Spurs Take Game 3; Win 108-101

by Dan @ Bright Side Of The Sun on May 12, 2007 11:11 PM MDT

I didn't post right after the game because I wanted to gather my thoughts. I really thought the officiating tonight was horrendous. Touch fouls called on Amare, no calls when Steve was going to the basket (one right in front of the ref where both of Nash's arms were grabbed and he lost the ball), the knee to Nash's groin that was so obviously a flagrant foul it was unbelievable (the only thing I'll say about that is that Bowen knows he can get away with it. He obviously has pictures of David Stern that he's using against him). But when it came down to it, the reffing wasn't what lost the game.

The Suns had a 10 point lead in the first half and for some reason just couldn't hold onto it. I won't say that the Suns got complacent because I didn't see that tonight. But for whatever reason, the Suns just couldn't make shots after the first quarter. Steve was missing very easy shots that he would make 99 times out of 100. Leandro Barbosa just didn't shoot well (2-6 for 6 points), Steve shot even worse (6-17 for 16 points) and Kurt Thomas missed a few very easy layups that just didn't go.

But again tonight's game was lost on offensive rebounds and free throws. The Suns shot 66% from the free throw line while the Spurs shot 80%. The Suns missed 9 free throws. They lost by 7. They gave up 11 offensive rebounds and only got 5.

Do I think the Suns' season is over now? Not by a long shot. Despite how poorly they played and how terribly the officiating was, the Suns still only lost by 7 and actually had it within 6 with about 2 minutes to go in the game. This game was winnable. If Steve would have been on his game in the first half or if the Suns would have made just a few more free throws, this game could have gone the other way.

Sure, the Suns have to make some adjustments. Somehow, they have to get the refs to see that Bowen is grabbing and pulling Nash all over the place. With all of the crap that he did tonight against Steve, guess how many fouls he had during the game. 2 fouls. Yep, that's right, 2 fouls. One one of those should have gotten him at least a flagrant.

Spurs fans will point to Shawn Marion's eye-poke of Ginobili. But if you look at it, it was obviously an accident and 9 times out of 10 would never be called for a foul. The knee to Nash's groin was an obvious act and I hope is finally reviewed by the league. I still don't think Bowen will get suspended for it but I do hope the league lets the refs know to watch him a bit closer for things like this.

Overall, the Suns played about as poorly as they could play and they still had a chance to win at the end. I like their chances on Monday night. Of course, if the worst happens and they lose that game, I may be singing a different tune after that.

What are your thoughts on the game? What can the Suns do better defensively against the Spurs on Monday? Is there anything the did well that you would like to see continued in Monday night's game?

My key to Monday's game? Foul less! I don't know how. But I know if KT wouldn't have gotten in foul trouble and forced Mike D'Antoni to play Boris Diaw on Duncan, the Suns would have had a better chance. And I know if Amare would have played more than a measly 21 minutes, the Suns would have had a chance. The only player on the Suns who got into the game and played less minutes was James Jones. And probably the only reason Junior got those 7 minutes was because Amare was in foul trouble.

ARGH!!! This whole game was just frustrating! I'm going to bed so I can forget the whole thing. I may not even get on the web site tomorrow I'm so frustrated. So if you don't hear from me until Monday, you know why. It's probably because I threw the stupid computer through the window.

Leave your comments. I'll read them on Monday.

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Comments

I am just as frustrated!

I was so sick that from time to time I quit watching the game and posted on phxsuns.net to vent.

The officiating was probably the worst I have seen. Do they have a different set of rules for the Spurs? That is the only explanation I have for this roughneck game. It's not basketball; it's not even playoff basketball (in case someone wants to use that excuse).

In spite of that, the Suns could have won this game (as usual- should have, would have, could have when it comes to the Spurs).

Here is a list of some of the miscues:

1.The Suns are the best FT shooting team in the league. There is no excuse for shooting about 50% from the line, especially since they don't get that many opportunities.

2.After a great start the Suns relaxed and allowed the Spurs back into the game. Even though at half time they were behind by just 2 points, they had already handed the reins over to the Spurs at that point. They should have been up by 20 instead of down by 2 at that point. That's where they lost the game.

