No doubt about it. Suns are the team to beat.

[IceColdBrewski]

Up until now, part of me still wanted to believe that the Spurs would be able to get past the Suns even though they would hold homecourt advantage when/if they met in the WC Finals. But after watching them clobber the Griz and manhandle a very game Mavs team tonight, I'm convinced that we're going to need a lot of luck if we hope to make it to the Finals. Not only did they beat the Mavs handily, but they made it look easy.

[Nikos]

Suns are beatable. I think they can beat the Spurs due to HC, but I can't see them beating Spurs and Miami/Det.

[timvp]

The Grizzlies were horrible and the Mavs aren't much better. It will be a different story in the WCF.

[T Park]

Good examples Memphis and Dallas.

Two teams who's defense stinks, and has no good players with dribble penetration like Ginobili and GASP Parker.

NO good Big men on the post to get Stoudamire in foul trouble.

I agree, Spurs are just like Memphis and Dallas.

[BadlyDrawnBoy]

They sewpt the same Griz we swept last year.

Dallas isn't an elite. They still can't play defense.

The Spurs are on a monster roll since game 1 against Denver.

The SUns are in for a big shock when they finally face defense in the WCF.

[Nikos]

Dallas and Memphis were fine on defense this season. Memphis was awful on offense however. Dallas was solid on D, but certainly not elite.

If Dirk keeps up his subpar play (before the game is decided), then the Mavs have no chance to make it a series.

Heck if Dirk keeps playing poorly, I think the Nuggets could beat the Mavs easily in a series.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

Don't get scared when you see the offensive powerhouse sweep a very inexperienced, lower-tier western conference team....and then beat a decent western team ONCE...

People (myself included) got caught up in the whole D back in Dallas thing....Apparently we were fooled into thinking some D was good D.

They just need to put a good defender on Nash, and a body on Amare at all times.

Have no fear....Parker has played Nash well many times, and Amare will not have his way on our bigs.....Fear the Rasho. Fear him.

[spursfan05]

they'll be boo'ing ginobili and crying about bruce in no time:)

[Obstructed_View]

I don't see anything in the Suns that wasn't there the first two times the Spurs beat them. Memphis is a terrible team, and the Grizzlies had a chance to win at least one in that series. The Mavs have played one good game in the last 8. It's not surprising that they got hammered tonight, but it doesn't suddenly make the Suns the runaway favorite to win the championship. I want the best teams playing their best game so when the Spurs beat them there are no excuses.

[IceColdBrewski]

The Grizzlies were horrible and the Mavs aren't much better...

I don't think you give the Mavs enought credit. They were good enough to beat a very good Houston team after dropping the first 2 at home. That's no easy feat.

For the record, I hope I'm wrong. But you can't deny the Suns look damn good. Couple that with the fact the they hold home court advantage, and I don't see the Spurs making it to the finals this year without a little luck. But after 0.4 last year, maybe luck will be on our side this year.

[Nikos]

Quite honestly I would not fear the Suns AT ALL if the Spurs had HC.

But without HC I think the Spurs somehow might tend to get down on themselves if they took a blow early in the series on the road. Or lets say they lost a game badly. I could see them losing confidence a bit. But if they had HC, got off to a solid start, and came down to a Game 7 in SA, then I could see them winning the series easily.

A lot of it has to do with how tough the Spurs are as a team mentally and how confident they are with their identity.

[T Park]

I don't see the Spurs making it to the finals this year without a little luck

of course not.

If only Beno Udrih was the starting pg.

[ZStomp]

Good examples Memphis and Dallas.

Two teams who's defense stinks, and has no good players with dribble penetration like Ginobili and GASP Parker.

NO good Big men on the post to get Stoudamire in foul trouble.

I agree, Spurs are just like Memphis and Dallas.


Ouch! Ice has been served!

[timvp]

If the Spurs stay healthy, I believe they'll take care of business. They can get back on defense and stop transition play. The Nuggets were a BETTER running team than the Suns are and they were held in check.

Don't get me wrong, the Suns could win that series. They could get hot from the outside and the Spurs can get cold shooting the ball. But I think overall, the Spurs matchup well with them.

[Nikos]

The Nugz were better on D than Phoenix. Maybe as solid at pushing the pace as the Suns, but the difference is they did not have a scorer like Amare.

Thats basically the difference between the two teams.

[SirChaz]

I don't see anything in the Suns that wasn't there the first two times the Spurs beat them. Memphis is a terrible team, and the Grizzlies had a chance to win at least one in that series. The Mavs have played one good game in the last 8. It's not surprising that they got hammered tonight, but it doesn't suddenly make the Suns the runaway favorite to win the championship. I want the best teams playing their best game so when the Spurs beat them there are no excuses.


No excuses.

I want a healthy Spurs against a healthy Suns in the WCF.

That would be a great series based on how well both teams are playing right now.

[IceColdBrewski]

of course not.

If only Beno Udrih was the starting pg.

I never said that. I have to hand it to you T-Park. You're consistently good at trying to put words in my mouth. :rolleyes

[SpursFanDan]

Good examples Memphis and Dallas.

Two teams who's defense stinks, and has no good players with dribble penetration like Ginobili and GASP Parker.

NO good Big men on the post to get Stoudamire in foul trouble.

I agree, Spurs are just like Memphis and Dallas.

[T Park]

If the Spurs stay healthy, I believe they'll take care of business. They can get back on defense and stop transition play. The Nuggets were a BETTER running team than the Suns are and they were held in check.

Don't get me wrong, the Suns could win that series. They could get hot from the outside and the Spurs can get cold shooting the ball. But I think overall, the Spurs matchup well with them.


bravo.


Denver prepared the Spurs for Phoenix perfectly.


Just like in 03 when Phoenix prepared the Spurs for Dallas and New Jersey.

[duncan2k5]

the suns are nothing to us. we proved it in the regular season and we are in their heads. Dallas had decent HALF-COURT defense, but 0 transition defense. spurs excell in both. bruce can shut down joe johnson with ease and manu/brent ony has to stand at the 3 point line with Q. nash will be owned by tony and whould ony get the majority of his assists to amare, not the other perimeter guys. marion is 6'7 and timmy will OWN him. amare will get his as he has been doing in the season, but thats it. no problem guys. dont worry. and they still have to get past _allas

[SirChaz]

bravo.


Denver prepared the Spurs for Phoenix perfectly.


Just like in 03 when Phoenix prepared the Spurs for Dallas and New Jersey.


I hope the Spurs think so.

I saw so many blown opportunities by the Nuggets. The Suns are faster, space the floor better, and shoot the outside shot much better. Denver's offense is nowhere near as potent as the Suns.

