The Phoenix Suns have claimed the 8th and final playoff spot in the West.

"I cried," Marbury admitted. "I haven't been this happy since my two kids were born.

"It means everything to me. I'm just elated right now. I'm probably the happiest person on this earth right now.''

"I don't know if our younger players understand it, but it's vindication - especially for me and Steph," guard Penny Hardaway said.

"With the road he's gone through, being criticized for not getting a team to the playoffs and me getting negative press about the injuries, we've come a long ways.

"He's emotional, and I'm happy for him. He deserves everything he's getting. He came in very focused, and he led us to the playoffs. Now it's time to roll."

The Suns got the final playoff berth after beating the San Antonio Spurs, their likely first round opponent.

"It is a concern,'' Tim Duncan said. "They've given us trouble all season long, and I have no doubt they'll give us trouble in the playoffs.''

"It's just a tough matchup for them," Phoenix coach Frank Johnson said. "We've got shooters in the corners, and sometimes they'll have Robinson or Duncan on Marion. That's not a matchup."