15 and Counting, Suns Tranquilize Raptors

The Suns own the 15th straight game last night with a 115-98 win over the Toronto Raptors that sets the franchise record for most wins in a row. The previous record of 14 was set by Charles Barkley and Dan Majerle's team that went to the Finals during the 92-93 season. This streak, however, seems like it can keep on moving forward with the amazing basketball this team is playing right now. We have a game tonight against a Denver team who is missing the league's leading scoring tandem of Carmelo Anthony and J.R. Smith who are suspended as a result of that little altercation in New York on Saturday night. The Nuggets just acquired Allen Iverson so they could have a chance if he's in the lineup.

The Suns 15th win came a little too easily. The Raps were without all-star forward Chris Bosh so things were difficult for them from the start but it was glaringly obvious from the start that Amare Stoudemire was going to have his way in the painted area. He repeatedly abused the Raptors weak interior defense with an array of scoring options. The highlight play of the night had to be a dunk by Amare set up by Nash and Barbosa. Nash was in the high post and received a pick from Barbosa to shake his defender. Barbosa rolled as Nash broke free and received a nice bounce pass from the two time MVP which he then immediately dropped another bounce pass towards the baseline and found a slicing Amare Stoudemire who dunked it with ease.

Ball movement was the story of the night. Nash had 15 assists in 28 minutes. Had he played his customary 35 minutes, he would have had 20 assists. Most of the team was relatively passive on offense except Amare. Nobody was taking real bad shots and if they didn't have an easy shot, they dumped the ball into Amare. Amare had his way and was efficient going 11 of 14 from the field and six of six from the charity stripe. This game is the epitome of the great basketball the Suns have been playing. They don't look like they will slow up any time soon.

Tonight the Nuggets should be our next victims of the onslaught. Most of the starters played less than 30 minutes last night and should be well rested for the mile high city. Without Carmelo and J.R. Smith I can't see the Nuggets being able to hang with the Suns. They are missing nearly 60 points in the lineup. Iverson might play but it is doubtful. I'm not even sure if Andre Miller is going to play. Regardless, Iverson doesn't play well against the Suns and it would be his first game with a new team, a feat that any player would have trouble with. Honestly, I can't see Iverson and 'Melo playing well with each other. Unless Iverson accepts his role as the second fiddle, it will not work. This is 'Melo's team and J.R. Smith will likely be unhappy as his development will be stifled by Iverson's presence. In addition, George Karl doesn't get along with many players and that has the potential to blow up.

The Suns have a good chance at extending this streak much further especially with all the momentum they have built. We should be able to beat the Nuggets and then we play the Wizards, who are a terrible road team, at home. After that we get the Blazers at home and then we head to Dallas. We could have a 18 game winning streak heading into dallas. Then, I like our chances in Dallas. We have a great shot at beating Dallas. This team is just too good right now. We can beat any team in the lig. We could definitely extend this streak to 20+ games. Make it happen D'Antoni.