Suns move to second round to face San Antonio Spurs

by Dan on May 2, 2007 11:24 PM MDT in Suns News Comment 34 comments

This opening round series against the Lakers was a bit different than last year. The Suns came out the agressors and only lost one game against the Lakers. And even that game was one they could have won had they played correctly at the end of the game.

This game had some drama in it because the Spurs had won the game before and the Suns knew the Spurs were going to be waiting for them. If they didn't win tonight, the Spurs would have had more rest and would have been able to prepare for the Suns while the Suns would have had to prepare for a game 6 on the road against the Lakers.

Not only that but Raja Bell was doubtful for the game after his wife had a baby boy earlier in the day. Raja did end up playing and "held" Kobe to 34 points on 13 of 32 shooting.

The Suns didn't shoot exceptionally well from the field and were outrebounded by the Lakers but they played just well enough to win. With about 6 minutes to go, the Suns had a 9 point lead (I think) and I thought the game was over at that point. But Kobe just never stops shooting and you know eventually he's going to start hitting some shots. The Lakers got close but then the Suns clamped down on defense, made their free throws and won the game in the end.

No one knows exactly when the Suns and Spurs play but Doug Collins was predicting it would be on Sunday. This is the matchup that really worries me. If anyone is going to beat the Suns, it will be the Spurs. Amare is going to need a monster series to help the Suns win 4 times against the Spurs. But it can be done. The Spurs are getting old and while they have more experience than the Suns, they may get tired over a 7 game series with the Suns running them into the ground. That is, if the Suns can force their will on the Spurs and actually run.

Overall, this was a great series by the Suns and they closed it out when they had to. They could have let up knowing they had to win only 1 game in the next three and they just didn't do it. I'm happy with the series and I'm ready to move on to the next one.

What are your thoughts on the game?

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Poll?

Dan - I assume you're going to do a poll for round 2?

by TexSUN on May 3, 2007 12:04 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

done

New poll is up

by Dan on May 3, 2007 8:21 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Spurs

This second round match up definitely worries me, to the extent that I am not even expecting to see the Suns past round 2. Before the 1st round series I thought the Suns chances of making it to the WCF were 50-50. The Spurs have looked AWESOME after losing the first game to Denver. I think right now they are the best team in the NBA. If the Suns want to be the NBA champs they need to raise the level of their game and beat the best team in the league.

by Vash01 on May 3, 2007 12:55 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

I think...

the Spurs looked awesome because they were playing the Nuggets. While Carmelo Anthony seemed to have a good series, the Nuggets kind of fell apart over the past 4 games. Karl pulled one of his young players and made public comments about how he was disgracing the game, Allen Iverson couldn't shoot at all and the Nuggets just looked bad over the past several games.

Maybe the Spurs made them look like that, maybe they just couldn't handle the pressure. I guess we'll find out when the series starts.

by Dan on May 3, 2007 8:26 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I also think this will be our toughest matchup....

But I think we're up to it. With Bell and Barbosa, and K.Thomas along with our powerhouse three, I'm very excited for this series. I think Nash has seen some very good trapping, at least in 1-2 games this last series and should do very well this next. If Nash can split the trap like he was doing last night, we should do great. Just think, if we keep winning, it could be Dallas, then Detroit or Chicago. I think Detroit would be our toughest Eastern matchup with a very close second to Chicago. But the Spurs and Mavs really are in my view, kind of like a finals, (but 2 of them) and I'm sure a lot of people agree.

We couldn't ask for anything more this playoffs with
everyone mostly healthy! GO SUNS!!

by jasonsuns1 on May 3, 2007 5:21 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Jasonsunss1

It seems you have conceded that the Mavs will put away Goldenstate, and I can't blame you for it because I have come to the same conclusion. The Warriors choked in game 5, and gave ammunition to the Mavs to beat them and whoever comes next. I am still clinging to the slight hope that the Warriors would pull off the upset win tonight, playing at home. If not, it's Spurs, then Mavs if we make it that far.

by Vash01 on May 3, 2007 8:53 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Are you sure the Warriors choked?

The Mavs were up by 21 points and eventually got down by 9. They were playing for their playoff lives. I still think Dirk hit some lucky three's and the bad call on Baron Davis when he didn't really foul the guy sealed the Warriors' fate.

I just don't see how the Warriors choked. They lost the game but the Mavericks still have to win 2 more games against the Warriors - 1 of them in Oakland - when they have only won 20% of their games against the Warriors over the past several months.

