Amare Stoudemire Returns

Steve Nash is currently doing a spectacular job.

Nash led the Phoenix Suns to become one of the best teams, not only in the Western Conference, but in the entire NBA as well.

Now, they just got a whole lot better.

Yes, Amare Stoudemire is back.

Amare Stoudemire made his return to the Phoenix Suns lineup and instantaneously, stirred quite an impact when his Suns battled the lowly Portland Trailblazers. Amare dropped 20 points and nine rebounds in his first game of the season. He only played 19 minutes against Portland but man, can he score.

The Suns are already a title contender without Amare as Steve Nash gave his teammates all the good looks they want. Hell, Nash even made Tim Thomas a solid scorer again.

Stoudemire was an All-Star last season, averaging 26 points per game and helping the Suns to 62 wins and an appearance in the Western Conference finals.

With the Suns leading the Pacific Division, there were questions about bringing back Stoudemire from such a serious procedure.

Stoudemire himself was uncertain about his return. There also were issues of incorporating Stoudemire into the run-and-gun offense of the Suns, who often play with France's Boris Diaw at center and frustrate foes with speed.

Although the Blazers may not have been a good barometer, Stoudemire fit right in. He started at power forward and made 7-of-14 shots, although he relied primarily on his jumper and appeared tentative at times.

There is no doubt that Amare Stoudemire became the focal point of the Suns offense. Phoenix, with scorching Suns leading the franchise to a title shot in June, will just get better with the return of a supernova.

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