dougp
04-05-2007, 08:54 AM
Link: http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns//articles/0405sunsside0405.html
Suns get chance to win series vs. Spurs
Paul Coro
The Arizona Republic
Apr. 5, 2007 12:00 AM
SAN ANTONIO - Tonight is the final regular-season meeting between Phoenix and San Antonio, and it has been anticipated for weeks.
If Phoenix wins, it can reduce its magic number to clinch the West's second seed to three, win a season series against the Spurs for the first time since 2002-03 and go into the playoffs with a pair of two-game winning streaks against San Antonio and Dallas.
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That was the Suns' approach as they purred with excitement Wednesday for what likely is the biggest game left on the schedule. The Suns have a three-game lead on the Spurs, who could reduce it two and claim the tiebreaker with a win.
"It's another one of those exciting games," Suns guard Steve Nash said. "But if it ends up not having a big impact, what does it really mean?"
When Raja Bell missed a free throw to secure a win in the Suns' last trip here Nov. 8, Phoenix had lost 10 of its past 13 regular-season and playoff games against San Antonio. Because of a dominant win Feb. 1 when Spurs forward/center Tim Duncan went 6 for 18, the Suns get a chance tonight to grab the home-court and mental advantage.
"It's like the Dallas game," Suns guard Leandro Barbosa said. "If we have a high level of energy, that'll be the key. They don't like to run unless Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili get the ball in the fast break. Their game is in the half-court. If we focus on defense, we can get the rebound and run."
Pace has been the key to getting the Suns' rhythm back. That meant Shawn Marion's return to playing power forward more to keep three shooters on the floor. Phoenix has scored more than 100 in regulation in four of the teams' past six meetings.
"We're going to do whatever we want as soon as the ball changes possession," Suns coach Mike D'Antoni said. "We've got to attack them before they get their defense set up. When they do, teams like them, Detroit and Dallas are very good defensively. If you get them spread out, they have holes like everybody else."
D'Antoni emphasized that Boris Diaw's move to the bench is only to get Barbosa's speed and shot into the starting five.
"Boris not starting is not because Boris isn't playing well," D'Antoni said. "I think Boris is playing great. I really do. He comes off the bench because we need another shooter. We're going after speed more than anything."
Suns get chance to win series vs. Spurs
Paul Coro
The Arizona Republic
Apr. 5, 2007 12:00 AM
SAN ANTONIO - Tonight is the final regular-season meeting between Phoenix and San Antonio, and it has been anticipated for weeks.
If Phoenix wins, it can reduce its magic number to clinch the West's second seed to three, win a season series against the Spurs for the first time since 2002-03 and go into the playoffs with a pair of two-game winning streaks against San Antonio and Dallas.
advertisement
If they lose, who cares? advertisement
That was the Suns' approach as they purred with excitement Wednesday for what likely is the biggest game left on the schedule. The Suns have a three-game lead on the Spurs, who could reduce it two and claim the tiebreaker with a win.
"It's another one of those exciting games," Suns guard Steve Nash said. "But if it ends up not having a big impact, what does it really mean?"
When Raja Bell missed a free throw to secure a win in the Suns' last trip here Nov. 8, Phoenix had lost 10 of its past 13 regular-season and playoff games against San Antonio. Because of a dominant win Feb. 1 when Spurs forward/center Tim Duncan went 6 for 18, the Suns get a chance tonight to grab the home-court and mental advantage.
"It's like the Dallas game," Suns guard Leandro Barbosa said. "If we have a high level of energy, that'll be the key. They don't like to run unless Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili get the ball in the fast break. Their game is in the half-court. If we focus on defense, we can get the rebound and run."
Pace has been the key to getting the Suns' rhythm back. That meant Shawn Marion's return to playing power forward more to keep three shooters on the floor. Phoenix has scored more than 100 in regulation in four of the teams' past six meetings.
"We're going to do whatever we want as soon as the ball changes possession," Suns coach Mike D'Antoni said. "We've got to attack them before they get their defense set up. When they do, teams like them, Detroit and Dallas are very good defensively. If you get them spread out, they have holes like everybody else."
D'Antoni emphasized that Boris Diaw's move to the bench is only to get Barbosa's speed and shot into the starting five.
"Boris not starting is not because Boris isn't playing well," D'Antoni said. "I think Boris is playing great. I really do. He comes off the bench because we need another shooter. We're going after speed more than anything."