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

PHOENIX – MAY 16: Dan Majerle #9 of the Phoenix Suns shoots a layup against the Houston Rockets in Game Five of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 1995 NBA Playoffs at the American West Arena on May 16, 1995 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Rockets 116-103. 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 1995 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

Phoenix Suns 114 – Houston Rockets 110

(5-1)

Opening up the series 2-0 in blowout fashion, the Suns were blown out themselves 118-85 in game three. Phoenix may have hit the mat, but they did not stay down. Mother’s Day 1995 gave Phoenix fans tremendous hope that this would finally be the season in which the Suns would climb all the way to the mountain top. It wouldn’t be easy, though. Down 17 with 4:40 remaining, the Suns mounted a furious 15-4 run led by Kevin Johnson’s six points, and four from Charles Barkley. KJ finished with a career-playoff-high 43 points, while dishing out 9 assists. Barkley drained 26 with 9 boards. Unfortunately the 1995 Mother’s Day high that Phoenix felt would not last, as Houston would run over the Suns winning the final three straight, marching onto their second consecutive title.