The 1989-90 Phoenix Suns season marked a significant turnaround for the franchise. Under the guidance of head coach Cotton Fitzsimmons, the Suns finished with a strong 54-28 record, a substantial improvement from their previous 28-54 season. This impressive performance earned them the fourth seed in the Western Conference playoffs.
Key to Phoenix’s success was the acquisition of Tom Chambers from the Seattle SuperSonics. Chambers had an outstanding season, averaging 27.2 points per game and earning a spot on the All-NBA Second Team. Kevin Johnson also played a crucial role, contributing an average of 22.5 points and 11.4 assists per game, solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s premier point guards. The team’s depth was enhanced by players like Jeff Hornacek and Mark West, who provided strong support both offensively and defensively.
In the playoffs, the Suns displayed their resilience and talent by defeating the Utah Jazz 3-2 in the first round. They then continued their strong playoff form by overcoming the Los Angeles Lakers, the reigning champions, in a 4-1 series upset in the Western Conference Semifinals. However, their remarkable run came to an end in the Western Conference Finals, where they were defeated by the Portland Trail Blazers in six games.
Overall, the 1989-90 season was a pivotal moment for the Phoenix Suns, laying the groundwork for future success and establishing them as a formidable force in the NBA during the early 1990s.
- Regular Season Record: 54-28
- Playoff Result: Western Conference First Round: 3-2, Western Conference Semifinals: 4-1, Western Conference Finals: 2-4
Phoenix Suns Roster and Stats for 1989-90 Season
| Regular Season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% |
| Tom Chambers | 81 | 27.2 | 7.0 | 2.3 | 1.1 | 0.6 | 27.9 | 16 | 22.2 | 6.7 | 1.9 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 26.3 |
| Kevin Johnson | 74 | 22.5 | 3.6 | 11.4 | 1.3 | 0.2 | 19.5 | 16 | 21.3 | 3.3 | 10.6 | 1.6 | 0.0 | 18.2 |
| Jeff Hornacek | 67 | 17.6 | 4.7 | 5.0 | 1.7 | 0.2 | 40.8 | 16 | 18.6 | 3.9 | 4.6 | 1.5 | 0.0 | 25.0 |
| Eddie Johnson | 64 | 16.9 | 3.8 | 1.7 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 38.0 | 16 | 12.3 | 3.6 | 1.1 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 39.5 |
| Dan Majerle | 73 | 11.1 | 5.9 | 2.6 | 1.4 | 0.4 | 23.8 | 16 | 12.6 | 5.1 | 2.1 | 1.3 | 0.1 | 33.3 |
| Mark West | 82 | 10.5 | 8.9 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 2.2 | 0.0 | 16 | 11.1 | 10.3 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 2.6 | 0.0 |
| Armen Gilliam | 16 | 8.9 | 4.4 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.0 | |||||||
| Mike McGee | 14 | 7.3 | 2.6 | 1.1 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 34.8 | 10 | 1.8 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 42.9 |
| Kurt Rambis | 58 | 5.4 | 7.0 | 1.8 | 1.2 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 16 | 4.2 | 7.7 | 1.4 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.0 |
| Tim Perry | 60 | 4.2 | 2.5 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.4 | 100.0 | 11 | 3.1 | 1.9 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.5 | 0.0 |
| Kenny Battle | 59 | 4.1 | 2.1 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 24.9 | 8 | 1.1 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Andrew Lang | 74 | 3.5 | 3.7 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 1.8 | 0.0 | 12 | 1.3 | 1.7 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.8 | 0.0 |
| Greg Grant | 67 | 3.1 | 0.9 | 2.5 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 18.8 | 7 | 2.7 | 0.9 | 1.4 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 33.3 |
| Tim Legler | 11 | 2.5 | 0.7 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |||||||
| Mike Morrison | 36 | 2.0 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 28.6 | |||||||
| Micheal Williams | 6 | 0.8 | 0.2 | 0.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |||||||
Phoenix Suns in the 1990 NBA Playoffs
Playoffs First Round vs. Utah Jazz