[IceColdBrewski]

the suns are nothing to us. we proved it in the regular season and we are in their heads.

Big difference between regular season and post-season.

[IceColdBrewski]

I saw so many blown opportunities by the Nuggets. The Suns are faster, space the floor better, and shoot the outside shot much better. Denver's offense is nowhere near as potent as the Suns.

This is what a lot of Spurs fans fail to see. Or maybe they just don't want to. The Nuggets blew countless opportunities to make it a tougher series than it turned out to be. A team of the Suns' caliber isn't going to be so forgiving.

[Obstructed_View]

I don't think you give the Mavs enought credit. They were good enough to beat a very good Houston team after dropping the first 2 at home. That's no easy feat.

For the record, I hope I'm wrong. But you can't deny the Suns look damn good. Couple that with the fact the they hold home court advantage, and I don't see the Spurs making it to the finals this year without a little luck. But after 0.4 last year, maybe luck will be on our side this year.
The way I see it the only game the Mavericks won was game 7. The Rockets were in control of every game in the fourth quarter and managed to choke them away.

The Suns look good, but offense always looks good, and so do blowouts. The Mavs didn't show up. Everybody needs luck to win a championship, but the Spurs still match up well with the Suns. The Spurs' offense is better than the Suns' defense, and the Suns' great road record is negated by the Spurs' great home record. As with the San Antonio/Seattle series, it's only 1-0, regardless of the margin of victory. The Mavs can still win the series.

[violentkitten]

before the suns were the team to beat it was the 22-2 or whatever nuggets who were the team to beat.

[violentkitten]

This is what a lot of Spurs fans fail to see. Or maybe they just don't want to. The Nuggets blew countless opportunities to make it a tougher series than it turned out to be. A team of the Suns' caliber isn't going to be so forgiving.


the spurs blew some opportunities as well.

[IceColdBrewski]

the spurs blew some opportunities as well.

Exactly. Not the best time of the season to be blowing opportunities. A Championship caliber team like the Suns will make them pay for all "blown opportunities".

[violentkitten]

Exactly. Not the best time of the season to be blowing opportunities. A Championship caliber team like the Suns will make them pay for all "blown opportunities".

ha. and the spurs cant make the suns do the same? the suns dont fuck up?

get a grip

[Obstructed_View]

Exactly. Not the best time of the season to be blowing opportunities. A Championship caliber team like the Suns will make them pay for all "blown opportunities".
Phoenix ownz u. :spin

I'm curious. What makes you think they are a championship caliber team, and what did you see tonight that makes you so much more afraid of them than you were two months ago? And what weakness do you see in the Spurs that the Suns will suddenly be able to exploit?

[IceColdBrewski]

ha. and the spurs cant make the suns do the same? the suns dont fuck up?

get a grip

Get a grip? Damn. I feel like I'm back in the 80's.

I'm not the one who needs to "get a grip" here. If the Spurs make similar mistakes against the Suns, It's going to be a short WC finals for us.

[violentkitten]

you seem like someone who would respond to eighties lingo. if not then here's a little nineties lingo: shut the fuck up you dumb bitch.

[picnroll]

Brewski running up the white flag? Pretty pathetic.

[SirChaz]

before the suns were the team to beat it was the 22-2 or whatever nuggets who were the team to beat.


You know who the "2" were against?

[violentkitten]

yet another transition team who the spurs bent over this season

[IceColdBrewski]

Brewski running up the white flag? Pretty pathetic.

You must be T-Parks' sister. Always making shit up and jumping to conclusions.

I'm not "running up" anything. Just saying the Spurs are going to need a little luck to beat Phoenix. Understand now?

[SirChaz]

yet another transition team who the spurs bent over this season


You sure are basing a lot of confidence on a blowout in December. The second game was very close against a short handed Suns. The rest, I guess, is based on a game where the Spurs kept it close against a bored Suns team.


Plus I thought the regular season didn't matter?

[IceColdBrewski]

Plus I thought the regular season didn't matter?

Yep.

[GINNNNNNNNNNNNOBILI]

People forget the spurs can get out and run too, maybe not as good as the suns, but we play defense better than the suns.

The Suns rely on the open 3, IF they play the spurs they won't get the wide open 3's they are used to getting, every shot will have a hand contesting it.

[violentkitten]

You sure are basing a lot of confidence on a blowout in December. The second game was very close against a short handed Suns. The rest, I guess, is based on a game where the Spurs kept it close against a bored Suns team.


Plus I thought the regular season didn't matter?

you seemed to think the regular season mattered. fuck man i dont need the regular season to feel confident about this spurs team against your overrated no bench suns.

[IceColdBrewski]

People forget the spurs can get out and run too, maybe not as good as the suns, but we play defense better than the suns.

The Suns rely on the open 3, IF they play the spurs they won't get the wide open 3's they are used to getting, every shot will have a hand contesting it.

The Suns don't "rely" on any one thing. That's what makes them so tough. They can Run. They can play halfcourt offense. They can bomb away from 3. And they can let Nash create for someone down low.

Some of you are gonna be in for a shock when/if we meet up with the Suns in the WCF. The Spurs will have to bring their A-game every night to pull it out. Any more of those 4-10 minute stretches without a field goal will be devastating against a team like Phoenix.

[violentkitten]

fuck man the suns are invincible and the spurs can't run. lol

[Obstructed_View]

The Suns don't "rely" on any one thing. That's what makes them so tough. They can Run. They can play halfcourt offense. They can bomb away from 3. And they can let Nash create for someone down low.

Some of you are gonna be in for a shock when/if we meet up with the Suns in the WCF. The Spurs will have to bring their A-game every night to pull it out. Any more of those 4-10 minute stretches without a field goal will be devastating against a team like Phoenix.

The bandwagon is slowing down. This must be your stop. ;)

[IceColdBrewski]

fuck man the suns are invincible and the spurs can't run. lol

Who said that?

[IceColdBrewski]

The bandwagon is slowing down. This must be your stop. ;)

Will always be a Spurs fan till the bitter end. Just stating the obvious. Nice try though.

[SirChaz]

you seemed to think the regular season mattered. fuck man i dont need the regular season to feel confident about this spurs team against your overrated no bench suns.

Whatever, you brought it up.


Spurs are the team to beat, there is no doubt. It just seems to me that the Suns are better than you are willing to give them credit for.

Hopefully we can resolve this in the next round. I would be interested to see the Suns test themselves against the Spurs. May the best team win.

[violentkitten]

the nuggets were supposed to be a hot team entering the playoffs so the reference to their season ending record was quite appropriate. of course i dont necessarily think it matters. it just seemed like something an individual like yourself would get themselves wet over.

