Suns Blow out Spurs in Game 2

by Dan @ Bright Side Of The Sun on May 8, 2007 11:25 PM MDT in Phoenix Suns News

They beat the Spurs 101-81. The Suns came out and knew exactly what they needed to do. They put Kurt Thomas on Tim Duncan and moved Shawn Marion to guard Tony Parker. And, at least for one game, that was the key to the Spurs. Will it happen again? I have no idea. I think it can. But the Suns have to play the next two games in San Antonio. First on Saturday and then on Monday. But for now, the critics are silenced and the Suns are on top of the world.

Many people will say that Kurt Thomas was player of the game. And he played a heck of a game. He really played Tim Duncan well. Tim Duncan scored 29 points on 12-20 shooting, had 11 rebounds and 4 fouls. It just seemed like Kurt Thomas was keeping him off his game. And Thomas scored 12 points of his own!

But the real key to the game - in my opinion - was Shawn Marion's play on Tony Parker. Shawn only scored 5 points on 2-4 shooting. But without Shawn, this game would have been a lot closer. Tony Parker shot 5-14, had 13 points and only 3 assists.

The Suns were just unstoppable tonight after the 1st quarter. In the first quarter, they came out with almost too much energy and just kept missing their shots. But once the second quarter started, the Suns got into their game and couldn't be stopped.

Amare Stoudemire scored 27 points on 10-16 shooting and had 9 rebounds. Steve Nash had 16 assists - 8 more than last game. He also had 20 points on 7-17 shooting. So he didn't shoot well but he kept the team in the game. Raja Bell had 18 points on 6-9 shooting. As someone was saying earlier, his points just kind of appeared.

Overall, the Suns really played well tonight and should be able to go into Saturday's game with a lot of confidence. The Suns know what to do to beat the Spurs now and while I think the Spurs will make some adjustments, the confidence level of the Suns will help if nothing else. The Suns still didn't shoot great considering the first quarter so there are some improvements that can be made.

Lastly, the Suns kept within 1 rebound even though they were still doubled up again in offensive rebounds. So there are things the Suns can improve on.

This was a really fun game to watch. I'm interested to see what will happen in San Antonio. They still need to win one in San Antonio to be able to get home court advantage back. I would love to see them get the game on Saturday as opposed to the game on Monday.

What are your thoughts on the game? What could the Suns have done better? What do they need to do now that they've beaten the Spurs?

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Comments

nice point

I agree a lot of focus was on the great job K.Thomas did, but Marion was awesome on parker! I think energy level was key also. I saw a few chased ball rebounds and some diving on the floor (barbosa..) that I didn't see the first game. Also Bell did great on Ginobili. Even their coach said this! Watch the interviews on nba.com, it's been my ritual to go there and listen live to the coach and 1-2 player interviews after the playoff games. Gives you a feel for the players, hearing them talk. Granted they're being tied down on what they can freely say w/o being fined.

Similar to all the band aids, is there some way to create a ginobili doll and have him hold onto you, and have all the fans have one. Great game, all I want is to see that type of hustle, and I'll be happy, win or lose with this team. But, luckily, they have so many weapons, and defense is one of them with players like Marion, K.Thomas, and Bell that I like our chances

by jasonsuns1 on May 9, 2007 12:00 AM MDT reply actions

Ha Ha!

How hilarious would that be if every Suns fan in the building had this little hairy doll attached to their leg? I can just picture thousands of people walking around like that, standing in line for food, sitting courtside... that's too funny.

Nice job on the running commentary by the way. You guys are typing maniacs. I could barely sit still watching the game three feet from the TV screen... I would have dropped my laptop five or six times if I tried keeping up with you guys.

by Trvs on May 9, 2007 1:29 AM MDT up reply actions

thanks

the sweetest thing about this game, it reminded me of last year and normal role players stepping up and becoming heroes. I know the focus on offense is always bigger than on defense, and I'm glad of that. It's the reason I love watching the Suns play, not the spurs. But you have to tip our hats to K.Thomas and Marion! The beauty of defense, and the reason I'm excited, is we can have an off quarter in scoring and still win with our fire power, but defense is about being smart, and effort, and ability and very inspiring to see this in our team.

by jasonsuns1 on May 9, 2007 1:52 AM MDT up reply actions

Go Suns!