In the first round of the 1990 NBA Playoffs, the Phoenix Suns faced the Utah Jazz and emerged victorious in a hard-fought five-game series. The Suns, led by Kevin Johnson and Tom Chambers, showcased resilience and offensive prowess, ultimately overcoming a tough Jazz team anchored by Karl Malone and John Stockton. Phoenix's ability to prevail in critical moments set the stage for their deep playoff run that year.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 27, 1990 | @ Utah Jazz | L 113-96 | |
| Apr 29, 1990 | @ Utah Jazz | W 105-87 | |
| May 02, 1990 | vs. Utah Jazz | W 120-105 | |
| May 04, 1990 | vs. Utah Jazz | L 105-94 | |
| May 06, 1990 | @ Utah Jazz | W 104-102 |
Playoffs Second Round vs. Los Angeles Lakers
In the second round of the 1990 NBA Playoffs, the Phoenix Suns faced off against the Los Angeles Lakers in a highly competitive series. Despite the Lakers' formidable roster, the Suns showcased resilience and tenacity, ultimately defeating them in five games. This victory underscored Phoenix's rising status in the league, led by the dynamic duo of Kevin Johnson and Tom Chambers, and marked a significant step in their journey toward becoming Western Conference contenders.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 08, 1990 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | W 104-102 | |
| May 10, 1990 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | L 124-100 | |
| May 12, 1990 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | W 117-103 | |
| May 13, 1990 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | W 114-101 | |
| May 15, 1990 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | W 106-103 |
1990 Conference Championship vs. Portland Trail Blazers
In the 1990 NBA Playoffs, the Phoenix Suns made a memorable run to the Western Conference Finals, showcasing their tenacity and skill. Led by Kevin Johnson and Tom Chambers, they faced the Portland Trail Blazers in a hard-fought series. Despite their efforts, the Suns fell to the Blazers in six games, highlighting their need for depth against a formidable Portland squad.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 21, 1990 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | L 100-98 | |
| May 23, 1990 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | L 108-107 | |
| May 25, 1990 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 123-89 | |
| May 27, 1990 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 119-107 | |
| May 29, 1990 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | L 120-114 | |
| May 31, 1990 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | L 112-109 |
Phoenix Suns 1989-90 Regular Season Game Log
Here is the game log for the 1989-90 season for the Phoenix Suns.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 03, 1989 | vs. Golden State Warriors | W 136-106 | |
| Nov 04, 1989 | @ Denver Nuggets | L 135-132 | |
| Nov 07, 1989 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | L 111-107 | |
| Nov 10, 1989 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 130-109 | |
| Nov 15, 1989 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 109-107 | |
| Nov 17, 1989 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | L 110-109 | |
| Nov 18, 1989 | vs. Washington Bullets | W 118-107 | |
| Nov 21, 1989 | @ San Antonio Spurs | L 107-98 | |
| Nov 22, 1989 | vs. Chicago Bulls | L 95-90 | |
| Nov 24, 1989 | vs. Orlando Magic | W 121-94 | |
| Nov 29, 1989 | vs. Detroit Pistons | L 111-103 | |
| Dec 01, 1989 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | W 111-90 | |
| Dec 02, 1989 | vs. New York Knicks | L 122-112 | |
| Dec 07, 1989 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | L 100-96 | |
| Dec 08, 1989 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 123-98 | |
| Dec 12, 1989 | @ Houston Rockets | L 105-83 | |
| Dec 13, 1989 | @ Utah Jazz | L 102-95 | |
| Dec 15, 1989 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 121-96 | |
| Dec 17, 1989 | @ Sacramento Kings | W 125-113 | |
| Dec 20, 1989 | vs. Indiana Pacers | L 131-130 | |