[SirChaz]

the nuggets were supposed to be a hot team entering the playoffs so the reference to their season ending record was quite appropriate. of course i dont necessarily think it matters. it just seemed like something an individual like yourself would get themselves wet over.


I never said they were the team to beat and I was never excited about the Nuggets record. Both of their losses in the "streak" were their games against the Suns. They may have been hot but not against the Suns.

The Suns are now 5-0 in the playoffs. How many will it take before you start to realize the Suns are playing well and a better team than you have given them credit for?

[violentkitten]

fuck the suns i dont have to give them credit for anything. thusfar they have beaten the grizz and the mavs. give me a sec while i ejaculate.

[Mr. Body]

For such a juggernaut, the Suns are strangely monolilthic and inflexible. They do the same thing over and over in order to win: score in the same ways, Stoudamire down low, Nash breaking down the defense and kicking out, lots of three pointers. That's all there is to it. Do you really think they could make adjustments to a team that's beating them?

I wouldn't say they're one-trick, but they're pretty much the WYSIWYG team. The Spurs, on the other hand, can win with offense, defense, can run, can slow it down, can post-up, can bomb away, can win on penetrations. A much more versatile team.

[SirChaz]

fuck the suns i dont have to give them credit for anything. thusfar they have beaten the grizz and the mavs. give me a sec while i ejaculate.

Well have fun with that........


Remind me, Who have the Spurs beat?

Oh that's right the RED HOT Nuggets and the injured Sonics. LOL

[violentkitten]

cept you are the one who thinks beating up on weak ass teams means something in the playoffs. i never said that.

your team is going down, provided they can get to the next round to begin with

[SirChaz]

For such a juggernaut, the Suns are strangely monolilthic and inflexible. They do the same thing over and over in order to win: score in the same ways, Stoudamire down low, Nash breaking down the defense and kicking out, lots of three pointers. That's all there is to it. Do you really think they could make adjustments to a team that's beating them?

I wouldn't say they're one-trick, but they're pretty much the WYSIWYG team. The Spurs, on the other hand, can win with offense, defense, can run, can slow it down, can post-up, can bomb away, can win on penetrations. A much more versatile team.

They can and have made some adjustments but if the plan is working why would they make any changes? The reason the Suns are effective is because they adjust on the fly and take what teams are giving them. They don't really have many plays or sets they just run thier stuff. If teams double and sag inside they kick it out. If they cover the outside they go inside.

Nobody has stopped them yet. If the Spurs shut them down then kudos to them but I am going to have to see it to believe it.

I think it would be a very competitive series.

[SirChaz]

cept you are the one who thinks beating up on weak ass teams means something in the playoffs. i never said that.

your team is going down, provided they can get to the next round to begin with

Better than losing to weak ass teams in the playoffs.

[violentkitten]

what series have the spurs lost? fuck man champions have lost to low seeds before that is nothing new. well except to you perhaps since the suns have never been...a champion. you telling us what it takes to win a championship is preposterous. run along now.

[Slo spurs fan]

Start Beno (who allways played good against Suns) and then kill Nash with fresh Tony! :spin

[Dingle Barry]

Big difference between regular season and post-season.


Yes, and if you had ever watched playoff basketball before, you would know that defense is what wins games.

Also, how many players on Phx have won a conference finals game before? 1?

[Jimcs50]

Up until now, part of me still wanted to believe that the Spurs would be able to get past the Suns even though they would hold homecourt advantage when/if they met in the WC Finals. But after watching them clobber the Griz and manhandle a very game Mavs team tonight, I'm convinced that we're going to need a lot of luck if we hope to make it to the Finals. Not only did they beat the Mavs handily, but they made it look easy.


:rolleyes


You are mistaken.

Every home team blew out the road team in game 1, or did you not see the other games?

Common denominator? The road teams were either injured or weary from a tough series that just ended 2 days prior.

SA can easily beat Phoenix....even though I say Dallas will be our opponent.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

What IceColdTakeski fails to realize is the Spurs play much better as the hunter than the hunted.

I have no problem with Phoenix being "the team to beat."

[Jimcs50]

What IceColdTakeski fails to realize is the Spurs play much better as the hunter than the hunted.

I have no problem with Phoenix being "the team to beat."


I disagree, the 2 championships the Spurs have won were when they were the consensus favorites to win it all, just as they are this year.

Look at Vegas' odds, if you dod not believe me.

[picnroll]

IceCold must be RayRay's sister. "Oh no, those Suns are just too tough. Oh no, it's going to take a miracle for the Spurs to win."

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Jim, both of those years the Lakers were *the team* to beat.

Maybe not in Vegas, but in the media perception. And we all know the media drive the feel of who's the favorite and who's the dog.

[Jimcs50]

Jim, both of those years the Lakers were *the team* to beat.

Maybe not in Vegas, but in the media perception. And we all know the media drive the feel of who's the favorite and who's the dog.


We were the team to beat by most of the media in those 2 years, we had #1 seed...David Dupree picked SA to win it all in 99 and 03, and he and Barkley piked SA in 03 and this yr, so that is all that counts.

[Extra Stout]

IceColdBrewski is the Ray Allen of Spurs fans. Go take a Midol.

Look, Phoenix isn't going to be easy, assuming the Sonics don't start producing testosterone in the near future and start making this current series competitive. They are a tough team to stop from scoring. If one player hesitates getting back in transition, it's two points in each instance for the Suns almost automatically. The Spurs don't have much of an answer for Amare Stoudemire. They pretty much have to let him get his in order to prevent the Suns from raining threes all over the place.

But, then again, the Spurs have shown over and over again they can win at any pace. Can Phoenix win a grind-it-out game? Very few of their key guys have had to execute under the pressure of a fourth quarter in a close playoff game deep in the postseason. The Spurs know they can do that. The Suns hope they can.

And I don't see any answer in that Phoenix lineup for Duncan, Parker, or Ginobili. Ordinarily, you'd figure the Suns' great offense cancels out the Spurs' great defense, as their mediocre defense does to the Spurs' mediocre offense. But they match up especially poorly to the Spurs' top weapons.

[TwoHandJam]

I don't see much chance of the Suns winning a series against us, even with HCA. Their offense may be potent but their defense is just abysmal. Couple that with a weak bench and a lack of playoff experience and I think it's too much to overcome.

The Spurs aren't scared of them in the least and have lots of experience in thwarting transition teams (Nets '03, Nuggets '05). The Suns live off the break and if they're forced into playing half-court, they won't have what it takes against the Spurs defense.

Don't get me wrong, the Suns are a very strong team and offensively they can steamroll most teams in the league, but not teams like the Spurs can that nullify the fast break and play great defense.

Spurs in 6.

[CosmicCowboy]

I'm sure not jumping but the Suns present some tough matchups for us as well...

