CHARLES, NOT IN CHARGE

"I'm getting good shots. They are the same shots that were going in for me before. I'm not playing up to my capabilities and I'm even passing bad.

"I don't feel bad for me. I have a wonderful life. I feel bad for my teammates who depend upon me. It's my job to make big plays."
Someone asked what he thought about the performance of Kevin Johnson, who had scored 38 points for the second game in a row.

Charles did not comment. He might have pointed out that when he scores 38 points, he brings so many other players to the table with him that the Suns win. What people fail to notice is that when KJ takes over the game, the Suns invariably lose because all the other players are left with nothing to do but stand around and watch.

Late in the game, Charles had refused a shot and instead had passed the ball to Dan Majerle, who took a three-point shot that missed.

Why did he pass up a shot that was ordinarily one he would either make or draw a foul on?

"Right now," Charles said, "I'm struggling with my confidence. I don't know what it is."
If Charles is struggling with his confidence, how must Cedric Ceballos feel? Ced has been scoring close to 20 points per game all season long, and Coach Whataburger didn't use him after the first period Sunday. That was a period during which Ceballos led the Suns in scoring with eight points.

And what about Frank Johnson, the tough defender, who hasn't even left the bench? All his playing minutes have been transferred to Danny Ainge, who no longer has the legs to play defense.

Has anyone noticed how totally useless Oliver Miller has become? He is the perfect example of the million-dollar ballplayer gone to fat.

For two seasons, Dan Majerle has lived off passes from Barkley. He has become a player who seems anchored to the three-point line.

The Suns' season could be in its final days.