ON DECK: Suns start to season is surprising

Am I the only one surprised by the fast start of the Phoenix Suns?

Going into Wednesday's matchup with New Orleans, Coach Alvin Gentry had the purple and orange sitting atop the Pacific Division standings at 7-1 after going 4-1 on a recent road trip - with wins over Boston, Miami, Washington and Philadelphia.

It's been addition by sub-Shaq-tion.

Without the big cactus, Phoenix is running smooth, playing defense and hitting 3-pointers.

Steve Nash is playing like he did during his MVP days and everyone is benefitting.

Phoenix is burying 47 percent of its treys on the season.

And while the Suns are still giving up points, Phoenix has been clamping down when it matters most. Teams are scoring only 18 points a night on the Suns in the fourth quarter.

Phoenix has a favorable schedule over its next 10 games and could possibly be 16-3 or 14-5 come early December. Possible bumps in the road include tonight's game with the Lakers, two games with Toronto and one with Cleveland.