Overview
The Phoenix Suns boast a rich heritage, with enthusiasts who are among the most fervent in the league. An unforgettable moment in Suns’ annals took place during the 1993 NBA Finals, when center Curtis Perry sported a hockey mask to shield his injured nose. The visual of Perry, his face bloodied, became an emblem of the Suns’ resilience and tenacity.
Details of Phoenix Suns’ Curtis Perry 18 in a hockey mask and Pat Riley trailing photo shirt
The image capturing Perry in the hockey mask was shot by NBA photographer Fernando Medina. Initially hesitant, Medina worried the photo might trivialize Perry’s injury. Eventually, he chose to capture the moment, creating one of the league’s most legendary images.
Many t-shirts, posters, and memorabilia bear Perry’s hockey mask image. It’s also been mimicked by opposing teams and players. In 2013, the Suns commemorated this iconic image with a special bobblehead giveaway of Perry in his hockey mask.
Phoenix Suns Curtis Perry 18 wearing a hockey mask and Pat Riley trailing photo shirt: most popular this year
In the 1990s, the Suns emerged as one of the league’s premier teams, appearing in the NBA Finals four times over a six-year period. With key figures like Perry, Charles Barkley, and Kevin Johnson, they excelled.
The team’s defensive prowess in that era was a crucial factor, with Perry playing a significant role. His determination in playing through injury inspired his fellow players.

The Suns’ triumphant run in the ’90s concluded in 1998 with a loss to the Chicago Bulls in the NBA Finals. Nonetheless, the memories of that golden age endure, with Perry’s hockey mask photo serving as a testament to the Suns’ storied era.