That was a fun game! I can barely talk.

The bandaids were great - about every 2nd or 3rd person had one. I happen to find an orange one and purple one in the drawer so my son and I were sporting those!

Crowd was great even when the Suns were down and especially in the 3rd qtr when they pushed it out.

Going to watch as much of the game on TNT as I can before falling asleep. Detailed analysis tomorrow. Tonight. Victory!

by Seth Pollack on May 9, 2007 12:06 AM MDT reply actions

Things Looking Alot Better

Man that was one hell of a fun game to watch (btw back from Germany now). Kurt was really making Duncan work for his shots and Marion was playing Parker almost perfectly. This series is still very much up for grabs, but things are sure looking better for the Suns now. The Suns came in looking for redemption after game one and they got it in a big way. Even Diaw was looking good for once. The best part was that despite the blowout there was obviously much room for improvement. All we need now is just one win in SA and then we'll really be looking good.

GOOOO SUNSSSSS!!!!!

"Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle, but in defeating your enemy without ever fighting." Sun Tzu

by Turambar on May 9, 2007 12:37 AM MDT reply actions

Blowout!

A few adjustments + added energy = 20 point blowout

... and I won't even get started with some of the crazy calls. Marion was incredible on Parker. I was waiting all night for Parker to get some momentum and make some shots, but he just couldn't do it. Not only was Thomas like an oak tree attached to Duncan's hip, the guy was money all night long... what a shooter.

I think Amare was very lucky not to get whistled for few little fouls throughout the game... so maybe the "Ginobili ankle brace" and a few other no-calls can be overlooked.

Seriously though, the NBA needs to make an amendment to their rules and allow for some MVP re-votes. Nash is just an incredible athlete. Can he be any more clutch than he already is? He makes the most perfect play 99% of the time. And while I'm in a good mood, I don't mind admitting that Duncan, despite my strong desire to smack that stupid look off his face, is an absolutely incredible scorer. I may not like to watch the guy but how in the hell does he hit bank shot after bank shot with an arm in his face every time?

What a great game! Please keep the "Oh yeah, well the Spurs are going to come back and we need to watch out cause they've won 3 championships" talk to a minimum. We were only 30 seconds and a Nash bloodbath away from making this a 2-0 series. I'd say our odds are looking pretty good.

by Trvs on May 9, 2007 12:44 AM MDT reply actions

One win

It was great to be at the game tonight, especially after the second quarter started. In the first I was getting worried.

It was a great win for the Suns, but just to put things in perspective, this was one win, that's all. It was a very important win though- one that can give an underdog confidence. I don't expect this kind of lopsided socre remainder of the series but as long as the Suns win, I am fine with it.

I am sure the Spurs will regroup and come back much stronger and more aggressive. The Suns must not allow a let down. This was just one game; once victory.

That said, KT was awesome on Duncan (and stil Duncan was making shots- the guy is amazing). Nash played like an MVP, as if to remind the voters that they should have voted for him. I am sure Nash does not have those kinds of motivation.

LB had a quiet game, relatively speaking.

Marion and Diaw did a great job throughout. Diaw was the surprise of the night- great hustle, shooing, passing- that's the game.

Raja Bell once again reminded us why he is one of the top 5 defenders in the league right now. I hope the Suns can hold on to him.

I am sleepy. I may post tomorrow.

I must have set the wrong channel to tape the game. When I got home, there was nothing on it. Bummer! I wish they would show the game again, like they did with the NJ classic last year.

by Vash01 @ Bright Side Of The Sun on May 9, 2007 12:57 AM MDT reply actions

Boris!

You're right, I almost forgot about Boris. He must have had a Red Bull or something before the game because he was definitely all fired up. Nice to see him so aggressive and making sharp passes.

