The Phoenix Suns have always epitomized the Wild West part of the Western Conference.

But Celtics coach Doc Rivers said before Friday’s game to look beyond the image and consider what Friday’s opponent is now.

Still with Steve Nash running the point but now with Channing Frye replacing Shaquille O’Neal in the post and Amar’e Stoudamire on the wing, the Suns have become a versatile offensive threat.

Can the Suns still run? Sure. They’re averaging 111.2 points a game. But Rivers said that doesn’t mean Phoenix is limited to just that aspect of the game.

“We want to run,” Rivers said of his team, which is averaging 99.8 points a contest. “We would love to run and them not. They are going to but they are not just a running team. I think people don’t give them their due offensively. They’re more than a running team to me. They really execute in the half-court extremely well. They have the ability to not get fast-break points and still score 120.”

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