Expect the Phoenix Suns' fast start to the 2009-10 season to continue this weekend, when they open their home season at US Airways Center against two teams that are seriously in flux.
First off is Friday's tussle against the Golden State Warriors. If you recall, last season was a disaster for the Don Nelson-led squad. This season, despite some super young talent in Stephen Curry and Anthony Randolph, the place is a cancer, thanks to dudes like Stephen Jackson.
The jack-it-up-too-much swingman, who hasn't exactly been subtle about his unhappiness in the Bay Area, was consistently booed in Golden State's heartbreaking opening loss to the Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady-less Houston Rockets Wednesday night. Instead of getting rid of Jackson, the organization has decided to keep the nine-year pro, though trade talks seem to be heating up.
On Sunday evening, the lowly Minnesota Timberwolves post up at the arena. They differ from the Warriors, mostly because they know that they suck and decided to do something about it this off-season. The team hired a new president, shook up its lineup, and brought on head coach Kurt Rambis.
It seems to have worked for game one, as they surprised the New Jersey Nets at home by a 95-93 count. NBA newbie Jonny Flynn poured in 13 of his 18 points in the decisive quarter as Minnesota overcame a 19-point deficit, punctuated by Damien Wilkins' buzzer-beating putback.
Our advice to the advantageous Suns: Win 'em now, because next week's five-game road trip through the East is going to be a bitch.
Tonight's game against the Warriors tips at 7 p.m., while Sunday's matchup with the Timberwolves gets going at 6 p.m. Both games can be seen on Fox Sports Arizona and heard locally on KTAR-AM 620. For more information, check out www.nba.com/suns.