By the way, you mentioned you couldn't record the game tonight... and others might be interested in this too.... you can actually purchase all the NBA Playoff games at NBA.com for $2.99 a piece. The game is available a couple days after it airs on TV. Of course you need to watch them on your computer but they're perfect quality. I bought a few games back when they were available through Google video. So for $2.99 (or you can purchase an entire series for $12.99), here you go:

http://download.nba.com/

by Trvs on May 9, 2007 1:12 AM MDT up reply actions

thanks..didn't know this

Life is beautiful isn't it!

by jasonsuns1 on May 9, 2007 1:17 AM MDT up reply actions

Amazing game!

I was at the game wearing my Nash bandage and cheering like crazy for the Suns throughout the game from Row 14 in the upper level. I swear I have had more fun at games up there this season than the two times in I sat two rows behind the Suns' bench.

I think all the Suns played great, but they did get a little careless with some turnovers in the 2nd half. Fortunately the Spurs didn't capitalize on them and make them pay. I can hardly wait to get home from work and watch the game on tape so I can see the scowls reportedly worn by Nash, Bell and Barbosa as reported in the paper and on the radio.

I do worry that they won't come out in Game 3 with the same intensity and do tend to let down after big wins, something hopefully they won't do at this late stage of the season.

Travis, about the games that can be purchased online. Do you just get to watch it one time upon payment or can you download the game and watch it over and over? Just curios.

by TwinnerA on May 9, 2007 11:04 AM MDT up reply actions

Purchased games...

... as far as I know, you purchase the games and you keep them for good and watch them as much as you want. When they partnered with Google a while back and offered the games in the same way, I downloaded three of them and I still access them without any problem.... not bad for only $2.99 a game.

by Trvs on May 9, 2007 12:13 PM MDT up reply actions

Thanks

Travis,

Thanks for the info. I will look for that game in a couple of days ($2.99 sounds like almost for free!), unless FOXAZ decides to reair the game- they do that sometimes.

This morning I reread my post from last night and I was embarrassed by the typos I had made- even some wrong wording. However, I think everyone understood what I meant.

I am cautious about making any predictions based on this one day. I am sure teh Spurs were not quite as motivated as the Suns, having seized the homefield advantage in game 1. I am sure they will make the adjustments they need to make and come roaring back in game 3. The Suns must maintain and even improve upon the energy level. Game 3 will be the perfect time to capitalize on the successes in game 2. If the Spurs win game 3 in SA, chances are they will try very hard to hold serve. The Spurs have too much talent to stay at the level they were in last night. Players like Manu, Tony are not likely to have such poor shooting nights. The Suns must raise the level of their game even more if they want to win this series.

by Vash01 @ Bright Side Of The Sun on May 9, 2007 11:06 AM MDT up reply actions

correction...

... actually the games are available "within a few hours" of being televised on TV. Game two is up already for anyone who's interested:

http://download.nba.com/SearchResults.aspx?userinput=HomeTeam:%22Suns%22%20OR%20AwayTeam:%22Suns%22

by Trvs on May 9, 2007 2:55 PM MDT up reply actions

Thanks for the info!

I was able to get the game on NBATV replay today, so it won't be a problem this time. But good to know where to look in case it comes up again.

by TexSUN on May 9, 2007 3:01 PM MDT up reply actions

Things to improve upon

As good as the defense was, the offense still needed some improvement.

1.The 3-point shooting must improve for the Suns to have a chance to beat them.

2.On a few plays there were some sloppy turnovers. The Suns must avoid turnovers.

Defensively the Suns did a heck of a job.

by Vash01 @ Bright Side Of The Sun on May 9, 2007 1:00 AM MDT reply actions

We beat them at their own game

They even got the benefit of the calls for the first 40 minutes.

Kurt Thomas has proven he can defend Duncan 1-on-1, and as the game went on, he got better at it...and Duncan (who is the best player in the league at using the glass) shot 'em exceptionally well tonight.

