There is no arc to the Suns story over the last two years.
From 19 victories two years ago, to 34 last season, including an 8-0 finish, to 51 and the second seed in the Western Conference this season, the Suns story line is a vertical one.
But does it begin to bend Sunday when their first-round series against the Lakers begins in downtown Phoenix?
No two seed has ever faced a more difficult opponent in the opening round of the playoffs.
The Lakers are +200 favorites to win the West and make it to the Finals, meaning if you bet $100 on the Lakers you would win $200.