3.For some reason Nash just could not do anything in the first half. He even missed a FT. He roared back in Q4 but didn't get much support from his teammates. The Suns could not stop the Spurs.

4.Amare made a couple of silly fouls. There were two phantom calls on him (and none on Duncan for similar plays). On the positive side, at least he did not draw a T. However, with Amare playing for just 20 minutes the Suns cannot win (especially when Nash is having an off night)

5.LB is not playing well against the Spurs. Where is our sixth man of the year? He made some stupid TO's that killed momentum.

6.Boris was playing great, but SA made an adjustment and took that away. Why did the Suns not find open 3 pointers if there was double teaming on Diaw?

7.Finally- the officiating was a factor in this game; we cannot ignore that. Bowen should be suspended for that knee to groin cheap shot. I hope the league does that tomorrow, but I know that against the Spurs that is hoping for too much.

So the Suns just have to live with the bad officiating and still get the job done. Will they get it done in game 4? I don't think so. I think SA is going to build a 3-1 lead Monday. I will miss most of the game (it will be the last evening of my much hated second job), so I will be spared the misery of watching it.

by Vash01 @ Bright Side Of The Sun on May 12, 2007 11:18 PM MDT reply actions

My fault

This one's my fault for a number of reasons. First, I was absolutely certain the Suns were going to win today--a stark contrast to my normal pessimistic self. So I jinxed them. Second, I created the game day thread on phxsuns.net. That's the second time I've done that when the Suns played at the Spurs arena, and they lost by seven both times. Lastly, I actually got to watch the game live. No bad weather, no pre-existing plans. This was the case for Game 1 as well. So, seems like every time I miss the live action, the Suns win, but every time I watch in real time, they lose. So I guess the adjustments for Game 4 would be: Keep TexSUN away from the keyboard and TV until after the game is over. I can probably handle the pessimism on my own. :)

by TexSUN on May 12, 2007 11:35 PM MDT reply actions

TexSun

The Suns need your help!

1.On Monday, please do not watch the game until after it is over.

2.Do not start a gameday thread on Phxsuns.net

3.Absolutely do not expect the Suns to win any of the games.

From my side-

I actually felt that the Suns had a chance in this game. Stupid me! Will I never learn to hold on to the pessimism?

by Vash01 @ Bright Side Of The Sun on May 13, 2007 12:18 AM MDT reply actions

on suns game

Yes, some of the calls were wrong. My favorite, the no call on Duncan blocking Amare and the tv showed a replay and showed it very clearly as a foul. Both announcers even said, the refs sure missed that one!
The Suns have to play there best and build a lead to
take the refs out of the game. The Suns looked like that's what was going to happen, after the first quarter, but then fell apart.

Try looking at it like this, Nash shooting 1 for 9 at one point, and Amare only playing 20 minutes and we still were close. To me, that's a good sign that if we play like we can, we'll be fine.

I know the Suns shooting hasn't been consistent, but I'm on this ship until it sinks or sails to the championship! GO SUNS!!

by jasonsuns1 on May 13, 2007 12:21 AM MDT reply actions

Just play

The refs are going to be horrible and they will try to give the game to their favorite team- the Spurs. However, Suns have to assume this is going to happen and just play the game the best they can. We know what happened in game 2- it was a 20 point blow out. No need for the Suns players for any talk about the horrible officiating. It just becomes a distraction. They must play their best in game 4 to have any chance at all of winning it.

I don't think the Suns will win game 4 but they still have to put in their best effort.

by Vash01 @ Bright Side Of The Sun on May 13, 2007 1:09 AM MDT up reply actions

for good luck

We ran a on game day blog last game and won by 20! We didn't run an on game blog this time and lost. Need I say more as to what we should do on Monday!

by jasonsuns1 on May 13, 2007 12:23 AM MDT reply actions

LOL

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=up-RX_YN7yA&feature=dir

Has nothing to do with anything but I thought it was funny. Ha Ha Ha LOL!

by Trvs on May 13, 2007 1:14 AM MDT reply actions

They cheated because they knew they could

A crime was committed today...not just against the Suns, but the NBA in general....and fans wonder why other basketball fans mock the NBA.

