The playoffs will require a top effort every night.  The team pulled off a great win on the road in a back to back against a team above them in the standings.  We need to have the same effort again.  There is no reason why we can't win the rest of our games.

It is strange, but I was discussing the Suns with my brother, and the general impression is that we are not hitting on all cylinders, kind of like an engine that has its timing a little bit off.  A little this way, and it runs rich.  a little that way, and it runs lean.  Running rich can burn us out and gum up the engine for the future.  In the same way, running lean will wear the parts out and leave the engine without punch when you need it.  We thought it was funny that the team has won 11 of 14, yet we are nervous about the team's prospects.  This is what happens when you get two guys together that have followed the suns since their inception.  We have seen it all.  It takes a lot to impress us.

Winning out with solid contributions from players 1-9 would go a long way toward preparing for a long playoff run.

This is what we need:

STAT - needs to be aware of Shaq and Boris around the basket.  Often he is bottled up, and another big man is left alone.  When he starts to look for these opportunities, he will start to see Grant cutting to the basket, or LB, Stevie, or Raja spotting up for threes.  also, he needs to rediscover his rebounding.  It seems like after Shaq came, he leaves the rebounding to the Big Shaqtus.

Shaq - he needs to be more aggressive in going up for close in shots - he misses too many of those.

Steve - avoid turnovers at the end of games.  I was amazed to find he leads the league in turnovers per 48 minutes of clutch situations (score within 5 points in fourth quarter or overtime), a whopping 6.4 TOPG rate. (http://www.82games.com/CSORT15.HTM)

Boris - needs to bring a consistent effort.  I have always maintained that he is unguardable when he is on his game.  He brings a weapon to the table that opponents cannot solve.  Specifically, he needs to aggressively drive to the basket with no thought to pass when the defense is giving it to him.

LB - he needs to know when to drive, and when to pull up.  I was very impressed when he shot the three at the end of the half in the Spurs game.  Usually he drives and throws up an out of control shot.  He needs to use the option as a weapon, so the defender is unsure how to play him at all times.  Then he can blow by him.

Raja - he is rounding into playoff form.  I like the defensive intensity, and the shot has been there.

Grant - he needs to continue moving and cutting without the ball.  He is another weapon that confounds defenses.  He needs to hound his man on defense.

The Principal - He is very important.  D'A must play him regularly.  His hustle and shot have earned his way on the court.  He gives a different look to the opposition, and we need to take advantage of it.

DJ - he needs to be ready.  He will play a part in these playoffs by cooling off a hot opposing guard.

and don't be jealous just because Horry has 7 rings (two with Rockets)... and y'all have 0!

If the Suns win, they move into 3rd because they OWN the tiebreaker with THE SP*RS (yes, that's right, "own the Sp*rs").  That's even assuming the Sp*rs can beat Seattle.

I've resigned myself to the fact that the Hornets and Fakers are going to finish 1 and 2.

1. Paxson for three
2. Cheap-shot Rob's hip check
3. Houston Rocket Mario Elie's kiss of death

Still, I don't hate the Rockets, and if there is one non-superstar player in the league I'd like to see the Suns acquire it would be Shane Battier.  I do, however, think the Suns are a better team right now.  I'm looking for the visitors to hold sway and take back that 5th spot tonight!

And yes, it's a bit unfair that the Lakers get those 2 extra home games, but that's really on the Clippers to stop being doormats.  Even in Lakerland, if a team wins, the fans will show up.  All the Clippers need to do to get back those 2 home games (and even get two more!?!?) is start winning and beating the Lakers.