Phoenix at L.A. Lakers game headlines ABC Doubleheader on Christmas Day

PHOENIX – Coming off their third consecutive Pacific Division title and 61 wins last season, the Phoenix Suns will tip off the club’s 40^th NBA season in grand style with a pair of nationally televised games against the Seattle SuperSonics and Los Angeles Lakers. The Suns also make their return to the NBA’s Christmas Day lineup for the first time since the 1996-97 season, when they travel to face the L.A. Lakers on ABC.

Phoenix opens the 2007-08 campaign on the road against the Seattle SuperSonics and rookie Kevin Durant, the No. 2 pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, at 7:30 p.m. (Phoenix time) on TNT on Thursday, Nov. 1. The Suns return to the Valley to take on Kobe Bryant and the L.A. Lakers at US Airways Center in the home opener on Friday, Nov. 2 at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN.

The Suns then host LeBron James and the Eastern Conference champion Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday, Nov. 4. before playing 12 of the next 18 games (Nov. 6-Dec. 8) on the road, including marquee matchups in back-to-back games against perennial All-Star Shaquille O’Neal and Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat on Nov. 9 and Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic on Nov. 10. During that 33-day span, the Suns will travel for two extended East Coast road trips (Nov. 6-10 and Dec. 2-8).

Phoenix plays 21 of its 41 home games during the weekend, including nine on Friday night, six on Saturday night and six on Sunday. The Suns will be showcased on the maximum number (33) of nationally televised games allowed when they appear five times on ABC, nine on TNT, 10 on ESPN and nine on NBA TV. In addition, ESPN Radio will carry seven games. Phoenix will also play 17 back-to-back sets this season.

Phoenix’s ABC schedule is highlighted by home games against the Detroit Pistons on Feb. 24, the defending NBA champion San Antonio Spurs on March 9 and the Dallas Mavericks on April 6.

Al McCoy begins his 36^th season calling action on flagship station KTAR 620 AM. FSN Arizona will telecast regular season home games for its fifth consecutive season and My 45 will continue to broadcast away games. This season the Suns will become the first NBA team to televise the entire season in High Definition (HD).

Most home games start at 7:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with a 6:00 p.m. tip-time for Sunday home starts (exceptions are nationally-televised games).

A complete 2007-08 Phoenix Suns schedule is attached and can also be found on Suns.com. A full broadcast schedule will be released at a later date.

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