This shit's rigged.

End of story.

flim springfield

by DrStrom on May 13, 2007 1:33 AM MDT reply actions

NBA

If the crime was committed against the NBA, why is the NBA silent? This kind of officiating is not good for the game.

by Vash01 @ Bright Side Of The Sun on May 13, 2007 2:28 AM MDT up reply actions

Ask David Stern

I'm not sure why the rules change after the first 82 games, but hopefully he does.

flim springfield

by DrStrom on May 13, 2007 4:07 AM MDT up reply actions

(actually, I have my suspicions)

It involves market share of the teams involved, outside appeal, and "friendliness" factor (teams with intelligent individuals and without 'thugs').

Remember, Stern's had to clean up a few messes lately, and that's why Boneless won't get any more than a small fine, for attempting to castrate the reigning two-time MVP. "IT WAS AN ACCIDENT BY A PLAYER WHO...USES 'GOOD DEFENSE!'" is the excuse he'll use.

I can't imagine how much (proverbial) dick that man's had in his mouth....but he's still sucking the ghost peeners.

flim springfield

by DrStrom on May 13, 2007 4:27 AM MDT reply actions

I don't believe that...

I know you're probably just kidding about it but I don't believe for a second that the NBA rigs games in order to get a certain team into the next round. If they were going for friendly teams without thugs, the Suns would be in the championships every year. Is there a team that has better guys than the Suns?

by Dan @ Bright Side Of The Sun on May 13, 2007 9:30 AM MDT up reply actions

i agree with you on this dan but..

Let me ask you, the spurs basketball market, is it twice as big as the suns, the same, what?? Just curious.

by jasonsuns1 on May 13, 2007 11:45 AM MDT up reply actions

Stoudemire set the tone

for this game with his foul on Finley. What's worse, though he is an incredible basketball talent, he still has a terrible b-ball IQ - from claiming that the Spurs are dirty by calling out specific players [even if he really believes it, he shouldn't have gone to the media] to not being able to keep himself on the floor. He really hurt the Suns in game 3.

The Suns are beginning to unravel, starting with their coach. And you guys have been whining this whole series, even during the game that the Suns won [check out your game day blog from game 2]. You guys [and the Suns] should follow the lead of Steve Nash. Do you hear him complaining about the officiating? Or about how physical the Spurs are? [If anyone should be complaining, it's him]. No. He simply says, "That's the way it should be."

The Suns are starting to remind me of Spurs playoff teams before their first title - plenty of talent and finesse, but not enough toughness.

by Key on May 13, 2007 8:27 AM MDT reply actions

here it comes again

my other favorite term: "basketball IQ".

What the fuck does THAT mean?

"Genius" level players are allowed to get away with whatever they want due to their high "basketball IQ", but those below must be categorically 'schooled'?

And yet, while on the court, aren't the rules supposed to be absolute?

Whatcha suggestin', Napolean Spur? Teams are all Equal...but Some Teams are More Equal than Others?

The fact you have the gall to complain about the "toughness" of the Suns says enough about not only your team, but your character: a typical bully who hits when he feels strong but retreats the moment he's about to get his kicked.

I pity you. The Suns may lose this series, but at least they can lose knowing they gave it their best. The Spurs players, if they are truly as tough as you say, should have the wherewithal to acknowledge their mistakes and the advantages afforded them by the referees...but we both know they won't.

flim springfield

by DrStrom on May 13, 2007 9:00 AM MDT up reply actions

something that really bothered me...

I normally listen to the interviews on nba.com live or an hour later. After hearing the spurs coach speak, I couldn't even listen to the whole thing. He was saying how well both teams played, etc. I kept thinking, bullshit. Steve was being handled and had maybe the worst shooting night in the first 3 quarters he's had in a long, long time. I still can't get over Bowen only having 2 fouls. Plus Amare only playing 20 minutes. This was not us playing well. To me, the coach of the spurs probably knows they got away with a ton of b.s. tonight and he's too dishonest to say anything. The foul called on Nash when Duncan ran into him was so clearly an offensive foul, I love the nba but these games can be affected by the refs more so than golf, football, or baseball. If they just let them play it turns into thug ball (g.s.).

