Benched for a New Year’s Eve visit to Oklahoma City, the Suns’ Michael Beasley (above) sported a ski mask after the game, a sartorial move that unwittingly acknowledges he’s been stealing Phoenix’s money. Former Suns beat writer Paul Coro chatted with Beasley in Wednesday’s USA Today :

“Maybe it’s my fault,” Beasley said. “I’m going to watch film like I’ve been doing. I’m going to evaluate and critique myself and go from there. There ain’t nothing I can do but look forward and up. I’m already at the bottom so there really isn’t too many places I can look. I’m just ready for 2012 to be over, dating back to even last season. I’m going to keep coming into this game optimistic. I put enough hours in and take enough jump shots. I’m in the gym pretty much longer than anybody in the NBA. I’m going to stay optimistic and trust my game.”

Coach Gary Gentry said Beasley’s “DNP” on Monday was more circumstance because “we had a good rotation going” with P.J. Tucker’s one-time start.

“I ain’t got no choice but to believe in the coach,” Beasley said. “If you don’t believe in the coach, then we’re never going to have a winning system or atmosphere. Whatever Coach says, that’s what I’m going to do, even if I have to sit on the bench with a bag over my head.”