Suns get back to winning fast

It wasn't supposed to be like this in Phoenix. Not this season anyway.

Steve Nash wasn't supposed to be as productive as ever at 35. After being shopped around and conducting an offseason radio tour in which he seemingly professed his love for every team but Phoenix, Amar'e Stoudemire wasn't supposed to be averaging 19.7 points with the Suns. His career stalled in Portland, free-agent signee Channing Frye wasn't supposed to step in at center and nearly triple his scoring average from last season. And after experiencing little success as head coach in three different cities, Alvin Gentry wasn't supposed to be a rock-solid replacement for Mike D'Antoni.

But all of it is happening for the Suns, who can match the franchise-best 7-1 start and complete a 4-1 East Coast trip with a victory in Philadelphia on Monday. Not surprisingly, the Suns are doing it with offense. With Nash (17.9 points, 11.9 assists) directing the run-and-gun system that is back in full force, the Suns lead the league with 109.7 points a game and rank second in shooting at 49.7 percent.

Whether Phoenix has staying power remains to be seen. But for now, the surprising start has lifted the Suns into the top three in this week's Power Rankings.

(All stats and records are through Nov. 8.)

NBA Power Rankings

1 - 10

11 - 20

21 - 30