I think the Spurs can stop the fast break just like they stopped Denvers...break three guys as soon as the shot goes in the air...the problem with that is that Phoenix is a better rebounding team with Amare/Marion/Johnson than Denver was and this tactic plays into one of their strengths...and if Stoudamire gets the ball in the paint on an offensive rebound it is an automatic flush or Spurs foul...

Stoudemire developing a reliable perimeter jump shot also presents some new defensive problems for the Spurs...I assume Spurs will cover him with Rasho or Nazr and they have to honor the threat...which leaves Tim basically alone when Marion/Johnson cut baseline...fouls will be key in this series on both sides...

How Phoenix reacts when the Spurs shut down the fast break will be the key to this series...we are about to see if D'Antoni really IS the coach of the year...if they have an answer for the Spurs half court defense Spurs are gonna have to bring their A+ game offensively for a full 48 minutes every game to win without home court...

[twincam]

Up until now, part of me still wanted to believe that the Spurs would be able to get past the Suns even though they would hold homecourt advantage when/if they met in the WC Finals. But after watching them clobber the Griz and manhandle a very game Mavs team tonight, I'm convinced that we're going to need a lot of luck if we hope to make it to the Finals. Not only did they beat the Mavs handily, but they made it look easy.


You're forgetting one thing, DEFENSE !

nuff said

[GrandeDavid]

Hey, how about how nice San Antonio has looked!? The Grizzlies and a fatigued Mavericks team? Give me a break. Wait until the Spurs put the defensive clamps on them and on offense ram the TMT (Tim Manu Tony) down their throats. Spurs would dismantle the Phoenix Train in six or so.

[MannyIsGod]

How quickly it is forgotten that the only time the Suns won was when Tim Duncan was off the floor, but all of a sudden they become the team to beat.

Well, I personally could care less which team is labeled the team to beat. The Spurs have beat this team in the past, and can do so easily. Yes, they have to play well, but that was pretty much a given.

[Jimcs50]

I think we are forgetting about Dallas a little too early.

They were worn out mentally and physically in that Houston series...they were ripe for a blowout.

I expect to see them put up a great effort in the next 3 games.

[GrandeDavid]

Jim, I have to agree. I think Dallas will end up giving Phx all they can handle. Its going seven, but I think Phx will pull it out then get defeated solidly by the Spurs.

[Jimcs50]

Yes, it will go 7 games.

Dallas is a great road team, Phoenix is mediocre home team, just as was Houston...Dallas will win at least 1 in Phoenix, bank on it.

[picnroll]

_allas found a D, unfortunately for them it was Dumb. Avery came out with a gameplan, establish the low post, feed it to the big man. Problem is the big man was Dampier. Avery must have believed DAmp wihen he announced that he was the best center in the West. Sorry Marky, try again next off season.

Okay so plan A's not working thinks Avery to himself. Maybe a plan B. "Hey I gots a good idea" says Avery, "lets jack up some outside shots. Whooaa. Oh shit man them Suns are running dose misses right back at us and stuffin dem down ours troats. Penetrators to da basket? Oh they got poor defense, particuly interior defense. Well Nellie nevah told me nuthin about dat po defense." Maybe we try dat next game.

Pops no Avery and the Spurs are no Dullass.

[CosmicCowboy]

_allas found a D, unfortunately for them it was Dumb. Avery came out with a gameplan, establish the low post, feed it to the big man. Problem is the big man was Dampier. Avery must have believed DAmp wihen he announced that he was the best center in the West. Sorry Marky, try again next off season.

Okay so plan A's not working thinks Avery to himself. Maybe a plan B. "Hey I gots a good idea" says Avery, "lets jack up some outside shots. Whooaa. Oh shit man them Suns are running dose misses right back at us and stuffin dem down ours troats. Penetrators to da basket? Oh they got poor defense, particuly interior defense. Well Nellie nevah told me nuthin about dat po defense." Maybe we try dat next game.

Pops no Avery and the Spurs are no Dullass.

:lmao

no shit...playing the Suns pace on that game was crazy...

[Spurminator]

It's quite simple. With the way Dirk Nowitzki is playing, Dallas is a team whose best players are Jason Terry and Jerry Stackhouse. Does that sound like a few Eastern Conference Lottery teams from the past few years to anyone else?

If Dirk Nowitzki would simply play like a top 10 player, hell maybe even a top 20 player, this series would be very competitive.

[MadDog73]

How can a team that allows the Grizzlies to score 102 points a game be considered the team to beat?

[Extra Stout]

How can a team that allows the Grizzlies to score 102 points a game be considered the team to beat?
How many times must this fallacy about defense be debunked? The Suns give up as many points as they do because they play a fast pace that gives both teams a lot of possessions.

A team that lets you score 90 points on 80 possessions is considerably worse defensively than a team that lets you score 100 points on 100 possessions. I guess it is difficult for a significant portion of the population to comprehend that. Hooray American education.

In terms of their defensive efficiency, which is how many points they give up per possession, they are middle of the road. They are not great defensively, but neither do they suck.

[MadDog73]

How many times must this fallacy about defense be debunked? The Suns give up as many points as they do because they play a fast pace that gives both teams a lot of possessions.

But when a team like the Spurs slows down their pace - what then?

They have no response. The Suns can beat another mediocre defensive team like the Mavs, but can they beat good Defensive teams?

What's the Suns record against the Pistons, Rockets and Spurs this year?

EDIT: Suns vs Pistons 1-1, Rockets 2-2, Spurs 1-2.

[sa_butta]

I would not want to be in a track meet with the Suns I think if we slow up the pace a little we can expose them and take advantage, but if it is fast paced all the way through we may be in some trouble.

[Extra Stout]

But when a team like the Spurs slows down their pace - what then?

They have no response. The Suns can beat another mediocre defensive team like the Mavs, but can they beat good Defensive teams?

What's the Suns record against the Pistons, Rockets and Spurs this year?I think the Suns' defensive efficiency against the Spurs would be the same, maybe even a little better, if the pace were slowed down.

Where they would really be hurt is on offense because they depend on their fast-paced transition game for easy shots and wide-open threes. In the halfcourt, they could go to Amare a lot, but Marion, Q, and Joe Johnson would be much, much less effective.

[MadDog73]

I think the Suns' defensive efficiency against the Spurs would be the same, maybe even a little better, if the pace were slowed down.

Where they would really be hurt is on offense because they depend on their fast-paced transition game for easy shots and wide-open threes. In the halfcourt, they could go to Amare a lot, but Marion, Q, and Joe Johnson would be much, much less effective.


Really? You think the Suns could defend the Spurs better if they slowed the game down? I guess we'll have to wait and see...