I still think all the pressure is on the Mavs. If the Warriors lose, they were supposed to lose. If the Mavericks lose, they'll be the laughing-stock of the league. Dirk doesn't do well under pressure (at least, he hasn't yet). I still expect him to choke in tonight's game.

by Dan on May 3, 2007 9:50 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

good points

Dan, nice points. I do agree, Dirk has mostly not been a pressure performer. I noticed Avery Johnson was trying in the media to say the 10,000 pounds thing of pressure was on G.S. now, when it still is really on the Mavs. And there is a lot to be said for how G.S. has managed to come back, like before halftime of the last game, where I think they were down by 21 or so, but closed strong and were only down by 6 at half!! That type of run, which they've done multiple times in this series, shows they can definitely hang with the Mavs. I've been reading some pretty extreme stuff about Baron Davis and how gifted an athlete he is. Since he's new to me, curious to learn more about him. Think I'll go looking (google)

by jasonsuns1 on May 3, 2007 10:09 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dirk saved his entire career

I was watching that game and kept thinking that Dirk was done. His team mates wouldn't even pass him the ball for most of the 3rd and 4th Qtr and he was looking more like Kwame then the MVP.

If he hadn't made those two late 3's and then nailed the free throws he would have ended the game w/ about 20 points and a 1st round embarrassment. His reputation would have been TOAST!

At least with his late game heroics he salvaged his own career reputation. I still think the guy is way over rated and in general the last guy I want to take my team to the promised land. He just doesn't have the heart of a champion.

Btw - Warriors will win tonight and should be able to run Yao into the dirt and they match up well against McGrady too. Looking forward to seeing them in the WCF's!

by Phoenix Stan on May 3, 2007 12:38 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

vash01

yep, I'm still clinging to the hope also, but winning 2 in a row, instead of 3 is a very do able task for a team (Dallas) that's starting to find itself again. G.S. had it, if G.S. players weren't getting stupid technicals, where the players were making poor choices, maybe I'd have more hope. But the fact of the matter, they're poor losers, and I now think it'll take their best game to beat the Mavs. But, like you said, there's always hope.

by jasonsuns1 on May 3, 2007 10:03 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think Dallas will win too.

I just can't get it out of my mind that they're the better team. I think GSW's success against them has been due to some fluke in the matchups. Those things equal out over the course of a long series. GSW's best chance to put the Mavericks away was Tuesday night. They didn't get it done. I think we're looking at a close Mavericks win tonight (a la 2006 Suns), followed by a Mavericks blowout on Saturday. Sorry to rain on everyone's parade, but that's just how I see it. Hopefully, I'm wrong. Nothing would make me happier than to NOT have to endure all the "rowdy, loud, and proud" (tell me is that not THE WORST team motto you've ever heard?) fans in this city.

by TexSUN on May 3, 2007 10:17 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

I don't agree

How was Tuesday night the best chance for the Warriors to put the Mavericks away? They were playing in Dallas, the Mavericks were just trying to stay alive and they still almost lost the game after getting a 21 point lead.

Now the Warriors get to play in the loudest arena in the NBA and know they can beat the Mavericks because they've done it 3 times already in the post-season and only lost because of some fluke 3-point shots by Dirk and a mistake foul-call on Baron.

All of the pressure is on the Mavericks tonight and I think you'll see Baron Davis come out ON FIRE! I was listening to something on ESPN yesterday where they said Dirk has not had back-to-back 30 point games in the playoffs for several years (if ever). If that is true - I haven't checked it for myself - why would Dirk change his tune all of the sudden and turn clutch when he's never done it before.

I just don't see the Mavericks as the powerhouse everyone thinks they are. They do well without pressure but put a little pressure on them and they fold because Dirk is soft. Could he change? Sure, but so far he hasn't proven to me that he will. I guess we'll see tonight.

by Dan on May 3, 2007 12:43 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well let's see...

The Warriors have a key player injured (Matt Barnes), to go with a Suns-like short rotation to begin with.
They may also be without Jason Richardson (still haven't heard one way or another on that).
The Mavericks have "been there, done that" when crawling out of first round holes (see Mavs-Houston 2005), and have the momentum going into tonight.
The Warriors haven't exactly held it together when their backs are against the wall either (see Stephen Jackson, Jason Richardson incidents in last game, and Baron Davis in Game 2).
The Mavericks have home court advantage for Game 7, so all they really have to focus on is getting this one game on the road (like last year's Suns).
Dirk had two big games to close out the Suns a year ago, including a 50-pointer. He's done his fair share of choking without question, but it's not like he never shows up when his team needs him most. (He's just not as good at it as Nash, because unlike Nash, Dirk can only help his team in one way--by scoring).

That said, I hope you're right. There's nothing I'd like more than to dine on a delicious midnight snack of crow while the city around me sits in stunned silence. :)

by TexSUN on May 3, 2007 1:00 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Actually...

The Mavs don't have home-court advantage...at this point, the Warriors do. They just have to win on their home court and the series is over.

