2002–03 Phoenix Suns season

NBA team season March 2026 August 2023 Phoenix Suns 2003 44 38 Pacific 4 8 Frank Johnson Bryan Colangelo Jerry Colangelo America West Arena First round(lost to Spurs 2–4) PHO KUTP Fox Sports Net Arizona Cox 9 KTAR The 2002–03 Phoenix Suns season was the 35th season for the Phoenix Suns in the National Basketball Association. Phoenix Suns Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/PHO/ August 9, 2026 Season summary Off-season After missing the NBA playoffs the previous season, the Suns received the ninth overall pick in the 2002 NBA draft, and selected power forward, and high school basketball star Amar'e Stoudemire. Lago Joe Rockets Make Yao Ming First Overall Pick ESPN June 26, 2002 https://www.espn.com/nbadraft/story?id=1399417 January 14, 2022 Passan Jeff Rockets Select Yao No. 1 Overall in Draft The Washington Post June 26, 2002 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/2002/06/27/rockets-select-yao-no-1-overall-in-draft/514fd892-fe37-4595-aed2-c42c53b509fb/ July 15, 2022 2002 NBA Draft Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_2002.html December 1, 2022 During the off-season, the team signed free agent Scott Williams, who won three NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls in the early 1990s. Western Conference: Team-by-Team Preview The New York Times October 28, 2002 https://www.nytimes.com/2002/10/28/sports/basketball/teambyteam-preview-2002102890660337665.html July 16, 2022 Regular season In their first full season under head coach Frank Johnson, and with the addition of Stoudemire, the Suns played around .500 in winning percentage with a 10–10 start to the regular season. However, the team won 11 of their next 13 games, and later on held a 29–21 record at the All-Star break. NBA Games Played on February 6, 2003 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/?month=2&day=6&year=2003 September 13, 2022 The Suns played slightly below .500 for the remainder of the season, finishing in fourth place in the Pacific Division with a 44–38 record, which was an eight-game improvement over the previous season, and earning the eighth seed in the Western Conference. 2002–03 Phoenix Suns Schedule and Results Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/PHO/2003_games.html January 13, 2022 After a one-year absence, the Suns returned to the NBA playoffs after snapping a streak of thirteen consecutive seasons the year before, which was a franchise record; the team also posted a successful 30–11 home record at the America West Arena, but struggled posting a 14–27 road record during the regular season. Stephon Marbury averaged 22.3 points, 8.1 assists and 1.3 steals per game, and was named to the All-NBA Third Team, while Shawn Marion averaged 21.2 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game, and led the Suns with 141 three-point field goals, and Stoudemire provided the team with 13.5 points and 8.8 rebounds per game, and was named the NBA Rookie of the Year, and was also named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team. Associated Press PLUS: N.B.A.; Stoudemire Named Rookie of the Year The New York Times April 25, 2003 https://www.nytimes.com/2003/04/25/sports/plus-nba-stoudemire-named-rookie-of-the-year.html June 12, 2022 Stoudemire Is Rookie of Year Deseret News April 25, 2003 https://www.deseret.com/2003/4/25/19718279/stoudemire-is-rookie-of-year October 27, 2022 NBA & ABA Rookie of the Year Award Winners Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/roy.html November 29, 2022 In addition, Anfernee Hardaway provided with 10.6 points and 4.1 assists per game, but only played 58 games due to injury, while second-year guard Joe Johnson contributed 9.8 points per game, and rookie shooting guard, and first-round draft pick Casey Jacobsen contributed 5.1 points per game. Meanwhile, Jake Tsakalidis averaged 4.9 points and 3.7 rebounds per game, but only played just 33 games, Tom Gugliotta provided