinals, needing a big fourth quarter to slip out the slim-margin victory. Clutch shots from Dan Majerle, Danny Ainge, and Kevin Johnson late, and a bad turnover from Vernon Maxwell, and the Rockets, who had a legitimate opportunity to steal game one, fell apart, and the Suns stole a victory in Houston to take a 1-0 lead. The Suns would win game two in overtime and head back to Phoenix with the opportunity to sweep the series by just holding home court. Unfortunately they were unable to and lost three straight, before winning game six back in Phoenix, then losing the series in seven.