My point (and I admit I wasn't clear on this) is that the Suns play a totally different style of basketball from Championship teams in the past. If they win the Championship, then I'll start believing in this "Run and gun" style of play. But until that happens, I'll bet on the "defensive stops = won games" style of past Champions: Spurs, Pistons and even Lakers (who even though didn't play consistent defense, were notorious for completely shutting down teams in key moments).

[SpursChampsIII]

Phoenix has not won that series yet. I can see the Suns winning the next game too, but I can also see Dallas gaining some momentum back while winning two games in Big D.

[ca®lo]

i dont see any reason why we should be scared of the suns.

come on. if youre a fan trust in the spurs.

[Extra Stout]

Really? You think the Suns could defend the Spurs better if they slowed the game down? I guess we'll have to wait and see...The Spurs' offense has a well-documented tendency to bog down in the halfcourt against even middling defensive teams.

In the open court, Parker absolutely owns Nash. Who will stop him?

[MadDog73]

The Spurs' offense has a well-documented tendency to bog down in the halfcourt against even middling defensive teams.

In the open court, Parker absolutely owns Nash. Who will stop him?

Who will stop Tim? Who will stop Manu?

Wait, there's Big Dog and Robert Horry shooting threes, too!

It will be a fantastic, exciting series.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

I think Dallas will adjust and stretch this series to at least six games.

I thought the Mavs looked a little tired and unmotivated. Remember this is the same Dallas team that looked like they were going to get swept by Houston after two games.

Phoenix is great, for sure, but the Spurs at full strength are still going to be the better team in a seven game series, IMO.

[boutons]

Jason has been playing very well, and Stackhouse seems to be playing with lots of energy. Both went off quite well vs. Houston, and I expect them to produce vs PHX, after the shell-shock of Game1 wears off. I think they may have been still thinking about the Houston series last night, not fully adjusted to a new opponent. and of course Suns were fully rested and @home.

Dirk has to maintain his RBs and ASTs, while adding some more scoring. I'm impressed that Dirk was driving quite frequently last night.

If Mavs can find more offense, esp in attacking the basket rather than settling for jumpers, they will have no problems scoring against defense-less PHX, and then Mavs have to tighten up their defense.

Dampier was a disaster. In the early minutes, he missed a layup/putback and fumbled 2 dish-offs right under the basket. Sorta set the tone for the rest of the Mavs bad opening quarter. And then he klutzs his way into early foul trouble. Mavs continue to be weakened by their perennially sucky front-court.

[Mr. Body]

1. No team wins the Championship without paying its dues. Iconic one is Detroit learning from Boston, Chicago learning from Detroit. The Spurs learned from Utah. Nobody gets there in the first try.

2. No team wins the Championship without playing defense. Name an NBA Champion in the modern era (since 1980) that won it all with bad defense and great offense.

There's not one. Not. A. Single. One.

[Spurminator]

The fallacy to your argument is that Phoenix's defense isn't bad. The 2001 Lakers were worse on defense.

[MadDog73]

The fallacy to your argument is that Phoenix's defense isn't bad. The 2001 Lakers were worse on defense.


Good enough to sweep the Spurs... :rolleyes

How many points did the Lakers allow that series?

[Extra Stout]

The fallacy to your argument is that Phoenix's defense isn't bad. The 2001 Lakers were worse on defense.

Untrue.

2001 Lakers -- 102.4 points allowed per 100 possessions
2005 Suns -- 103.7 points allowed per 100 possessions

But to bolster your underlying point, here are some other NBA champions, one of which is generally regarded as among the greatest ever ('87):

1987 Lakers -- 103.2 pa/100p
1985 Lakers -- 104.0 pa/100p

Statistically, these Suns are very similar to the Showtime Lakers. But they lack the requisite playoff experience, and Steve Nash, as great a year as he had, is no Magic Johnson.

[nkdlunch]

Like I said in the other thread. Suns are a basketball mirage, they will be exposed soon

[MadDog73]

What were the 1999 and 2003 Spurs pa/100p?

[Spurminator]

Good enough to sweep the Spurs...

You just completely avoided (but unintentionally contributed to) my point. Try to keep up.


Untrue.

2001 Lakers -- 102.4 points allowed per 100 possessions
2005 Suns -- 103.7 points allowed per 100 possession

I believe that due to rules changes, they should be compared against other teams in their respective seasons. The Lakers were 19th in the league that year in Defensive Efficiency. The Suns were 14th this year.

[Mr. Body]

Don't throw around stats. Question is, could those Championship teams lock down when they had to? Was there an existing Defensive Ethos? All Phil Jackson teams had it, and he had players off the bench he could plug in as stoppers. Kobe was a good on-the-ball defender and Shaq was a shot-blocker.

LAL and Houston might have been the weakest defenders of the title winners in the post-Pistons era. (Before that, you had a primarily offensive game.) But even then, there were defensive standouts, like Olajuwon, and a commitment to playing solid D.

Phoenix? Not even a mediocre defensive team. They have no speakable bench. Their MVP is clearly a defensive liability. They have two relatively decent shot-blockers (Stoudamire, Hunter). A very good offensive team can take advantage of them and they are vulnerable to penetrations, particularly from the point guard and, in slightly lesser volumes, the shooting guard.

[Extra Stout]

Mr. Body has a point. Even though the Lakers weren't a great defensive team, when they absolutely had to get a stop, or slow down an opposing scorer, they had players like Michael Cooper to do it.

Phoenix doesn't have that guy.

[Spurminator]

But how do you know? What you're saying is that Phoenix cannot play defense in a slow-paced game, based on what they have done previously. However, the 2001 Lakers and 1995 Rockets showed that they could adjust, so until you see the Suns play the Spurs in the Playoffs, you really don't have any idea whether they will be able to adjust or not.

My point is that while I believe the Spurs can exploit the Suns' defense and disrupt their offense enough to win, saying the Suns "don't play any defense" or that they are "less than mediocre" is inaccurate.

[Spurminator]

And let's not underestimate Shawn Marion as a defender. He's no Hakeem or Shaq, but he's a very good perimeter defender who can cause a lot of havoc and create fast break opportunities.

[Rummpd]

Game on = would be a dream series alright.

Can see it now, SI, NBA.ComESPN etc. mainly pick Suns.

Then of course = Spurs thump em.

[Mr. Body]

A team that has no devotion to defense can suddenly 'turn it on' when the situation warrants? Phoenix has one game plan: blow them away with offense. How in the world are they going to stop a good offensive team, continually, when they need it?

