With 27 regular-season games remaining, it's time to congratulate the 2005 NBA Pacific Division Champions - the Phoenix Suns.
The Sacramento Kings conceded the division title Wednesday by trading Chris Webber to the Philadelphia 76ers for nothing significant in return.
Barring a major collapse, the Suns -- who had a 7.5 game lead over the Kings entering Thursday night's games -- will coast to the division title and one of the top playoff spots in the conference. With one of the lowest payrolls in the league, the Suns are in excellent position to dominate the division for a long time. The sun is shining bright in Phoenix.
The Kings have the look of desperation. They traded away their franchise player. They have been plagued by injuries and locker-room turmoil. Clouds are appearing over Arco Arena faster than an Amare Stoudemire block at the buzzer.
With the Pacific Division title now a mere formality, the Suns must set their sights on bigger things -- rings. Only Tim Duncan and the Spurs stand in their way.
