Suns vs Spurs Preview: Suns 111 Spurs 105

Here's my entry for the free tickets Stan is giving away. GO SUNS!

Suns vs Spurs

Tuesday, Dec 15 @ USAC

Newly acquired Spur Richard Jefferson is looking for some "quality," saying "I think we still need a couple of quality wins against quality teams and some quality road wins," after the Spurs' recent victory over the Clippers. So, it would seem the Spurs are coveting tonight's game at US Airways center against the Suns as a "quality" road win that they desperately need to validate their recent upswing of three straight wins over lower-rung teams.
    After a summer of going "all-in" in the free-agent market by acquiring Richard Jefferson to add their "Big Three" of Duncan, Parker and Ginobili the Spurs have struggled considerably and have not lived up to their pre-season billing as a possible title contender. Meanwhile the Suns have thus far enjoyed unexpected success after a pre-season of diminished expectations following the departure of Shaquille O'Neal and failing to make the playoffs in 2008.
    The Spurs have won three straight games, seem to be finding their offensive flow (especially behind the strip) and have generally owned the Suns in recent years having won the last 3 meetings between the teams and 3 of the last 4 games at USAC. On the other hand, the Suns have been playing great at home, averaging 116.5 ppg  while going 8-0 this season.
    The Suns will once again be without sixth-man Leandro Barbosa and Jason Richardson is a game-time decision with a swollen shooting hand but the Spurs are also without Michael Finley (sprained ankle) and rookie DeJuan Blair is a game-time decision with a shoulder injury while Tim Duncan was elbowed in the ear by Matt Bonner but is probable for the game.
    So, in short, this game could go either way, but seeing as (1) the Suns are playing very well at home, (2) the Spurs have struggled on the road so far this season with their recent success only coming against weaker competition and (3) the sting of giving away their most recent game against the Nuggets will give the Suns extra resolve against a long-time nemesis and will add up to a close victory for the home team as the excellent play of Suns' reserves Dudley, Admundson and Dragic continues to give the Suns that extra bit of energy and hussle it will need to overcome.

Suns win 111 - 105.

GO SUNS!!!