[CosmicCowboy]

A team that has no devotion to defense can suddenly 'turn it on' when the situation warrants? Phoenix has one game plan: blow them away with offense. How in the world are they going to stop a good offensive team, continually, when they need it?

they will need to trade 3 for 2...for seven games...a very risky game plan if thats what it comes to but it can and will be successful some nights...don't underestimate that team...

[Spurminator]

I don't disagree with your argument, Mr. Body, all I'm saying is that it has happened in the past with teams who were not known for their defense. I agree that it's rare, and for that reason I do not think the Suns will win the Championship.

[Mr. Body]

The proof is in the pudding, as they say. That's why they play the games, etc. What I think is even more important a factor is the lack of playoff experience for these guys. The Spurs are in an enviable spot to tighten the screws. Phoenix has the guise of a blithe and unflappable team - Nash drives the team there, too - but there are some very young players in that starting crew (I can picture the Stoudamire "I'm in over my head" look right now) and other than Nash, who went to the WCF that one year, none of them have playoff experience at all, or of any significance. Even Nash - does Parker have more games than he does? I must look this up.

[CosmicCowboy]

Agreed that playoff experience is important but they will need to be spanked a couple of times before there is any chance of rattling their composure...that is a very confident team right now...you can definitely see it in their body language...

[Extra Stout]

A team that has no devotion to defense can suddenly 'turn it on' when the situation warrants? Phoenix has one game plan: blow them away with offense. How in the world are they going to stop a good offensive team, continually, when they need it?This is a key difference between the Suns and, say, the 2001 Lakers. The Lakers had proved they could play defense, but just had motivation issues until the games started to count.

These Suns are fully motivated, but simply are a mediocre defensive team with no experience getting key stops in a close playoff game late in May or June.

[CosmicCowboy]

I see the refs playing a big part in a Spurs/Suns series...calls in the paint will have a dramatic effect on the outcome...Duncan OR Stoudamire in foul trouble really creates opportunities for the other team...

[MiNuS]

The Spurs need to have the mentality that they are going to win one of the first two games in Phoenix.When they do and get homefield advantage and then beat them here @ SBC all this crap about the Suns being the team to beat will blow over.
In my opinion the team I really dislike against teh Spurs is the Pistons. If the Suns/Mavs series finds alot of similarities between both teams then Spurs/Pistons does the same. From coaches to bench.Except noone on the Spurs is yet to sport a protective mask.By the looks of Timmy he might be a candidate or even Manu.Manu needs a XL protective mask.Manu in a mask would be damn scary.

I give the mask to Bowen and that will scare the living lights out of Allen.

[Frenchise player]

Dampier is useless in this series.
I hope Rasho and Nazr will be able to defend on Amare, but if they can't, we always have Horry and maybee Devin to defend on Marion and Tim defend on Amare at the end of the games just like he does against Shaq. We did that when we won against them in Phoenix.

Another key if we play them will be to use our deepness wisely, they have basically a six men rotation and we can go 10 deep easily, our starters will stay fresh for the end of the games and they should be able to dominate the tired Suns.

[CosmicCowboy]

The Spurs need to have the mentality that they are going to win one of the first two games in Phoenix.When they do and get homefield advantage and then beat them here @ SBC all this crap about the Suns being the team to beat will blow over.
In my opinion the team I really dislike against teh Spurs is the Pistons. If the Suns/Mavs series finds alot of similarities between both teams then Spurs/Pistons does the same. From coaches to bench.Except noone on the Spurs is yet to sport a protective mask.By the looks of Timmy he might be a candidate or even Manu.Manu needs a XL protective mask.Manu in a mask would be damn scary.

I give the mask to Bowen and that will scare the living lights out of Allen.

:lmao

agreed...Detroit just sliced and diced Indiana yesterday...Rip and Billups are just damned efficient players...

[GhostofAlfrederickHughes]

Remember when the St. Louis Rams were the powerhouse offense in pro football, and the New England Patriots were a bland, boring, no-frills offense with solid defense? Who won that Super Bowl?

Point is, Memphis and Dallas are two VERY different opponents than the Spurs will be---assuming that matchup does come to pass. And I think the Spurs having to match up against a running team with frontcourt size like Denver AND then a shooting team like Seattle actually preps them better for a Phoenix matchup than Phoenix going up against a couple of defense-deficient teams like the Grizz and Mavs. That is, Phoenix doesn't have to adjust its style of play in Rds 1 and 2, but the Spurs do.

We shall see, but I see no reason to a priori call Phoenix 'The Team to Beat' at this point.

[TMSKILZ]

LOL, guys it's only game1.

Dallas Def has improved with AJ @ the helm, but not enough to be taken seriously. To compare the Spurs/Det Def to Dal is a joke.

Amare has developed into a powerhouse, but he won't get as many easy shots in the post against our BIG's. He's getting to the FT line & making a high % of them, against us he'll get to the line b/c the Refs going to call ticky tack BS fouls on Nazr/Rasho when guarding Amare.

Let's get through this 2nd Rd against the crybaby Sonics then we can worry about the Suns. Dal won't get swept, I see them taking it to game 6 or 7 against the Suns.

[Obstructed_View]

Will always be a Spurs fan till the bitter end. Just stating the obvious. Nice try though.

No, you are hand-wringing because you are afraid the Spurs are going to lose and you'd rather be pleasantly surprised if they win than feel like a sucker if they get beat. You are terrified of the bitter end. You can relax. The Spurs will need bad luck to lose, and even if they do, there's always next year.

[MadDog73]

The Spurs will need bad luck to lose, and even if they do, there's always next year.

True, but believe this is our year!

2005: "The Revenge of the Spurs!" (did anyone else catch that promo?!?)

[cherylsteele]

How many times must this fallacy about defense be debunked? The Suns give up as many points as they do because they play a fast pace that gives both teams a lot of possessions.

Actually look at other stat would you?

Pace is only a small part of it.....Look at Opp FG%.......I believe at 46.8% they have the highest Opp FG% left in the playoffs...other than Dallas at 47.4%.....plus there Assists for and against for Phoenix are almost identical.....along with Dallas (although Dallas assist number for are lower then the Suns)....the Suns and Mavs allow way too many layups and points in the paint ot really be considered a threat.

The reason for the Mavs poor offensive showing isn't just Dirk.....Terry is the "point guard".....which makes him playing out of postion.


When was the last time an NBA team won with a reputation of a run-and-gun style and little "D" like the Mavs or the Suns?

[MadDog73]

When was the last time an NBA team won with a reputation of a run-and-gun style and little "D" like the Mavs or the Suns?

1979 Supersonics?

:lol (I honestly don't know, that was before my time).

[Extra Stout]

Actually look at other stat would you?

