Belief

In the very first Matrix movie, Neo is told that he is “The One” that has been chosen to essentially save humanity.  As he begins to learn more about the The Matrix, Neo visits the Oracle (who originally predicted the emergence of “The One”) to speak with her about Morpheus’ prediction that Neo was the One.  Neo had been told how great he was by Morpheus and others, and there had been many who looked to Neo to save humanity.  Though Neo originally was skeptical as to why he was being selected…he began to accept it, though he didn’t fully understand it yet.  However, when he spoke to the Oracle…things changed.  The following conversation took place between the Oracle and Neo:

Oracle:  “OK, now I’m supposed to say, “Hmm, that’s interesting, but…” then you say…”
Neo:   …”but what?”
Oracle:  “But… you already know what I’m going to tell you.”
Neo:  “I’m not The One.”
Oracle:  “Sorry, kid. You got the gift, but it looks like you’re waiting for something.”

When returning to the phone line which was their exit out of the Matrix, Agents ambushed the team.  Everyone was able to get out of the Matrix…but not Neo.  Luckily, the Oracle told him “exactly what he needed to hear,” and he was beginning to believe…

Neo believed in himself…and he defeated Smith (for the time being).

This is so very similar to what the Suns are going through.  Suns fans, players, and league experts are starting to believe in this team.  And it’s obvious in their play, that the team is starting to believe (for the first time in the entire season) that they can contend.

Today, Matt Barnes (who has been unfairly maligned by fans) had his best game as a Sun.  Shaq“>Shaq continued to dominate.  Leandro Barbosa played phenomenally, and Grant Hill did the little things necessary to win.  All of this against the best team in the NBA and without their general - Steve Nash.  Keep in mind, this was against a Laker team who has been picked across the board to head to the finals in the West.  And it wasn’t like the Lakers had a terrible game collectively.  The Suns believed…and that was enough.

There has been so much written about this team, most saying it’s over for the Suns.  You’re not “the one.”  This style won’t work.  Well, it’s certainly starting to make a believer out of me. And I think it made believers out of many, many more today.

And why not?  With a rejuvenated Shaq and a rested Nash, I truly believe the Suns could beat the Lakers in a 7 game series.  They’re not that scary anymore.  And guess what - neither are the Spurs, Hornets, Rockets, Mavericks etc.  The important and encouraging part…is that the Suns are starting to believe in themselves.

That, perhaps, is what could save our season.

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