Phoenix Suns lookback: Steve Nash and the 2005 playoff run

The Phoenix Suns and Steve Nash had all the buzz going into the 2005 playoffs. Despite not making the Finals, Nash had a great run and did not disappoint.

Going into the 2005 NBA Playoffs, the Phoenix Suns were in contention for an NBA Championship, and having the MVP of the league along with two other All-Stars and a great supporting cast made fans feel like the trophy was already in their possession. While the Suns couldn’t make it to the Finals, Steve Nash tried his hardest to push his team in his historic playoff run.

The Suns won 62 games during Nash’s first year back with the Suns after being traded to the Dallas Mavericks in 1998. Nash averaged 15.5 points per game and 11.5 assists on an incredible 50/43/88 shooting splits. Those numbers earned him his first of two MVP awards.

Phoenix ranked number one in the West and would go on to face the eighth-seeded Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the playoffs. Nash would kick off his playoff debut as a certified superstar with 11 points, five rebounds, and a lucky 13 assists in an 11-point game one win. While Nash struggled to find his shot (3/11 shooting), the Suns still were able to take care of business.

Nash continued to struggle from the field in game two. He had only 12 points on 31% shooting but contributed 15 assists along with clutch free throws to help secure a five-point win.

Phoenix completely had their way with the Grizzlies in the third game, winning by 20 points. Nash broke out of his shooting slump with 13 points on 66% shooting along with 8 assists to bring the Suns up 3-0 in the series.

Game 4 was win or go home for Memphis, but Nash had an amazing game to bring home the series win. The All-Star point guard poured in 24 points and nine assists to put the nail in the coffin. For the series, Steve Nash averaged 15 points per game and 11.3 assists.