with 4.8 points and 3.7 rebounds per game, but only appeared in just 27 games, Bo Outlaw averaged 4.7 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, and Williams contributed 4.0 points and 2.8 rebounds per game. 2002–03 Phoenix Suns Roster and Stats Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/PHO/2003.html January 13, 2022 During the NBA All-Star weekend at the Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, Marbury and Marion were both selected for the 2003 NBA All-Star Game, as members of the Western Conference All-Star team; it was Marion's first ever All-Star appearance, and the second and final All-Star appearance for Marbury. Sheridan Chris Something Old, Something New on Court at All-Star Game Ocala Star-Banner February 9, 2003 https://www.ocala.com/story/news/2003/02/09/something-old-something-new-on-court-at-all-star-game/31273551007/ January 28, 2026 NBA.com Staff 2003 NBA All-Star Recap NBA.com September 13, 2021 https://www.nba.com/news/history-all-star-recap-2003 January 28, 2026 2003 NBA All-Star Game: West 155, East 145 (2OT) Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/NBA_2003.html January 28, 2026 Meanwhile, Stoudemire was selected for the NBA Rookie Challenge Game, as a member of the Rookies team, Basketball The Madison Courier February 8, 2003 A8 https://books.google.com/books?id=KbpJAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA5&dq=2003+NBA+All-Star+Rosters&article_id=6980,3744966&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjUp7Pcs6-SAxUnmIkEHXTXEisQ6AF6BAgHEAM#v=onepage&q=2003%20NBA%20All-Star%20Rosters&f=false January 28, 2026 2003 NBA Rising Stars: Sophomores 132, Rookies 112 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/NBA_2003_rookie.html January 28, 2026 and also participated in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest. NBA & ABA All-Star Game Contest Winners Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/contest.html January 28, 2026 Marbury finished tied in 14th place in Most Improved Player voting, while Hardaway finished tied in 26th place; 2002–03 NBA Awards Voting Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/awards_2003.html February 1, 2026 Marion finished tied in 13th place in Defensive Player of the Year voting, while Joe Johnson finished tied in eleventh place in Sixth Man of the Year voting, and Frank Johnson finished in eleventh place in Coach of the Year voting. The Suns finished 16th in the NBA in home-game attendance, with an attendance of 666,559 at the America West Arena during the regular season. 2002–03 NBA Season Summary Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2003.html February 3, 2026 NBA playoffs In the Western Conference First Round of the 2003 NBA playoffs, the Suns faced off against the top–seeded, and Midwest Division champion San Antonio Spurs, who were led by the trio of All-Star forward, and Most Valuable Player of the Year, Tim Duncan, second-year star Tony Parker, and David Robinson. The Suns won Game 1 over the Spurs on the road in overtime, 96–95 at the SBC Center, Associated Press Pro Basketball: The Suns Cash In on a Couple of Unlikely Bank Shots The New York Times April 20, 2003 https://www.nytimes.com/2003/04/20/sports/pro-basketball-the-suns-cash-in-on-a-couple-of-unlikely-bank-shots.html June 12, 2022 Associated Press Suns Put Win in the Bank Los Angeles Times April 20, 2003 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-apr-20-sp-spurs20-story.html October 27, 2022 but then lost the next two games to the Spurs, before winning Game 4 at home, 86–84 at the America West Arena to even the series. However, the Suns lost the next two games, which included a Game 6 loss to the Spurs at the America West Arena, 87–85, thus losing the series in six games. Associated Press Pro Basketball: Spurs Finish Suns' Season The New York Times May 2, 2003 https://www.nytimes.com/2003/05/02/sports/pro-basketball-spurs-finish-suns-season.html January 