| Dec 22, 1989 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | L 119-115 | |
| Dec 23, 1989 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | W 104-100 | |
| Dec 26, 1989 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 121-105 | |
| Dec 29, 1989 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | W 118-101 | |
| Dec 30, 1989 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | L 110-102 | |
| Jan 02, 1990 | @ New York Knicks | W 113-99 | |
| Jan 04, 1990 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | W 119-102 | |
| Jan 06, 1990 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 120-110 | |
| Jan 09, 1990 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | W 121-118 | |
| Jan 12, 1990 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 111-96 | |
| Jan 13, 1990 | @ Denver Nuggets | W 119-111 | |
| Jan 15, 1990 | vs. Charlotte Hornets | W 118-108 | |
| Jan 17, 1990 | @ Dallas Mavericks | W 108-88 | |
| Jan 18, 1990 | vs. Minnesota Timberwolves | W 113-96 | |
| Jan 20, 1990 | vs. Seattle SuperSonics | W 117-98 | |
| Jan 22, 1990 | @ Orlando Magic | W 126-103 | |
| Jan 23, 1990 | @ Miami Heat | W 118-99 | |
| Jan 25, 1990 | @ Charlotte Hornets | W 124-97 | |
| Jan 26, 1990 | @ Detroit Pistons | L 107-103 | |
| Jan 28, 1990 | @ Boston Celtics | L 126-118 | |
| Jan 30, 1990 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 120-95 | |
| Feb 01, 1990 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 102-90 | |
| Feb 03, 1990 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 130-105 | |
| Feb 04, 1990 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | L 123-121 | |
| Feb 07, 1990 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | W 128-124 | |
| Feb 13, 1990 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | W 118-96 | |
| Feb 14, 1990 | vs. Utah Jazz | W 114-103 | |
| Feb 16, 1990 | vs. Golden State Warriors | W 135-114 | |
| Feb 18, 1990 | @ Golden State Warriors | W 131-113 | |
| Feb 20, 1990 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 120-99 | |
| Feb 22, 1990 | @ Sacramento Kings | W 104-98 | |
| Feb 24, 1990 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 126-99 | |
| Feb 27, 1990 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 120-101 | |
| Mar 01, 1990 | @ Houston Rockets | L 112-104 | |
| Mar 02, 1990 | @ Dallas Mavericks | L 108-102 | |
| Mar 04, 1990 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 108-96 | |
| Mar 06, 1990 | @ Atlanta Hawks | W 113-111 | |
| Mar 07, 1990 | @ Washington Bullets | W 113-111 | |
| Mar 09, 1990 | @ Indiana Pacers | W 134-130 | |
| Mar 10, 1990 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | W 101-98 | |
| Mar 13, 1990 | @ Utah Jazz | W 114-106 | |
| Mar 14, 1990 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 138-108 | |
| Mar 16, 1990 | vs. Miami Heat | W 129-103 | |
| Mar 19, 1990 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | L 113-102 | |
| Mar 21, 1990 | vs. Charlotte Hornets | L 115-114 | |
| Mar 23, 1990 | vs. Minnesota Timberwolves | W 120-99 | |
| Mar 24, 1990 | vs. Seattle SuperSonics | W 121-95 | |
| Mar 26, 1990 | @ Chicago Bulls | L 121-92 | |
| Mar 27, 1990 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | L 133-127 | |
| Mar 29, 1990 | @ Charlotte Hornets | W 105-92 | |
| Mar 30, 1990 | @ New Jersey Nets | W 126-119 | |
| Apr 01, 1990 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | L 141-112 | |
| Apr 03, 1990 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | W 117-111 | |
| Apr 06, 1990 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | L 103-99 | |
| Apr 07, 1990 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | W 115-108 | |
| Apr 09, 1990 | vs. Utah Jazz | W 119-115 | |
| Apr 12, 1990 | @ Sacramento Kings | W 116-114 | |
| Apr 14, 1990 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 96-89 | |
| Apr 16, 1990 | @ Golden State Warriors | W 141-129 | |
| Apr 18, 1990 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | L 128-120 | |
| Apr 20, 1990 | vs. Golden State Warriors | W 123-106 | |
| Apr 22, 1990 | @ San Antonio Spurs | L 108-93 |