I still don't see how the Mavericks have momentum going into tonight. They are down a game and it's a must win for them or their series is over.

I'm not accusing you of anything but is there any way you're a little tainted by being in Dallas during all of this? ;-) Have a good trip on the weekend wherever you're going.

by Dan on May 3, 2007 7:14 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think so

I think it's more like I'm a compulsive contrarian, not to mention a bit of a pessimist at times. I can't begin to express how much I would love to have the playoffs "all to myself" so to speak, without having to deal with obnoxious Mavericks fans who have taken over this city the past couple of years. I feel a wee bit bad for the Mavericks fans in my family, but in all honesty, not too much because they all got to watch their team go to the finals last year and I didn't. So yeah, maybe my location does influence my opinion a tad, but not in the way I think you were implying.

by TexSUN on May 3, 2007 8:00 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh and I meant for the series.

Home court for the series, not tonight.

by TexSUN on May 3, 2007 8:02 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

BTW

Go read the bottom paragraph of my latest diary if you're still in doubt as to which side I'm on. :)

by TexSUN on May 3, 2007 8:03 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dan!!!!!

I agree completely with Dan. This is the Warriors series to win or lose. Dallas was VERY VERY VERY lucky. Can Dallas play any better against this Warriors team? Can Dallas play well under extreme pressure? In Oakland? Against a team they have a history of losing virtually every game to? Can the Mavs actually pull off three straight wins anyways?

The respect everyone gives that Mavs team blows me away. They squeak out a win... barely... and suddenly people here are practically giving them the championship trophy. If they were even half as good as everyone perceives them to be, they would have steamrolled over the Warriors. This is a tired, scared, soft Dallas team and I don't think they have a chance. The Mavs better hope for some early technicals and phantom calls on the Warriors. Baron is going to be an absolute MONSTER tonight.

by Travis on May 3, 2007 1:34 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

suns spurs

if the suns are going to make any noise this next round, they MUST come out strong from the start and win the first 2 at home. if we drop even 1 of these games, pressure is on big time.

by joeeeeeee on May 3, 2007 10:19 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Nash

Nash is going to have to be the aggressor versus the Spurs. His shot was not falling against the Lakers, and he's going to have to attack the basket and make them leave other players wide open. Amare needs to abuse whoever they put in the paint to defend him with his footwork, and Bell needs to heat up from the arc.

On defense, DO NOT LEAVE ROBERT HORRY OPEN INSIDE TWO MINUTES! I don't care if Jordan from '96 travels through time and signs with the Spurs and is driving, do not let Horry beat you. Barbosa and Bell have the speed and size to keep up with Parker and Ginobli, but they have to slow them down at the point of attack and not let them shred the lane and draw umpteen fouls. Duncan has been more and more willing this season to take mid-range jumpers instead of working in the post, and the Suns should encourage that.

Most importantly, keep running! The Spurs are going to try and run too to make it seem like that's a flawed strategy, but they cannot keep up with the Suns offensively. Dictate the tempo.

I honestly believe the Suns are the better team and can beat these guys.

by Ridiculous Matt on May 3, 2007 10:24 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

on Big SHot Bob

you said it, don't leave him alone! He reminds me of Dirk in a way, obviously Horry is a clutch shooter and Dirk isn't (most of the time), but what I mean is both are very tall, and having a tall guy who can hit threes is almost impossible to defend against. Because of their size, they can create a shot almost anywhere. Wow, did you see Finley, 8 for 9 on three pointers! This is the series we've all been waiting for!

by jasonsuns1 on May 3, 2007 12:32 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Suns and Spurs

I'm scratching my head wondering who's going to guard Tim Duncan? If it's Amare, he might be facing some foul trouble this series, unless the refs are still PO'd at Timmy D for the fiasco that took place in Dallas during the regular season.

Dan

by SunnySideUp on May 3, 2007 2:20 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Thomas and Diaw

I would combo Thomas and Diaw on him to spread the fouls he's going to draw, and bring Marion and Bell over on the double. The objective is to keep him out of the low post, make him shoot his jumper from about 10 to 15. As soon as he gets it in the low post, the double has to come and the defense has to rotate to cover the shooter on the perimeter (most likely Barry or Ginobli. I would Keep Amare on Oberto, or roaming in zone. You can bring him to weak side help, but putting them up against each other is going to result in 4-5 fouls for Amare by halfway through the fourth at least.

by Ridiculous Matt on May 4, 2007 10:34 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Suns undersized?

I agree with your outlook on foul situation for Amare, and yes the combo you've suggested is the best strategy. However, I am suprised the Suns did not trade for a big man - 6'11" or 7 legit - just to grab boards, soak up fouls, and guard the basket.

Consider - Spurs: Elson. Houston: Mutombo. Dallas: Diop. All big guys with no expected offensive contribution - just boards and blocks baby.