I think the refs from the 2 personalities we've seen in the spotlight this yr, have serious issues. The Crawford thing, don't have to restate what a moron that guy is, and how he was already kicked out of the league once, but stern brought him back in only to realize his mistake years later. Then the ref that raced Barkley, I thought it was funny, but also pretty sad that it meant that much to the old guy to win. He obviously hates Barkley and wanted to humiliate him, imagine
while he's out there on the floor, calling games, who else he doesn't like! What a mess.

by jasonsuns1 on May 13, 2007 11:55 AM MDT up reply actions

Actually...

You saw Stevie complaining yesterday because of the officiating. Did you watch the game? He was complaining about 4-5 times towards the end of the game when the refs literally swallowed their whistles on the Suns side of the court.

You say Amare showed his lack of basketball IQ because he can't keep himself on the floor. Considering 2 of the fouls he got were not deserved - and considering that Tim Duncan actually should have fouled out in the 3rd quarter but they changed a couple of calls from him to both Ginobili and Horry - how is that his fault?

I have never seen another player get called for a foul and then complain and point to another one of his teammates saying it wasn't him but his teammate that fouled the guy. Well, I hadn't seen it until last night. He pointed to Ginobili and said it was he who fouled Amare. And guess what? The ref actually changed the call!!

Then Duncan and Horry both went up to block Amare, Duncan obviously got him while Horry got a clean block and who did they call the foul on? Yep, Horry. Yet when Amare comes down and tries to post up, he barely touches Oberto but Oberto falls like there was a sniper in the upper decks.

by Dan @ Bright Side Of The Sun on May 13, 2007 9:28 AM MDT up reply actions

Duncan

What made me really mad was the way the officials called two fouls on Duncan and transferred those to his teammates. It seems the refs wanted to keep Duncan on the floor. That is cheating, and these officials integrity should be examined.

We know that Duncan gets away with a lot of noncalls and the other side gets phantom calls. Not all calls are phantom but they can change the complexion of the game. We saw that in game 1 but this one was the worst I have seen.

What I want to see from the refs is consistency in calling the fouls. They seemed to use a completely different set of rules for the Spurs.

The fact that the Suns were even in a position to win shows how talented they are. They will need to learn quickly how to ignore the horrible officiating and just keep the focus and the intensity.

Lets go Suns! Show those thugs in San Antonio and Mr.Stern that you don't need the officials help to beat the Spurs in a 7-game series.

by Vash01 @ Bright Side Of The Sun on May 13, 2007 11:29 AM MDT up reply actions

if i had more time and money...

I'd get the game in high definition, and devote a website to all the bad calls (both ways, I'd be fair). Something the nba isn't! I mean a missed call every once in a while is ok, but this is bullshit. This teaches every team and player in the league that if you complain after every play, it pays off. You can tell Nash, the Suns coach, Bell, etc are incredibly bothered by the calls, but are trying to be classy in a unclassy situation. I say f..kit, the suns have the means of recording the game and editing all the mistakes, they should go against the league, they can pay the fines, but at least it'd be a big black eye to the nba. To have a player like Nash say this is the worst called games he's ever been a part of, and it's obvious for whatever reason, the refs are messing up. That would mean something
coming from aq guy everyone respects. Never happen, but I'm sure they're thinking it. Watch the Suns coach interview, boy was he mad. He was careful in what he said, but it was very clear to me he thought it was thug ball out there!

by jasonsuns1 on May 13, 2007 12:02 PM MDT up reply actions

Dan

Sure, Steve is going to react to calls during the game, during the heat of the moment, just like anyone else. He's no exception there. I was referring more to his post-game comments, and his general attitude about such things. He keeps the focus on forgetting about things that you can't control [such as the officiating] and trying even harder the next time. He really is a class act, and a great leader.

by Key on May 14, 2007 12:05 AM MDT up reply actions

Key

You are back to posting your dumbass opinions again. No, I will not show you respect because you are here to rub salt into our wounds. You need to get the f* out of here. Of course I would love to see if you show up after our Suns whip your thugs at their own game.

