Phoenix Suns
A clash of styles defined by playoff intensity and the rise of two young Western Conference powers, ignited in the 2022 postseason.
Alvin Gentry's tenure as head coach of the Phoenix Suns began when he took over on an interim basis after Terry Porter was fired in his first season. Gentry was named head coach on a permanent basis for the 2009–10 season. His record in his first year as head coach during the 2009–2010 season was 54 wins, a career high, against 28 losses. In the postseason, the Suns finally overcame the San Antonio Spurs in a sweep, ending a streak of playoff eliminations at the hands of the Spurs. Gentry figured out how to blend the two styles of D'Antoni and Porter. Comparing his coaching to D'Antoni, Gentry said "We are not seven seconds or less. We're 12 seconds or under. We don't take a lot of really quick shots. We don't play with that breakneck pace. We play with a rhythm." Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich remarked "One thing about Phoenix is they are better defensively than in the past. They're much more active, much more committed, they've taken responsibility to a much more significant degree than ever before." Gentry became the fifth head coach to lead the Suns to the Western Conference finals in his first full season. In the Western Conference Finals, the Suns lost a six game series to the defending champions Lakers, featuring superstar Kobe Bryant and coached by Phil Jackson. On January 18, 2013, Gentry mutually parted ways with the Phoenix Suns.
- First Major Confrontation
- 2021-2022 First Round
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Gentry's time with the Suns was marked by a shift in playing style. After serving as an assistant under Mike D'Antoni and Terry Porter, Gentry took over and blended their approaches. He moved away from the "seven seconds or less" philosophy, instead aiming for a "12 seconds or under" rhythm. The 2009–10 season was the high point: a 54-win season, a sweep of the Spurs in the playoffs, and a trip to the Western Conference Finals. There, the Suns faced the defending champion Lakers, led by Kobe Bryant and coached by Phil Jackson, losing a six-game series. Gentry's ability to adapt the team's defense drew praise from Gregg Popovich, who noted the Suns were "much more active, much more committed" on that end. The partnership ended on January 18, 2013, when Gentry and the Suns mutually parted ways.
In Their Own Story
The 2009–10 season was the defining chapter of Gentry's Phoenix tenure. After taking over on an interim basis the previous year, he was named permanent head coach and led the Suns to a 54–28 record, a career high for him. In the playoffs, the Suns finally broke through against the San Antonio Spurs, sweeping them to end a streak of playoff eliminations at the hands of that franchise. Gentry had found a middle ground between D'Antoni's fast pace and Porter's more deliberate style. As he put it, "We're 12 seconds or under. We don't take a lot of really quick shots." The Suns advanced to the Western Conference Finals, where they met the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers. The series went six games, with the Lakers—led by Kobe Bryant and coached by Phil Jackson—ultimately prevailing. Gentry became the fifth head coach to lead the Suns to the conference finals in his first full season.
Reader's Guide
Gentry's Phoenix Suns were a team in transition, blending the high-octane offense of the D'Antoni era with a newfound defensive commitment. The 2009–10 season was the peak: 54 wins, a playoff sweep of the Spurs, and a Western Conference Finals appearance. Gentry described the pace as "12 seconds or under," a deliberate slowdown from the "seven seconds or less" approach. Gregg Popovich praised the Suns' defense, saying they were "much more active, much more committed." The season ended with a six-game loss to the Lakers in the conference finals. Gentry remained with the Suns until January 18, 2013, when he and the team mutually parted ways.
Did You Know?
- Gentry's 54 wins in the 2009–10 season were a career high as a head coach.
- The Suns swept the San Antonio Spurs in the 2010 playoffs, ending a streak of playoff eliminations at the hands of the Spurs.
- Gentry described his Suns' pace as '12 seconds or under,' not the 'seven seconds or less' of the D'Antoni era.
- Gregg Popovich said the Suns were 'better defensively than in the past' under Gentry.
- Gentry became the fifth head coach to lead the Suns to the Western Conference finals in his first full season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What defines the Pelicans vs Suns rivalry?
It is a modern Western Conference clash driven by high-stakes games and overlapping roster histories rather than geography. Both teams rose to prominence simultaneously with young cores capable of challenging top-tier opponents.
When did this rivalry begin?
The dynamic solidified during the late 2010s, specifically highlighted by intense confrontations around the 2018-2019 postseason period. This era marked the beginning of their status as competitive peers within the conference.
How do their playing styles differ?
Games often feature a stark contrast between New Orleans' interior dominance and Phoenix's explosive perimeter offense. Defensively, each team tries to neutralize the other's primary strength during crucial moments.
Why is this matchup considered significant?
Their importance lies in how they represent two different paths to success for young franchises rebuilding at the same time. Matches between them often have high playoff implications or showcase emerging stars.
Is this rivalry still active today?
Yes, the rivalry remains active as both organizations continue to compete for Western Conference standing through the mid-2020s. Fans view these matchups as key indicators of each team's current trajectory.
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