Suns take pride in being small and fast. Yet I saw SA grab 2 offensive rebounds in the fourth quarter - off missed free throws! Both led to baskets. That's the ballgame right there.

by SunnySideUp on May 7, 2007 2:41 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Big guys

I think the Suns would have to find a big-guy equivalent of Raja Bell before they will play with a real center. In other words, a big part of Mike D'Antoni's system is to play five guys who can all score. A Ben Wallace type (or Diop or Elson) isn't going to cut it. They need a guy who can do the boards and blocks and score, just like Raja is a "defensive specialist" who is also a good shooter too. Like it or not, that's who the Suns are, and will probably remain as long as D'Antoni is in charge. The question is: Is there someone in the draft who might be able to provide that?

by TexSUN on May 8, 2007 12:21 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Draft

Oden or Durant

by Vash01 on May 8, 2007 8:58 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Marion and Thomas

I would expect to see a combination of Marion and Thomas on Duncan. In their last game of late in the season Kurt came in and completely shut him down. I would also expect Shawn to play him and get some double team help. I think if the Suns can man up on the Spurs guards they can rome a little and leave Bowen and their other big. That's why it always seems that their other guys like Omberto, or Rasto, Nazr had big games against the Suns. But this year we have Kurt to play him 1:1 and don't have to double near as much.

If we do double I think you leave Bowen if he's on the strong side and make him his long jumpers. He can make some at times but he's not exactly Raja Bell and long jumpers lead to long rebounds and get the Suns offense going.

Late in the game I would expect Amare on Timmy when a crucial stop is needed.

I think the Suns will play with a focus and a chip on their shoulder and will run the Spurs into the dirt.

This is a different Suns team then two years ago and the Spurs are a much worse team. They are slower and older and have much less fire power. They can ONLY win by keeping the score low where as in the past they could go small and win a high scoring game.

The Suns can shut down the Spurs offense and will be able to hold leads against this team.

by Phoenix Stan on May 3, 2007 3:31 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Bill Simmons agrees with you, Dan

See here.
The part you're probably most interested in:

I don't believe the 2007 Dallas Mavericks have the collective heart to prevail in Oakland, not with the Warriors' fans smelling blood and providing one of the all-time electric/rabid/emotional/crazed atmospheres in recent sports history. As good as they were in Game 3 and Game 4, the fans will be better tonight. They will rise to the occasion. They will. I am convinced. They have been waiting for a night like this for 30 long years. Literally.

Maybe a veteran team such as the Spurs wouldn't be fazed, but the Cuban-era Mavs have proved time and time again -- in Miami last June, against Phoenix two years ago, even last weekend in Oakland -- that they have no qualms about folding at the worst possible times. The right crowd can get to them. The right mix of shaky calls can get to them. They fall apart when you least expect it. In fact, they squandered a 21-point lead in Game 5 and would have ended up on one of TNT's "Gone Fishin'" cards if (A) the Warriors hadn't stupidly slowed things down with a six-point lead, and (B) the Mavs hadn't gotten four major calls in the final 50 seconds: Barnes getting whistled for a clean strip of Nowitzki, Nowitzki not getting whistled for clobbering Richardson on a go-ahead 3, Davis getting a sixth foul for not touching anyone and Nowitzki going over-the-back on the biggest rebound of the game. Whatever. The league wanted this series to go back to Oakland, and it did.

by TexSUN on May 3, 2007 8:10 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

He's exactly right

It's the end of the 3rd quarter and the Warriors have a 23 point lead, Dirk is shooting 1-11 and has 4 points and Marc Cuban looks sick. Guess we'll see if the Mavs can step it up in the 4th quarter and basically stop the Warriors from scoring.

by Dan on May 3, 2007 10:44 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

tim duncan and parking it in the lane

will the refs call his blatant abuse of the 3-seconds in the lane rule? if so the suns will have an easier time with this team then most expect. however, based on the denver/spurs series, doesnt look like they will be calling that too much.

by joeeeeeee on May 4, 2007 11:31 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

good point

I agree, he gets away with camping out in there.

by jasonsuns1 on May 4, 2007 12:47 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

not going to happen

Don't expect anything from the refs. They are too scared to call a foul on Duncan after what happened to Crawford. I was one of those defending Tim strongly against Crawford, and I still would, for that specific ejection. However, in general, Crawford was right when he said that Duncan is always complaining and he wanted that to stop, that's why he ejected him. Unfortunatley the move backfired.

We and the rest of the NBA just has to get used to the special treatment to the Spurs. The only thing we can do is to raise the level of our game and beat them convincingly. In close games it's almost a no win situation because the refs can impact the outcome of the game more.

by Vash01 on May 8, 2007 9:19 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs