Phoenix Suns 2010-11 Media Guide - NBA Media Central

Season Review 77-78
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Review77-78
Review77-78
Season
RECORD
The Suns announced a blockbuster trade just before the opening of the
season: Ricky Sobers to Indiana for Don Buse, an All-Star and the NBA 49-33
leader in both assists and steals. With Buse and rookie Walter Davis in
the starting lineup, the Suns bolted from the gate and were 19-11 by Christmas and 34-16
by the February All-Star break. They finished with a 49-33 record, fourth best in the league,
but were second in the Pacific Division behind the formidable Portland Trail Blazers, led by
Bill Walton.
It was a record year for the Suns in many ways. A franchise record was set for attendance
(11,464 per game). On the court, the Suns set NBA records for team steals in a season
(1,059) as well as tying the league mark for assists (2,338). Davis and Paul Westphal were
among the league’s top 10 scorers, both averaging better than 24 points per game; both
were named All-NBA Second Team and both participated for the West at the All-Star Game
in Atlanta.
At the All-Star break, the Suns lost Curtis Perry with back problems and went the rest of
the season with five rookies on the roster, more than any other NBA club. In the opening
round of the playoffs the Suns were upset in two-straight games by the Milwaukee Bucks.
Davis went on to become the league’s Rookie of the Year, the second such distinction for
a Suns’ player since Alvan Adams won the award following 1975-76 season. Buse was named
to the NBA All-Defensive Team while Ron Lee led the league with 2.7 steals per game.
FRONT ROW: Head Coach John MacLeod, Paul Westphal, Don Buse, Trainer Joe Proski (kneeling), Greg Griffin,
Walter Davis, Mike Bratz, Assistant Coach Al Bianchi.
BACK ROW: Ronnie Lee, Curtis Perry, Alvan Adams, Dennis Awtrey, Bayard Forrest, Alvin Scott, Ira Terrell,
Garfield Heard.