Pace is only a small part of it.....Look at Opp FG%.......I believe at 46.8% they have the highest Opp FG% left in the playoffs...other than Dallas at 47.4%.....plus there Assists for and against for Phoenix are almost identical.....along with Dallas (although Dallas assist number for are lower then the Suns)....the Suns and Mavs allow way too many layups and points in the paint ot really be considered a threat.The definitive measure of defensive efficiency is points per possession. The Suns were 14th out of 30 teams. They're middle of the road.



When was the last time an NBA team won with a reputation of a run-and-gun style and little "D" like the Mavs or the Suns?There was this pretty good team that played in Inglewood, CA back in the '80s...

Now the Suns aren't those guys, but it can be done.

[Extra Stout]

1979 Supersonics?

:lol (I honestly don't know, that was before my time).

Psst.. here are some hints:

Magic Johnson
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
James Worthy
Jamaal Wilkes
Byron Scott
Mychal Thompson
Bob McAdoo
Michael Cooper
Kurt Rambis
Mitch Kupchak

Any of those names ring a bell?

[MadDog73]

Are you saying the Showtime Lakers didn't play any D? Mediocre D?

Were the 80's Lakers worst defensively than the Shaq/Kobe Lakers?

[Obstructed_View]

True, but believe this is our year!

That believe crap went out for me last year when the Spurs lost four straight to an inferior team, or maybe it was the previous time they were swept by the Lakers in a series they should at very least have been in, or maybe it was 2003 when they couldn't keep a lead and made every game interesting. How about the year they finished with 62 wins and went out with a whimper instead of a bang.

I love this team, but they have to do more than win five games against inferior opponents to earn my belief.

[MadDog73]

That believe crap went out for me last year when the Spurs lost four straight to an inferior team, or maybe it was the previous time they were swept by the Lakers in a series they should at very least have been in, or maybe it was 2003 when they couldn't keep a lead and made every game interesting. How about the year they finished with 62 wins and went out with a whimper instead of a bang.

I love this team, but they have to do more than win five games against inferior opponents to earn my belief.


I hear you, but there ARE no Lakers this year! :elephant

But the Pistons or Heat will be a challenge, no doubt. For some reason, I'm not that worried about the Suns... maybe I should be?

[Extra Stout]

Are you saying the Showtime Lakers didn't play any D? Mediocre D?

Were the 80's Lakers worst defensively than the Shaq/Kobe Lakers?

Their defense was comparable to these Suns, at least statistically. The biggest difference was that they had a guy who stop a hot scorer if need be.

Others have claimed Shawn Marion can be that guy for Phoenix. We'll see.

[Obstructed_View]

Any of those names ring a bell?

Didn't one of those guys trade Shaq? :lol

[team-work]

The Suns' starting 5 may be one of the best in the league. However, they don't have a deep bench as the Spurs do. Their starters typically logs 40+ minutes in a game, with a 7 or 8-man rotation. What happens if one of the starter, esp Nash, gets injured? It did happen before. The Spurs, on the other hand, has shown it's more than just Tim Duncan. The biggest X-factor in this game is in fact the "injury factor". Even so, the Spurs have more weapons than the Suns.

[The_Game]

get out here with that rubbish

spurs play better defense but no way on earth do they have more weapons. It isn't even close. and bench play isn't a big factor in the playoffs anyway

[boutons]

http://www.nba.com/games/20050509/DALPHO/boxscore.html

... show a 6.5 man rotation. You would think with such a big lead all game, that the rotation would be a little less restricted.

Leandro seems to have dropped off Mike's radar. JJ was playing PG when Nash sat, JJ getting 43 minutes.

[team-work]

The key to beat the Suns is to stop them from scoring at will, as they did to the Mavs. The Spurs have stopped the run-and-gun Nuggets, and the sharp-shooting Sonics. Will the Suns be an exception? There's no reason why they will, given that the Spurs defense is so diligent.

[boutons]

"given that the Spurs defense is so diligent."

yes, but...

the Spurs were down -17 to start the 4th qtr @PHX in the 2OT win.

After 3 qtrs, I wasn't feeling real confident in the Spurs' ability to stop the Suns' offense.

[MadDog73]

"given that the Spurs defense is so diligent."

yes, but...

the Spurs were down -17 to start the 4th qtr @PHX in the 2OT win.

After 3 qtrs, I wasn't feeling real confident in the Spurs' ability to stop the Suns' offense.


But win we did.....

[SirChaz]

http://www.nba.com/games/20050509/DALPHO/boxscore.html

... show a 6.5 man rotation. You would think with such a big lead all game, that the rotation would be a little less restricted.

Leandro seems to have dropped off Mike's radar. JJ was playing PG when Nash sat, JJ getting 43 minutes.


Barbosa and Outlaw were the scrub minutes last night. McCarty and Hunter both played in the first half.

The Suns didn't have a 20pt lead untill the second half. The lead was not that big in the first half. At least not for the Suns because they shoot so quickly there are more possessions.

The Suns typically play 7-8 guys. But you're right that only 6-7 get significant minutes.


D'Antoni made the change to JJ at backing up Nash game 3 against Memphis. He wanted to get Jackson more minutes. Barbosa didn't look very good against Watson who was really pressuring the ball. I think it was less about getting Barbosa out than it was about getting Jackson more minutes.

The Suns starters are going to play 35-40 minutes. It has been that way all season, no reason for it to change now. There are no back-to-backs in the playoffs.

[boutons]

"But win we did....."

And a magnificent, legendary win it was.

But what do you think our win %age is when starting the 4th qtr's -15 or more?

eg, the Spurs, fully healthy, couldn't catch the Sonics @SBC when starting the 3rd qtr -19, after getting blown out in the 2nd qtr.

[MadDog73]

"But win we did....."

And a magnificent, legendary win it was.

But what do you think our win %age is when starting the 4th qtr's -15 or more?

eg, the Spurs, fully healthy, couldn't catch the Sonics @SBC when starting the 3rd qtr -19, after getting blown out in the 2nd qtr.

Don't get me wrong, it wasn't the best way to win. But a win is a win.

The Spurs should have all the confidence in the world that they can beat the Suns. The Suns will have a little doubt in their minds...

[Spurminator]

People have been saying all season that the Suns couldn't hold up with no bench. Hell, I said it early in the season. We've been wrong up to this point, and I see no reason that the Suns would suddenly become worn down now.

[SirChaz]

People have been saying all season that the Suns couldn't hold up with no bench. Hell, I said it early in the season. We've been wrong up to this point, and I see no reason that the Suns would suddenly become worn down now.


The only game I can think of where the Suns wore down was the 2OT game against the Spurs. Of course the Suns were short 4 players that night.

Not that they would have done much but take up some minutes but they went from thin bench to nearly no bench. Jackson arrived the next day and McCarty the next month.

