Seven Seconds or Less
2004 to 2008. D'Antoni and Nash push the pace in Phoenix
Mike D'Antoni spent much of his playing and early coaching career in Italy with Olimpia Milano, where fast, open basketball was common. When he coached the Phoenix Suns and Steve Nash arrived in 2004, he brought those ideas to the NBA.
The goal was to shoot within the first seven seconds of the shot clock, before the defense was set. Nash pushed the ball after every rebound and every make. Amar'e Stoudemire rolled hard to the rim, while Shawn Marion and the shooters spread the floor.
In 2004 to 2005, the Suns led the NBA in pace, offensive rating and three-pointers, and finished with the league's best record. Nash won MVP in 2005 and 2006. Phoenix never reached the Finals, but the league was watching.
What changed
Phoenix proved that pace, spacing and the three could carry an NBA offense. Many ideas that are standard today, such as early pick and roll in transition and a stretch power forward, were tested in Phoenix first.
In the Dictionary: Early Offense, Pick and Roll, Pistol, Spacing