1992-93 Phoenix Suns (62-20)

Coach: Paul Westphal

Throughout the 1980's and early 1990's, the Suns won 40 to 60 games a season, but came up short in the playoffs. In 1992, the final piece of the puzzle was brought in as the Suns got forward Charles Barkley from the Sixers in exchange for Jeff Hornacek and two other players. Also, new coach Paul Westphal, who played for the "Sunderella" Suns that made the NBA Finals in 1976, replaced Cotton Fitzsimmons. After playing preseason games at the old Coliseum, the Suns brought in new uniforms to play in the new America West Arena. Barkley's 25.6 ppg would give him an MVP trophy. As for the rest of the Suns, they would win a franchise-high 62 games with a Pacific Division title to go along with it.

In the 1st round, the Suns lost the first two games against the Lakers. But in the Forum, the Suns would win the next two to force a fifth game in Phoenix. The Suns would win that game 112-104. By the 5th game of the 2nd round, the Suns and Spurs were 2 games apiece. After Phoenix won the 5th game, both teams were determined not to force a 7th game. So Charles Barkley hit a 20-foot shot over David Robinson. The Suns would go to the West Finals against Seattle. The teams would force a 7th game. Charles Barkley's 44 points would give the Suns their first NBA Finals appearance since 1976. It would be against the 2-time defending champion Chicago Bulls. Like the first round, the Suns would lose the first two contests in Phoenix. In the 3rd game, the Bulls lost in triple overtime, the first since 1976. The Suns would win the fifth game in Chicago Stadium. Appearing to force a 7th game, however, John Paxson made sure that the Bulls won as he hit the Championship-winning shot.