Marion shut down Parker, Bell threw Ginobli out of rhythm...Finley played well but not fantastic and stupidass "Big Shot Bob" didn't even attempt a 3.

When BRUCE BOWEN is counted on to shoot, the Spurs aren't gonna win. So what can THEY do?

They can't go SMALLER: that plays right into the Suns' game.
They can't go BIGGER: see above (the Suns would just run around them and/or rotate quicker than the defenders, meaning more open 3s).

So it'd have to an adjustment in play:

On offense, I guess they could try to get Duncan to pass more....possibly make either Ginobli or Finley a primary ball-handler to free up Phony Parker...maybe bring in Brent Barry a bit more to add another 3-ball shooter....but I don't see much success in any of those points.
On Defense, double-team Nash with Bowen and Parker, and possibly run an (even softer) zone defense. But with a guru like Nash at the helm, I don't think it'd be successful enough to win.

Essentially, the Spurs are gonna have to rely on the refs to bail them out because of, you know, their "reputation".

coughbullshit

My favorite moment of the night came midway in the 3rd, when Amare picked off a lob pass meant for Duncan. Egghead (Duncan really, really needs hair) threw his arms in the air and looked at the ref to complain.

Of course, the replay showed the pass was a poor lob and, in fact, Egghead had hooked Amare's arm and tried to drag him back.

What a sad state of affairs this world is in, when a man who had integrity has turned into such a whiny cheater.

flim springfield

by DrStrom on May 9, 2007 1:48 AM MDT reply actions

Defense

Dr.Strom,

Like you, I am also very excited and happy about the Suns win. The Suns are made fun of, by teams like Detroit, SA, for their lack of defense. The Suns proved that they CAN play defense. Now they have to prove that they can do it consistently. That will be the real challenge because SA will raise the level of their offense and defense.

What pleased me in the last part of the game was that the Suns had advantage over the Spurs in almost every category (3 point shooting was just a tad below the Spurs)- FT (no surprise there), Rebounding (big surprise), Turnovers (not a big surprise), FG % (that's what a great offensive team is supposed to do). In the first Q the Suns were shooting 29% and it just wasn't going to get it done.

I have to disagree with your last sentence about Duncan, however. Duncan's skills are totally jaw dropping. Every time it looked like there is no way he can even take shot, he would make one. It was like 'how the heck did he do that?' He does complain a lot about the fouls but that seems to be the personality of his team. I would not call him a cheater.

Other than that, I think it is definitely worth relishing in the Suns victory until Sat. I hope they can pull it off again in SA and regain the homefield advantage.

by Vash01 @ Bright Side Of The Sun on May 9, 2007 11:20 AM MDT up reply actions

re: Duncan

I'm not questioning the guy's ability. I'm questioning his heart. He's become far too much of an arrogant prick, the antithesis of the person David Robinson invited to stay at his house. After all Duncan has achieved: 2 MVPs, several All-Star appearances, several all-NBA teams (both offense and defense), 3 titles...what more does he need to quit being a whiner? HE HAS HIS WAY WITH THE GAME, BOTH FROM THE PLAYERS AND THE REFS.

...and after ALL this, if his proverbial pecker is so small he can't quit whining, then he's a fraud...a sad mockery of the NBA...an intelligent Superstar who achieved Superstar goals and yet still feels the need to cry and whine and go over the back for rebounds...to win at any cost, even if it means committing 23 fouls and only being called for 4 (and crying and whining on 2 of those, and 4 others he committed that he wasn't whistled ...but still had the same foolish Egghead face, and a bit of arm flailing).

That's not basketball.

That's a 7' toddler who must have his way.

I sincerely wish that wasn't so.

And if anyone wants to say it: don't give me that crap about "well, it's PLAYOFF basketball", because that's a load of shit. Just because the flowers are blooming doesn't mean the rulebook gets thrown out.

flim springfield

by DrStrom on May 9, 2007 12:14 PM MDT up reply actions

Gotta agree..

The guy is absolute money with the bank shot... as much as I can't stand him, he really blows me away with his accuracy... but he needs to step up and play the game like the superstar that he supposedly is. He literally stands at the baseline with his arms in the air, pouting in the refs face on nearly every call or non call...while his team is running back on defense.

A 7' toddler is right. I'd respect the guy much more if he could play the game without begging the refs to make up for his own deficiencies.

by Trvs on May 9, 2007 12:23 PM MDT up reply actions

I just can't agree

After watching Tim Duncan the last two games, he really is an awesome player. Does he complain too much? Yep! But guess what? Our own power forward, Amare Stoudemire, complains nearly as much. He's done well during the playoffs but I was really getting tired of his whole routine during the regular season.

Get called for a foul.
Yell
Walk toward the ref with your hands outstretched and open
Swear
Turn around and clap a few times
Get called for a technical

He really has done better during the playoffs. I hope he continues how he's done the past two games because it's a lot nicer to see Amare get called for a foul, either agree with it or if he does agree with it just put up a bit of a protest.

Did you see what he did last night when Ginobli held him and didn't get called for the foul? He just looked at the ref, pointed at his eyes, looked at the ref, pointed at his eyes, and then walked away. And the ref respected that.

But there's no way you can say Tim Duncan doesn't get all of the accolades he has gotten and still gets. He's amazing.

by Dan @ Bright Side Of The Sun on May 9, 2007 1:07 PM MDT up reply actions

Duncan

My thing wish Duncan is that he is supposed to be this ex MVP, all nba everything, 3 time champion, potentially best in this history at his position kind of player... I think the guy is unbelievable but it wouldn't hurt to see him suck it up and just play basketball. Why does he insist on looking to the refs to bail him out of every bad play? I just expect more from the guy.

Amare on the other hand is SOOOOO lucky he didn't get whistled for two or three more fouls last night. They really cut him some slack. He's still a young, fairly selfish player and he's got a way to go until he is at that superstar level that Duncan is at. For that reason, I cut Amare some slack and expect way more out of Duncan.

by Trvs on May 9, 2007 1:25 PM MDT up reply actions

It's a false equivocation, Dan

Saying "well...Amare does it TOO" doesn't somehow justify Duncan. It just means Amare can be just as much of a jerk.

And I don't like that, either.

I'm not certain, but it appears the rest of what you're discussing (except the last line) is a segue into Stoudemire and his actions...and I couldn't agree more: he's controlling his temper.

Your last line returns to the point "Duncan is great"...and I agree. He's an easy first ballot into the Hall of Fame...and yes, he's earned every reward.

But that's got nothing to do with my point: he's hit the level of jerk, and he's turning into a bonafide asshole right in front of our eyes, and that's what disturbs me... BECAUSE he's such a good player.

The guy can get his way in the game without being a jerk. He doesn't need to hurl a kick (early-mid 4th quarter...the kick obviously missed, but it was T worthy) at Thomas/Stoudemire (I forget who it was)... just because he missed the shot and didn't get the rebound, he CHOSE to look like an over-grown 3 year old who didn't get his way. It was a classic temper-tantrum move, and facial expression.

He's BETTER than that. If he feels his game is regressing and he can't be the more noble version of Tim Duncan, then it's nobody's fault but his own: skill and athleticism may deteriorate, but knowledge and integrity last.

flim springfield

by DrStrom on May 9, 2007 3:07 PM MDT up reply actions

Suns-spurs Game 2

Great game last night. As I've said, the Suns need to check duncan and parker like they did last night, ginobili? He's a dirty player when the spurs are losing and I hate it when the refs start losing site of what they are there for, to officiate a fair game. However, the Suns need to remember that they have to play at the top of their game because san antonio is a good team and can't be taken lightly, which the Suns tend to do when they get a win. It was mentioned that the Suns play better when their backs are to the wall, they can't use that mentality because from here on out, they "need" to play the best basketball that they have played, pre-allstar game basketball, to show the spurs that they are the best team in the West...... GO SUNS.....!!!!!

by lalbert on May 9, 2007 8:05 AM MDT reply actions

One observation

Although the Suns led by 7 points at the end of the half, and again at the end of Q3, it meant the game was still very close. SA can easily erase a 7-point deficit. In the 4th Q the Suns seemed to totally take over the game, and I cannot tell why, since I don't have the tape. Kurt was simply awesome on Duncan; it was fun to watch. Toward the end Duncan started missing a few shots. However, it was not just Duncan. It seems every Suns player was doing his job very well.