Before you critique Amare's basketball IQ, perhaps you need to check your own 'blog posting' IQ, which seems to be zero.

Steve Nash did not say the officials were right; he questioned the calls during the game and after the game he took responsibility for his own poor play. Note- he never said that was the only reason the Suns lost. Steve Nash is total clas. That does not necessarily mean the refs called the game right.

This game was total thuggery and robbery and don't you show up here to justify that.

by Vash01 @ Bright Side Of The Sun on May 13, 2007 11:24 AM MDT up reply actions

Vash01

Well, what to say - I'm sorry you feel that way. In a previous post, you said that you try to treat people with respect because that's what you believe in, and how this blog has some of the most respectful people who shy away from name calling, using bad words, bashing another team, etc. I guess you were just blowing smoke, and now your true colors are showing through. We see the real you. You want to get nasty just b/c you don't agree with someone's opinions? What a shame - I liked the Vash01 you were pretending to be much better.

by Key on May 14, 2007 12:21 AM MDT up reply actions

Nooooooo Vash, please don't do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Please hold back and just let it go. No explanations necessary.

"Key", please leave the Dr. Phil comments elsewhere... I know, http://drphil.com/messageboard/

by Trvs on May 14, 2007 12:29 AM MDT up reply actions

Travis

Thanks for the Dr.Phil link. That was cool. :)

by Vash01 @ Bright Side Of The Sun on May 14, 2007 12:31 AM MDT up reply actions

what can i say?

this game was a disgrace to the NBA. even the anti-suns announcers had to side with us on the fact that the level of consistency was 0.

its one thing to be beat by a better team....
but to be beat by a dumbass coach who doesnt know what a time-out is, and the refs calling the game one sided just hurts.

game 4 is a must win. if we dont win, i wouldn't mind seeing the suns in game 5 getting physical and agrressive, and also bitching about every call like mr. duncan. however it will be a fast game because i'm sure the refs will blow the T for every bitch while treating duncan like a freaking officiating consultant.

i swear at one point late in the 4th, a ref walked up to duncan an chatted him up about something, very next play was the one with horry and duncan and horry got the foul. its almost like the refs had to ask permission first if they could call a foul, and to who the foul should be placed.

by joeeeeeee on May 13, 2007 10:10 AM MDT reply actions

Just remember...

It was a major gaffe by the refs last year that got the Suns fired up enough to go on a three-game streak against LA, and come back to win the series. I'm just saying... :)

by TexSUN on May 13, 2007 11:36 AM MDT reply actions

Grrrr is right!

I was able to watch all the first half before we had to leave and heard the start of the 3rd quarter in the car.

Can I just stop and say how great Al McCoy is? I grew up listening to him call Suns games. I would hide literally under my covers w/ a radio listening to the game as quietly as I could after bed time...

Anyway, I made it all the way through the fancy dinner thing w/o checking the score and then as we were in line to get the car some guys mentioned the outcome. I haven't had the heart to watch the 2nd half yet but will do so this afternoon after my chores.

The best thing is that game 4 is on Monday and we don't have to spend 4 days mulling over this one.

by Seth Pollack on May 13, 2007 11:39 AM MDT reply actions

on McCoy

Yep, he's awesome. I love listening to his call on the games!

by jasonsuns1 on May 13, 2007 12:05 PM MDT up reply actions

It's not the computer's fault!

So if you don't hear from me until Monday, you know why. It's probably because I threw the stupid computer through the window.

LOL!

by TexSUN on May 13, 2007 11:40 AM MDT reply actions

eck

In the third quarter I actually half screamed like Ripley at the end of Aliens - C'MON GODD**NIT!!!!

