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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LOS ANGELES – JANUARY 18: Cuttino Mobley #5 of the Los Angeles Clippers shoots over James Jones #22 and Shawn Marion #31 of the Phoenix Suns during a game at Staples Center on January 18, 2006 in Los Angeles, California. The Suns won 112-102. 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 2006 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES – JANUARY 18: Cuttino Mobley #5 of the Los Angeles Clippers shoots over James Jones #22 and Shawn Marion #31 of the Phoenix Suns during a game at Staples Center on January 18, 2006 in Los Angeles, California. The Suns won 112-102. 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 2006 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Los Angeles  Clippers 114 – Phoenix Suns 107

(6-2)

Following a surprising run to the Western Conference Finals in 2005, the Suns made an even more improbable run in 2006, this time without their star power forward, Amar’e Stoudemire. Up 2-1 in the semifinals against the Los Angeles Clippers, Phoenix opened the Mother’s Day game with energy and grit, only to give up a first quarter lead, play unmotivated, tired, and even broken down. The Clippers piled on the Suns and tried to put their foot on Phoenix’s throat, although Raja Bell led a late comeback that brought the Suns to within one with under a minute left. Missed opportunities and made Clippers free throws sealed the deal, and Los Angeles pulled out the victory tying the series.