Thinking back, when the Spurs played here on Feb.1st the game was pretty even for the first 3 Q's but in the second half of the fourth quarter the Suns were able to put away the Spurs rather convincingly.

So I am thinking that the speed and offense of the Suns- when it works- can really work in their favor because it tires the other team. However, for that to work, they need to defend well in the first 3 quarters and make shots.

by Vash01 @ Bright Side Of The Sun on May 9, 2007 11:13 AM MDT reply actions

Game 5!

I just got my tickets for Game 5 from Ticketmaster and hope and pray that the Suns will be going for no less than their 3rd win of the series next Wednesday!

by TwinnerA on May 9, 2007 12:25 PM MDT reply actions

I'm going for 4!

After hearing Robert Horry's comments last night, I'm wondering whether the team is falling apart. Robert Horry was commenting on how people were being ballhogs, not passing to the open man and then the dam just broke open. You don't hear professionals calling their teammates ballhogs very often. If that were my team, I would be very worried.

What do you guys think about that?

by Dan @ Bright Side Of The Sun on May 9, 2007 1:09 PM MDT up reply actions

Not a chance.

I don't buy it. I think the Spurs were just embarrassed by a blowout loss. I doubt they're coming apart at the seams anymore than the Suns were when they made similar comments a while back.

by TexSUN on May 9, 2007 1:14 PM MDT up reply actions

No way

The Spurs are not falling apart. They will not fall apart in this decade. They are a TEAM and if Horry criticized his teammates it is no different from Nash calling his teammates for the second time this season (once during the regular season he said guys are holding on to the ball, not passing, etc.). Horry has many championship rings (3?4?) for a reason. I think as a senior member of that already experienced team, he is trying to get them back on track.

Spurs are as dangerous as ever. Never understimate them or the Suns will be in deep trouble. (I am hoping that the Suns will not take them lightly just because of one game).

by Vash01 @ Bright Side Of The Sun on May 9, 2007 1:30 PM MDT up reply actions

I don't think they will

The Spurs are too scary to take lightly. I would have much rather faced Dallas than San Antonio for exactly that reason. I just thought it was interesting that he actually called his teammates out on ballhogging. You always hear "intensity", "fire", "desire", etc but you don't hear a professional say his teammates are ballhogs very often.

by Dan @ Bright Side Of The Sun on May 9, 2007 3:06 PM MDT up reply actions

wow, thanks for comment...

Interesting, makes me think back and see horry didn't get many shots. He's blaming it on his teammates, but I'm sure a little bit of it is, in game one we were doubling Duncan, hence creating open shots for their shooters, in game 2 with K.Thomas, Marion, and Bell (3 super defenders) we were able to get away with not having to double up on Duncan, and this made Marion able to concentrate on Parker more, this helped Bell concentrate more on Ginoboli, I think horry just isn't bright enough to realize this difference caused him standing off in the corner not to be open like he was in game 1. Guess what Horry, good chance during the rest of these games your not going to get wide open threes anymore, there's a new sheriff in town. But the Suns must break their sometimes letdown.

by jasonsuns1 on May 9, 2007 3:26 PM MDT up reply actions

Offense

The Spurs are an incredible team, no doubt, but we do have the better players for the most part. If we can continue to keep Parker and Ginobili out of the offense to a degree, I just don't think they have anything else offensively.... who is going to step up other than Duncan? Barry? Oberto? Bowen? They've got three offensive threats. As Raja mentioned before game 2, it's that Kobe thing all over again with Duncan. They don't need to stop Duncan, just contain the other two guys.

Assuming of course that the Sun's offense stays sharp and fluid and we continue to play great defense, this series looks very good.

