Remember a few weeks ago, when all the so-called NBA experts were calling Suns GM Steve Kerr an idiot for acquiring Shaquille O'Neal? The trade wasn't working and the Suns were slipping in the West.
Kerr may get the last laugh.
Phoenix looks to match a season high with its eighth straight win when its open a daunting four-game road trip against the Central Division-leading Pistons on Monday; Detroit is a 2.5-point betting favorite on WagerWeb.com.
Phoenix has only two road victories -- at Portland and Seattle -- during its seven-game streak, and it will see much tougher competition over the next week. After Detroit, the Suns visit league-leading Boston on Wednesday, red-hot Philadelphia on Friday and New Jersey Saturday.
The Pistons played at Washington on Sunday and are 9-7 in the second games of back-to-back sets this season. They routed the Suns 116-86 on Feb. 24 in Shaq's third game with the Suns (he had only 7 points). Phoenix shot 29 percent in the first quarter and trailed by 36 points in the third.
A major reason for the Suns' reversal in fortune has been their productivity in the first quarter, which was sorely lacking in the first matchup with the Pistons (just 16 points). During their winning streak, the Suns have been on a tear in the first quarter, averaging 33.4 points and scoring 37 or more in three of those games.
The Pistons, who have the second-best defense in the league (90.8), have won three straight home games, and 13 of their last 15 at the Palace of Auburn Hills. Detroit is first in the league in fewest turnovers committed (11.6), second in scoring defense (90.8) and has the fifth-best home record (27-6).
But they will try to avoid losing three straight games for just the second time this season tonight.
Detroit's offense once again lacked any kind of rhythm Sunday, a similar problem which led to their 89-73 loss at Cleveland on Wednesday.
"It's not a concern," Pistons forward Tayshaun Prince said. "We didn't even run our normal plays. We were running stuff just to get some movement so guys weren't just standing around. Usually when it gets to crucial situations we go back to our bread and butter, but we didn't run any of our normal plays."The Suns are averaging 117 points during their winning streak on 55.7 percent shooting. Phoenix has scored at least 110 points in six consecutive games for the second time in Mike D'Antoni's 4 1/2 seasons as coach.
"We were a good offensive team before the trade," Suns forward Grant Hill said. "We weren't a great defensive team. I think defense is the big thing."
Phoenix has moved ahead of the Rockets into third place in the Western Conference, one-half game behind first-place New Orleans, which is a percentage point ahead of the Pacific Division-leading Los Angeles Lakers.
The Suns, who reeled off eight consecutive wins Nov. 9-23, had lost four of five immediately before their current run, dropping to sixth in the West.
Amare Stoudemire is averaging 30.7 points in his last six games -- 6.1 better than his season average. Stoudemire had 31 points and three rebounds in the loss to Detroit last month.
If Stoudemire scores 15 or more points tonight, he will break Walter Davis' franchise record of 57 consecutive games with at least that many points. Stoudemire has scored 30 or more points in seven of the past 15 games.
Phoenix may play tonight without guard Raja Bell, who is listed as questionable with a sprained right ankle.
The Pistons have won nine of their last 12 meetings with the Suns and three of the past four in Motown.
| ATS | Phoenix | Detroit |
| Record: | 47-22-0 (.681) | 49-20-0 (.710) |
| As Favorite: | 45-17-0 (.726) | 44-14-0 (.759) |
| As Underdog: | 2-5-0 (.286) | 5-6-0 (.455) |
| At Home: | 26-10-0 (.722) | 27-6-0 (.818) |
| On Road: | 21-12-0 (.636) | 22-14-0 (.611) |
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