As of 2007, San Antonio's market is #37, while Phoenix is #13. (Source) The NBA loves the Suns and I think would like nothing else than to see them in the Finals. It's not a market thing, it's not a case of 'friendliness' or whatever. It's the fact that the refs were calling a SA home playoff game, a team that has won 3 titles in the last 10 years, with 2 members on this year's all nba defensive team in Duncan and Bowen.

The officiating was bad - if only for the fact they called that horrible foul on Stat vs Oberto in the 1st, giving him 2 early fouls and having to sit FOREVER. However, the next play after the stat foul they called a 3 seconds against SA. So they knew, they were acknowledging that they knew, but thanks a lot guys. SA lost one possession while we lost our top guy and the game because of it. It's like in the 4th, when they called a ticky-tack against SA when Nash had the ball, and you could hear D'Antoni yelling 'Why call it now!???'. I felt the same way.

All that said, even with all the sludge and muck and whatever going on in the 4th, I knew we were going to fight back. We cut it to six a couple of times late thanks to great 3 point shooting by Marion and the will of Nash, but they kept responding, either with 3's of their own or 3 point plays by Duncan, who cannot be single teamed by anybody.

I agree with the above post pointing out the tear the suns went on after getting pissed in game 4 of the lakers series last year.

The Suns will win on Monday AND Wednesday. Maybe not game 6 too, but game 7 will be fun. This thing's going 7. I want to say Suns in 7...but I get that feeling like in 94 against the Rockets, and I don't want to think about it anymore.

Whatever happens, this is not 2005 all over again.

downintx.com

by kidjay on May 13, 2007 6:07 PM MDT reply actions

Duncan

You guys can bitch about the calls all you want. Yes, they didn't go the Suns way on Saturday. However, the Suns need to quit whining and man up, because I sure don't see things getting better as far as officiating. Hate to say it, but Key is right about Amare. As far as understanding of the game of basketball and not getting fouls, even if you guys think the calls are bs, he's not very good at it. He has alot of things to learn. Now, you know the main reason we lost this game? Tim Duncan. He is amazing. Flat-out best PF EVER. He is killing us, even when Thomas is on him. We HAVE to find an answer for him, or we will lose no matter what. He is the best player of the last decade "3 finals Mvp's, 3 chamionships, 2 regular season awards, never with another top 20 player on his team" and we need to treat him like it. That;s all I have to say.

Dirk ; Not an MVP.

by Emerica21 on May 13, 2007 6:40 PM MDT reply actions

I agree...

The Suns are unraveling and look washed up

I can't believe Amare went public about a dirty player trying to injure him... and the result of the NBAs lack of action? How about the same dirty player kicking Nash between the legs. I wish the Suns would just man up and take it.

I wish Amare understood the game of basketball. I mean, the guy had career ending knee surgery and came back to become an All-Star and make the All-NBA First Team. Maybe he should have scored 30 points in 20 minutes last night. Too bad he doesn't have "Protected Duncan Status" with the officials... he could have played more than half the game.

Obviously, if Duncan has a great game then we lose, that's the real reason... I mean, except for the last game.

Who is this poser?

by Trvs on May 13, 2007 7:14 PM MDT reply actions

Travis

Nice post Travis. It seems to me Emerica is a wolf in sheep's clothing (translation: A Spurs fan disguised as a Suns fan). Just because he/she writes 'we' we are not fooled. This is a buddy of the troll Key.

by Vash01 @ Bright Side Of The Sun on May 14, 2007 12:09 AM MDT up reply actions

duncan as power forward

They can say all they want about how he plays the 4 but HE DOESN'T. HE'S A CENTER. HE'S 6'11.

I nominate Shaq, Chamberlain, and Russell as my favorite power forwards. They play(ed) that position, if only because that's how I perceive it.

downintx.com

by kidjay on May 13, 2007 9:20 PM MDT reply actions

Focus

The Suns absolutely must stay focused on the game. We have seen enough bad calls to expect them every time we play the Spurs. Just make sure you score enough points to make this a non-issue.

by Vash01 @ Bright Side Of The Sun on May 14, 2007 12:11 AM MDT reply actions