If the Jan 21 game is any indication a Suns-Spurs series would be an exciting one to watch.

[MadDog73]

People have been saying all season that the Suns couldn't hold up with no bench. Hell, I said it early in the season. We've been wrong up to this point, and I see no reason that the Suns would suddenly become worn down now.

Let's see how they cope with night after night of guarding Manu, Tony, Tim, Nasr and Big Dog.

[boutons]

"night after night of guarding"

but they don't really guard anyone, so they don't get that tired on defense.

They let you score at will, and then outscore you. When you falter in your scoring compared to Suns, you lose.

[kskonn]

The spurs will limit the suns transition game. They will have to force the suns to play half court offense. If you try and run with the suns ou will lose 95% of the time. The spurs will make them grind it out like they did to the nuggets. It gets teams frustrated and makes them tired. that is what the spurs do. They grind it out on you and the push the ball every chance they get, that will wear on a team over a series. No easy shots is the spurs Mantra, the suns are used to getting easy shots.

[cherylsteele]

Psst.. here are some hints:

Magic Johnson
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
James Worthy
Jamaal Wilkes
Byron Scott
Mychal Thompson
Bob McAdoo
Michael Cooper
Kurt Rambis
Mitch Kupchak

Any of those names ring a bell?

Yes.....a great team of its era...and it did play pretty good "D".....many times that showtime offense was because of there "D"......but they did play "D"....there OPP FG% was 47.6%....not too shabby back then.

Granted PPG was higher.......but the leagu as a whole was more offensive minded.....in 1987-1988 season the worse offensive team was the Clippers(big surprise) at 98.8 ppg.....having those kind of numbers today would be an offensive juggernaut.

No team that I know of has won a title soley on offense.......defense MUST play a part.

[cherylsteele]

1979 Supersonics?

:lol (I honestly don't know, that was before my time).

Actually Seattle was the best defensive team that year allowing 103.9 ppg

The information is in the NBA guide put out by the Sporting News.

[cherylsteele]

get out here with that rubbish

spurs play better defense but no way on earth do they have more weapons. It isn't even close. and bench play isn't a big factor in the playoffs anyway

Tell that Manu in the first round against Denver.....we played better when our bench was deeper.

[kskonn]

did someone really say that the bench does not matter in the playoffs? why is that? this is not a video game, you can not play your starters the whole game. wow whoever said that is an idiot. The team with the best Bench usually wins. Talk to the rockets, their bench sucked and they lost. They one the games when their bench outscored the Mavs bench. wow what an idiot.

[MadDog73]

Actually Seattle was the best defensive team that year allowing 103.9 ppg

The information is in the NBA guide put out by the Sporting News.

:wow Well, well. Another Defensive NBA Champion.

How were the 80's Celtics on defense?

[MadDog73]

cherylsteele dropping knowledge

suns will fizzle like ryan leaf

Sounds like you've got a Haiku starting there... :lol

[T Park]

and bench play isn't a big factor in the playoffs anyway

WE AGREE

the 2003 San Antonio Spurs.

[kskonn]

WE AGREE

the 2003 San Antonio Spurs.


HA HA HA :lol :lol

[MiNuS]

Are you saying the Showtime Lakers didn't play any D? Mediocre D?

Were the 80's Lakers worst defensively than the Shaq/Kobe Lakers?


You're comparing one era's great team where maybe there were'nt as many teams playing hard defense.I am also not going to stretch my memory before the 80's because all I will remember is diaper rash but present day DEFENSE started with the Pistons.The Bad Boys. Before that it was all offense.(basically)Any defense played was like saying the Green Bay Packers had great defenses (sure)...but the measurement in football today in defense are the 85 Bears.

[MadDog73]

Duncan owns Garnett
Let's count up the rings, shall we?
Start with Tim: One...Two...

If the count ends there
Then the arguement ends there
TD owns KG

Rings don't always win
But with players so...

That is pretty sad.
Everyone knows Haiku's go
three lines, 5-7-5

(I know, he's pretty close - just couldn't quite finish the last one)

Awww, crap. Mine is wrong too! :)

No wonder the guy only has 2 posts.

[cherylsteele]

:wow Well, well. Another Defensive NBA Champion.

How were the 80's Celtics on defense?

They were 5th in 1983-84 season 105.6 ppg allowed 47.0% Opp FG%

[Brutalis]

Spurs defeat the Suns on the road to the title easily. The stature and dignity of not having another heartbreak seasons end will make them the champs at the last buzzer of the finals. Showing off all their work and bad luck glaring white teeth and hats all over again.

Phoenix slams the door on the ever-trying Spurs. The new guys overwhelmed with so much respect now, gets slammed themselves against the Heat in the finals. Meanwhile in Alamo city, fans hang their heads low and drink their beer slowly while mumbling on about another problem area on the team. The Spurs heart takes another blow.

_ _ _
Pick one.

[team-work]

get out here with that rubbish

spurs play better defense but no way on earth do they have more weapons. It isn't even close. and bench play isn't a big factor in the playoffs anyway

Bench play is definitely important, eg. Manu, Speedy, and Kerr in 2003 Finals, Manu in Denver series, and possibly a healthy Devin Brown as a secret weapon vs the Suns in the WC Finals (he's proven his greatness in the regular season vs the Phx numerous times, eg. key role in the small lineup that came back from a 17-pt deficit and won in OT.)

[slayermin]

I didn't read all the posts, but Phoenix is susceptible to foul trouble. The lack of bench will hurt them in that regard.

[Vashner]

No ring for Nash.. that's what I am rooting for..

HOW it get's done I don't care ... just Sun's need to not win..
It's bad but yea I would even like to see Shaq win b4 Nash.

[bobo]

:blah
Up until now, part of me still wanted to believe that the Spurs would be able to get past the Suns even though they would hold homecourt advantage when/if they met in the WC Finals. But after watching them clobber the Griz and manhandle a very game Mavs team tonight, I'm convinced that we're going to need a lot of luck if we hope to make it to the Finals. Not only did they beat the Mavs handily, but they made it look easy.

Yeahh, maybe! But we all know defense wins championships and our Spurs have that! And another thing, we have Tim Duncan and the suns don't and that is that biggest edge we have on them! :blah

[timvp]

Bump.

:lol

[mouse]

I think this topic is now meaningless....

[Amuseddaysleeper]

I think this topic is now meaningless....

[Solid D]

FAir WeAtHer SuNs admirer. YoU GivE LOve - TheN yOU taKe LOve. WhAt WouLD ToNto say aBouT thAt? He WoUld Say YoU arE a PAleFaCe-GiVeR...ThaT's WhaT.

http://www.wildestwesterns.com/images/jay_silverheels01.JPG