Game Thread #21: Phoenix Suns vs Golden State Warriors

I happen to be in Oakland/San Francisco today.  I'll be in an airplane heading home while the Suns are playing.  I'm going to put a jinx on the Warrior's arena (even though they aren't playing there) when I pass by on my way to the airport.  Then I'll be sending good vibes to the US Airways Center as I fly over that later tonight.

This should be a good game.  The Suns are coming off a 5-game road trip and sometimes after a long road trip it is easy to let down when you get home.  But the Suns won't be able to do that tonight.  The Warriors are coming off a great last-second win against the Rockets last night (visit brother site Golden State of Mind for a recap of that game) and should be on a high.  Baron Davis hit the game-winning shot with 1.2 seconds to go.

The keys to the game tonight:

1.  Don't let Baron get hot!  I don't know who will be guarding him but whoever it is, they'll need their A game after the confidence boosting shot last night.  I hope Shawn is defending him!
2.  Come out strong in the first quarter  The Suns have done a great job of this but I think it will work especially well against the Warriors because they've got confidence that can be shattered if the Suns get a double-digit lead on them in the 1st quarter.
3.  Run, Run, Run, Run, Run! I know I keep saying this but the game last night had to be draining for the Warriors.  It always is when the game is on the line in the last few seconds.  With tired legs for Golden State and fresher legs for the Suns, it could turn to the Suns advantage to continually run because the Warriors like to try and run with them.  By the 4th quarter, they'll be tuckered out.