Bottom line is the Suns have to play high energy Suns basketball every single game to win this series... and it seems, defense is much more a part of the Suns game than many people would like to admit.

by Trvs on May 9, 2007 1:49 PM MDT up reply actions

Who can step up for the Spurs?

Michael Finley- 19 points in game 1
Robert Horry- he has the nasty habit of putting in a few daggers toward the end of the game

I don't think Parker and Ginobili can be shut down for a whole series. It is an aberration that both of them were shut down in game 3. They will both be back, and at least one of them at a given time.

Again, I would not underestimate the Spurs based on last night's game. They had less motivation to win than the Suns did.

by Vash01 @ Bright Side Of The Sun on May 9, 2007 1:52 PM MDT up reply actions

Horry!

I almost forgot that guy... he's like Michael Jordan/ Mr. Clutch for about a full two minutes of an entire game. You're right he can hit the big shots but I'm not expecting him to take over a game for long stretches and if they are going to rely on a Duncan/ Finley combo to beat the Suns offensively then I think we'll win the next three straight.

Hey, I'm exaggerating obviously. I expect the Spurs to make their adjustments and come back strong, they're too good not to, but IF our defense can be as aggressive as it was then we can take this series.

This is now two straight games for Ginobili where he just didn't do much. I give the Suns a little credit for that. As for Parker, I don't expect him to hit 30 points a game three more times and that's what they'll need from him, at least. Unless they're defense can really shut us down I guess.

by Trvs on May 9, 2007 2:02 PM MDT up reply actions

Finally get to see it tonight

Thank goodness for NBATV replays!! I was afraid they'd show the Cavs-Nets game today, but instead they showed Suns-Spurs. So now, I get to watch it on DVR tonight, and can finally find out what ya'll are all raving about. :)

by TexSUN on May 9, 2007 1:08 PM MDT reply actions

Spurs 4th Q meltdown

There was a point in the late 3rd or early 4th where Duncan scored on yet another incredible bank shot, and then Barbosa went coast-to-coast for a layup in about 3 seconds--not long after that it you could see the Spurs basically "give-in". It was very surprising to see, but there it was. Nash's 3 (with 8+ minutes to go!) was, in fact, the game winner.

Biggest trap for the Suns for game 3: 3 days of reading their own press, and forgetting the effort that got them the win. Dirty staying out of foul trouble is key, and Marion needs to repeat that lockdown on Parker.

by SoCalSun on May 9, 2007 1:26 PM MDT reply actions

Bulletin board material

Here's some motivational material the Suns can use for Game 3. Actually, the part that's motivating is the MSN page that links to the article, more so than the article itself. "Built to fail" ? Yeah, I bet that might tick off a few guys.

by TexSUN on May 9, 2007 1:31 PM MDT reply actions

Same old

It's the same old thing- Suns are entertaining but they can't win the championship. This will continue until they do.

by Vash01 @ Bright Side Of The Sun on May 9, 2007 1:40 PM MDT up reply actions

What exactly is the point?

I don't understand what the guy's point is. Is he saying the Suns can't do it? If so, it's the weakest way of saying it I've ever read. It's like he wants to say it but doesn't want to really say it in case the Suns go ahead and beat the Spurs in the series. And of course, he had to throw the Pistons in there just for good measure so when the Suns do beat the Spurs he has another chance to be right with the Pistons.

by Dan @ Bright Side Of The Sun on May 9, 2007 3:11 PM MDT up reply actions

The point

I think maybe he was trying to make the same tired old point that the Suns as constructed aren't built to win the championship. But the article itself doesn't really come out and say that. However, the real bulletin board material was at this link. See the big, bold "Built to Fail?" headline? That's the part that ought to tick off a couple of people that right after the Suns just got their biggest win ever over the Spurs, someone comes out with "built to fail" as the leading headline.

by TexSUN on May 9, 2007 3:50 PM MDT up reply actions

Link

I don't see the 'built to fail' article you mentioned.

