This Is Not A Paid NBA Advertisement

Tom Chambers has gone from flying through the air to being "On Air".

Recently my family and I took in an NBA game, Phoenix vs Denver. It is not too often I get to take in a basketball game and just be a fan. But this game was my chance and it become quite an enjoyable evening.

When we arrived at the US Airways Arena there was a carnival like atmosphere and my kids took in some of the activities on offer outside.

While the kids shot hoops I was checking out the work of one of my all time favourites, Tom Chambers. Mr Chambers now works for the local Fox Sports Network who cover the Suns.

It was half hour before tip off and we moved inside to our seats. Although we were not courtside with Suns owner Robert Sarver, they were well positioned for us to take in all the action uninterrupted. If I had these seats all the time I would be very happy.

As the teams began their warm up I noticed the Shaq was missing for the Suns layup line. I was a little disappointed not to see the "Big Cactus" there as I was looking forward to seeing him in action.

True to form he did not let me done. Shaq only needs a ten minute warm up.

The game got underway and what an entertaining game it was. It was a traditional Suns/Nuggets matchup as it ended 118-115 according to my four year old son.

Things that I remember most about the game:

- Shaq only missing one free throw for the game (7/8). He made a crucial 3 point play down the stretch as the Suns recaptured the lead. If only I could read lips to understand what he was telling Carmelo Anthony after the play.

- Grant Hill was the "old" version. His double double (23/10/5) was full of slashing moves to the hoop, an alley oop from Steve Nash and a clutch 15 footer.

- Melo taking over the game in the second half. Although he came up short in his quest, he was tough in the last 24 minutes.

- Chauncey Billups controlling the game and picking his moments to exert himself on offense.

- Nene schooling Shaq in the third on continuous "iso" plays but then losing control and getting ejected. Very costly for the Nuggets.

- Last but not least Steve Nash. It's fun to watch Shaq grab a defensive board, outlet it to Nash and watch Hill, Jason Richardson and Matt Barnes try and out run each other in anticipation of being on the end of another Nash assist.

- On a side note from my kids, the Phoenix Gorilla injured himself as he performed one of his mini tramp dunks. The Gorilla went unsighted for the remainder of the game after this incident.

The game ended and I was lucky enough to have some visitor section back stage passes.

What an experience this became for everyone. I will include myself because I got a happy snap with Chris "Birdman" Andersen. Is he the original "Birdman"?

I'm going to give the Denver Nugget players a wrap here because they were nothing but friendly and accessible to the fans waiting for them.

From Billups to Anthony and all in between they gave up their time to spend with the fans.

For those NBL fans wondering what has happened to former Victoria Titans import Jahmal Mosley, he is an assistant coach of the Nuggets.

The Suns provided a fun filled night of entertainment for my family so if anyone is having second thoughts about ever attending an NBA game at least in Phoenix, grab a ticket ASAP as I will not hesitate to attend again.