The rising Suns

Phoenix's recent play is more in line with what most expected after its impressive 48-win season and summer addition of super-sub Isaiah Thomas. The Suns (22-16) have won four in a row and eight of 10 to grab hold of eighth place in the West, a few percentage points behind the defending champion San Antonio Spurs (21-15). Phoenix continues to get strong play from its backcourt trio of Thomas (14.8 ppg), Eric Bledsoe (16.6 ppg) and Goran Dragic (16.9 ppg), three of five Suns averaging at least 14.0 points.