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

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.