Phoenix Suns 2010-11 Media Guide - NBA Media Central

Season Review 80-81
146
Review80-81
Review80-81
Season
RECORD
When the Suns opened the season, questions surrounded newcomer
Dennis Johnson, who had come to the Suns in a controversial deal that 57-25
sent Paul Westphal to Seattle. There also were doubts about the Suns
ability to adjust to the move of All-Star forward Walter Davis to the backcourt and the
addition of Jeff Cook into the starting lineup at forward. The Suns responded with one of
their most successful seasons ever, finishing with a then club-record 57 wins en route to
their first division title and the best record in the Western Conference. Phoenix was out of
first place for only two days.
The Suns’ 36-5 home record tied their 1979-80 mark as the best in the club’s history and
their 21-20 record on the road was the first-ever winning road record. The Suns did not lose
more than two games in a row all season.
The Suns played their 1,000th game on November 12, 1980, a 130-127 win over the
visiting San Antonio Spurs.
The All-Star Game in Cleveland had a distinctive Phoenix flavor with John MacLeod and
the Suns coaching staff at the helm of the West squad. Davis was voted to a starting
forward position by the fans and Johnson and Truck Robinson were named to the team by
a vote of Western Conference coaches.
In the playoffs, the Suns were surprised by a gritty Kansas City Kings club, led by former
Suns’ coach Cotton Fitzsimmons, that took the Western Conference Semifinals 4-3. At
season’s end, Johnson was named to the All-NBA First Team and All-Defensive First Team.
Suns General Manager Jerry Colangelo was named NBA Executive of the Year for the second
time by The Sporting News.
FRONT ROW: Assistant Coach Al Bianchi, Kyle Macy, Dennis Johnson, Head Coach John MacLeod, Trainer Joe
Proski (kneeling), Don Buse, Johnny High, Assistant Coach John Wetzel.
BACK ROW: Walter Davis, Leonard Robinson, Joel Kramer, Jeff Cook, Rich Kelley, Alvan Adams, Alvin Scott,
Mike Niles.