13, 2022 Teaford Elliott Another Shot at Champs Los Angeles Times May 2, 2003 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-may-02-sp-sunspurs2-story.html June 11, 2022 2003 NBA Western Conference First Round: Suns vs. Spurs Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2003-nba-western-conference-first-round-suns-vs-spurs.html February 1, 2026 The Spurs would go on to defeat the New Jersey Nets in six games in the 2003 NBA Finals, winning their second NBA championship in franchise history. Associated Press Spurs Defeat Nets to Win N.B.A. Title The New York Times June 15, 2003 https://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/15/sports/basketball/spurs-defeat-nets-to-win-nba-title.html July 15, 2022 Heisler Mark Spurs Reduce the 'Risk Los Angeles Times June 16, 2003 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-jun-16-sp-nbafinals16-story.html July 15, 2022 2003 NBA Finals: Nets vs. Spurs Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2003-nba-finals-nets-vs-spurs.html February 1, 2026 Aftermath Following the season, Tsakalidis and Outlaw were both traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, NBA: Grizzlies Acquire F Outlaw, C Tsakalidis from Suns ESPN September 30, 2003 https://www.espn.com/nba/story?id=1627605&src=desktop October 27, 2022 Suns Send Outlaw and Tsakalidis to Grizzlies Deseret News October 1, 2003 https://www.deseret.com/2003/10/1/19787485/suns-send-outlaw-and-tsakalidis-to-grizzlies November 27, 2022 while Williams was released to free agency, and would later on sign as a free agent with the Dallas Mavericks midway through the following season, and Randy Brown retired. Offseason NBA draft 2002 NBA draft Round Pick Player Position Nationality College / Club Team 1 9 Amar'e Stoudemire Forward United States 1 22 Casey Jacobsen Guard United States Stanford Roster Phoenix Suns 2002–03 #423189 #FFFFFF #808080 #000000 0 Randy Brown basketball G 6 2 190 1968–05–22 New Mexico State 4 Alton Ford F 6 9 275 1981–05–29 Houston 24 Tom Gugliotta F 6 10 240 1969–12–19 North Carolina State 1 Penny Hardaway G 6 7 195 1971–07–18 Memphis 23 Casey Jacobsen F 6 6 215 1981–03–19 Stanford 2 Joe Johnson basketball G 6 7 225 1981–06–29 Arkansas 14 Dan Langhi F 6 11 220 1977–11–28 Vanderbilt 3 Stephon Marbury Stephon Marbury G 6 2 180 1977–02–20 Georgia Tech 31 Shawn Marion F 6 7 220 1978–05–07 UNLV 45 Bo Outlaw C 6 8 210 1971–04–13 Houston 32 Amar'e Stoudemire F 6 10 245 1982–11–16 Cypress Creek HS (FL) 25 Jake Tsakalidis C 7 2 285 1979–06–10 Georgia (country)Georgia 43 Jake Voskuhl C 6 11 245 1977–11–01 Connecticut 47 Scott Williams basketball C 6 10 230 1968–03–21 North Carolina Frank Johnson Mike D'Antoni Tim Grgurich Marc Iavaroni Phil Weber https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/PHO/2003.html October 23, 2002 Regular season Standings PHO PHO Playoffs Game log Phoenix Suns yes 2003 #423189 #FF8800 Phoenix Suns First Round yes yes no #808080 #423189 1 2 1 2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 1 | April 19 | @ San Antonio | W 96–95 (OT) | Stephon Marbury (26) | Shawn Marion (12) | Stephon Marbury (6) | SBC Center19,217 | 1–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 2 | April 21 | @ San Antonio | L 76–84 | Stephon Marbury (32) | Shawn Marion (12) | Stephon Marbury (5) | SBC Center19,217 | 1–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 3 | April 25 | San Antonio | L 86–99 | Stephon Marbury (25) | Joe Johnson (9) | Stephon Marbury (7) | America West Arena19,023 | 1–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 4 | April 27 | San Antonio | W 86–84 | Stephon Marbury (18) | Shawn Marion (14) | Hardaway, Marbury (7) | America West Arena18,756 | 2–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 5 | April 29 | @ San Antonio | L 82–94 | Shawn Marion (22) | Amar'e Stoudemire (14) | Stephon Marbury (7) | SBC Center19,217 | 2–3 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 6 | May 1 | San Antonio | L 85–87 | Shawn Marion (24) | Shawn Marion (15) | Penny Hardaway (5) | America West Arena18,913 | 2–4 |- PHO yes 2003 Awards and honors Week/Month Amar'e Stoudemire was named Western Conference Rookie of the Month for January. Amar'e Stoudemire was named Western Conference Rookie of the Month for April. Frank Johnson was named Western Conference Coach of the Month for December. Stephon Marbury was named Western Conference Player of the Week for games played November 24 through November 30. Stephon Marbury was named Western Conference Player of the Week for games played January 5 through January 11. Shawn Marion was named Western Conference Player of the Week for games played April 7 through April 13. All-Star Shawn Marion was selected as a reserve for the Western Conference in the All-Star Game. It was his first All-Star selection. Stephon Marbury was selected as a reserve for the Western Conference in the All-Star Game. It was his second All-Star selection. Amar'e Stoudemire was selected to play for the Rookie team in the Rookie Challenge. Stephon Marbury was selected to compete in the Skills Challenge. Marbury lost the competition to the player he was traded to Phoenix for, Jason Kidd. Amar'e Stoudemire was selected to compete in the Slam Dunk Contest. Stoudemire finished third, behind Desmond Mason and champion Jason Richardson. Season Amar'e Stoudemire received the Rookie of the Year Award. Stephon Marbury was named to the All-NBA Third Team. Amar'e Stoudemire was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team. Shawn Marion finished 13th in Defensive Player of the Year voting. Joe Johnson finished 11th in Sixth Man of the Year voting. Stephon Marbury finished 14th in Most Improved Player voting. Penny Hardaway finished 26th in Most Improved Player voting. Player statistics Season PlayerGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG Brown, Randy Randy Brown 32 0 8.2 .372 . .750 0.8 1.1 .5 .1 1.3 Ford, Alton Alton Ford 11 0 2.8 .333 . .333 0.5 0.1 .0 .0 0.6 Gugliotta, Tom Tom Gugliotta 27 11 16.6 .455 .000 1.000^ 3.7 1.1 .5 .2 4.8 Hardaway, Penny Penny Hardaway 58 51 30.6 .447 .356 .794 4.4 4.1 1.1 .4 10.6 Jacobsen, Casey Casey Jacobsen 72 0 15.9 .373 .315 .686 1.2 1.0 .5 .1 5.1 Johnson, Joe Joe Johnson 82 34 27.5 .397 .366 .774 3.2 2.6 .8 .2 9.8 Langhi, Dan Dan Langhi 60 0 9.0 .401 .290 .600 1.5 0.4 .3 .1 3.1 Marbury, Stephon Stephon Marbury 81 81 40.0 .439 .301 .803 3.2 8.1 1.3 .2 22.3 Marion, Shawn Shawn Marion 81 81 41.6 .452 .387 .851^ 9.5 2.4 2.3 1.2 21.2 Outlaw, Bo Bo Outlaw 80 20 22.5 .550† .000 .621 4.6 1.4 .6 .9 4.7 Stoudemire, Amar'e Amar'e Stoudemire 82 71 31.3 .472† .200 .661 8.8 1.0 .8 1.1 13.5 Tsakalidis, Jake Jake Tsakalidis 33 27 16.5 .452 . .672 3.7 0.4 .2 .5 4.9 Voskuhl, Jake Jake Voskuhl 65 1 14.6 .564† . .667 3.5 0.6 .3 .4 3.8 Williams, Scott Scott Williams 69 33 12.6 .411 .000 .786 2.8 0.3 .4 .3 4.0 † – Minimum 300 field goals made. ^ – Minimum 125 free throws made. Playoffs PlayerGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG Gugliotta, Tom Tom Gugliotta 2 0 5.0 .500 . .500 1.0 0.0 .0 .0 2.5 Hardaway, Penny Penny Hardaway 6 6 40.7 .386 .360^ .722 6.0 4.3 2.2 .8 12.7 Jacobsen, Casey Casey Jacobsen 6 0 6.5 .200 .400^ .000 0.5 0.3 .5 .0 1.0 Johnson, Joe Joe Johnson 6 0 27.3 .275 .154 .400 4.3 1.3 .7 .3 5.3 Marbury, Stephon Stephon Marbury 6 6 45.2 .375 .227 .758 4.0 5.7 1.2 .0 22.0 Marion, Shawn Shawn Marion 6 6 47.2 .374 .321 .846 11.7 2.0 1.8 1.8 18.5 Outlaw, Bo Bo Outlaw 6 0 11.7 .100 . .500 2.2 0.8 .2 .2 0.7 Stoudemire, Amar'e Amar'e Stoudemire 6 6 33.8 .523† 1.000^ .571 7.8 1.2 1.7 1.5 14.2 Voskuhl, Jake Jake Voskuhl 6 0 16.3 .706† . .923# 3.7 0.3 .7 .7 6.0 Williams, Scott Scott Williams 6 6 13.8 .344 . 1.000# 2.5 0.2 .7 .5 4.0 † – Minimum 20 field goals made. ^ – Minimum 5 three-pointers made. # – Minimum 10 free throws made. Player statistics citation: References External links Standings on Basketball Reference Category:Phoenix Suns seasons Phoenix