by Vash01 @ Bright Side Of The Sun on May 9, 2007 10:14 PM MDT up reply actions

Go to msn.com

Go here then click on the flash thumbnail strip that has a picture of Nash on it.

by TexSUN on May 9, 2007 10:17 PM MDT up reply actions

yeah, I love that logic

"Things will be the same until they're different". It's the sports writer's credo.

flim springfield

by DrStrom on May 9, 2007 3:16 PM MDT up reply actions

The toughest thing

For this Suns team the toughest thing is to come back strong after a big success. That's what worries me. They have one day off- deservedly so. When they get back to the practice tomorrow, I hope they will remember how they were feeling BEFORE game 2. That's the key. They need to feel desperate, backs to the wall, etc. That is hard to do when you are coming off a 20-point win.

by Vash01 @ Bright Side Of The Sun on May 9, 2007 1:33 PM MDT reply actions

from espn.com blogs

"AGmamakin (5/9/2007 at 10:49 AM)

As an experiment, we documented all the questionable calls last night. Either no calls, or bad calls, which team the benefitted, and how many points. Pro Spurs Calls: 18 calls, 11 points benefitted. Pro Suns Calls: 4 calls, 4 points. By our count, Duncan fouled out with 9:00 minutes to go in the 4th quater, and ended the game with 7 fouls. These were clear cut-ref-is-right-there fouls. Needless to say, we were very shocked by this. We expected it to be Pro Suns as they were in Phoenix. Look for similar or better numbers for the Spurs on Saturday. Again, very surprising stuff. Phoenix fans may be on to something when they say that the Suns don't get any calls. Another tidbit we found: Suns #2 in points in the paint but Suns #30 in FT attempts. We thought teams that are aggressive and take it to the rim get free throws! That's what we're always told! But Phoenix just isn't going to the line despite taking it to the rim more than any other team except Utah (who is #2 in FT attempts). The Suns reputation for offense really is hurting them when it comes to getting calls. The proof is in the stats."

interesting points. so maybe its not just that suns fans always blame the refs.

by joeeeeeee on May 9, 2007 3:45 PM MDT reply actions

Thanks joeeee...

All great and valid points. I love conspiracy theories and I love complaining about the favor the Spurs receive by the refs. The numbers prove it and it's not all that subjective either. There are very obvious fouls on Duncan that just go overlooked. It's not a stretch to say that the Spurs are helped through their games by the refs.

I find it hard to believe that it's done intentionally, in fact I highly doubt that, so there must be a psychological factor. Between their colleague being fired over a run-in with Duncan, jumped on by 5 spurs and the entire coaching staff over virtually every play in the game, and 7 ft Duncan crying on their shoulder between plays, the Spurs' past success, their reputation as the defensive powerhouse (they couldn't possibly foul people... could they?), maybe it's an intimidation thing, maybe the refs are scared... who knows.

I'm curious to see if SRP's analysis shows the same numbers.

by Trvs on May 9, 2007 4:17 PM MDT up reply actions

Great find!

I love that kind of analysis! I didn't take the time to focus on points off bad calls, fouls on individuals, etc. You would have to watch the game ONLY looking for that. I just logged questionable calls...stay tuned...

I don't know if I agree btw on the conspiracy b/c there are other factors. For example, a LOT of Suns points in the paint are on run outs, lobs, fast breaks and great pick and rolls for wide open dunks. Utah and most "points in the paint" teams play Barkley Butt Ball. Throw it down in the paint, back your guy in a few times and power in and get the call...

I also think the Suns style discourages foul calls. The Suns don't even really want foul calls to slow the game.

That said, clearly the iffy calls aren't going our way and who know what that means.

by Seth Pollack on May 9, 2007 5:08 PM MDT up reply actions

Calls

Thanks for the analysis. Those numbers are very telling and very shocking. Why is the NBA/Stern so blind to this kind of situation? There is no perfect officiating but the mistakes should not be happening at this rate.

by Vash01 @ Bright Side Of The Sun on May 9, 2007 10:17 PM MDT up reply actions