After the Suns dropped to 3-6 in the Shaquille O’Neal era following a 126-118 loss to the Utah Jazz, coach Mike D’Antoni told the ARIZONA REPUBLIC they’re still a better team with the Big Arid-Stottle.

“I don’t think there’s any doubt. Not play-wise, but on paper and what we see. We can be a better team than we could ever be with the little guys running all over the place. We may not be as pretty, but we’re going to be much more efficient.”

To quote Homer Simpson, “In theory, communism works. IN THEORY.”

D’Antoni may be right about the Suns’ ability to win with a frenetic, high-offense no-defense style of play. Even general manager Steve Kerr knew that, and he had to do something to change the style of play. But given the team he must coach, he has no choice but to claim they’re better, then hope he’s eventually right. What’s he going to say? “Man, we just suck. Call it a season, boys. There will be no playoffs this year. Inform the children.”

Phoenix’s next game is Sunday against the San Antonio Spurs, whose 11-game winning streak broke down last night against Denver. Given that Phoenix’s last two opponents have both dropped 126 points on them, anything San Antone scores less than that will be an improvement for the Suns defense.