SI.com: Suns-Spurs Matchup One For The Ages

[duncan228]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/basketball/nba/specials/playoffs/2007/05/04/scouts.take.suns.spurs/index.html


Suns-Spurs matchup 'one of those series for the ages'
Posted: Friday May 4, 2007 4:46PM; Updated: Friday May 4, 2007 5:00PM


SI.com's Ian Thomsen interviewed an NBA advance scout to break down the Suns-Spurs matchup.

"This has got to be the sexiest series in the playoffs right now. I don't think there will be a better matchup in the entire postseason.

"You couldn't put two more polar-opposite teams on the same floor. Phoenix is the team that wants to get up and down, take lots of threes and perimeter shots. San Antonio wants to defend the rim and the paint and prevent easy baskets, and then come down and grind it out and execute and beat you down.

"Do the Suns have a chance? Without a doubt.

"Since February, I've felt that San Antonio was the best team in the league. They weren't the dominating team, but they looked like the the team that was playing the best and built in the best way to succeed.

"But if anybody's going to trip them up, it's Phoenix. Though it's become popular to knock their style and question whether they can win playing that way in the playoffs, you have to say that it's worked for them very, very well.

"The key for the Suns is that they didn't have Amaré Stoudemire last year. With a healthy Stoudemire, let's face it, that's a different team.

"People will be focusing on Steve Nash and Tony Parker, or Manu Ginobili and Shawn Marion. But I think the Stoudemire-Tim Duncan matchup is going to decide this series. It's not like they're going to be guarding each other all the time, but the reality is that the one who outplays the other is going to win the series for his team.

"My hunch is that you're going to see a little bit of that incremental changing of the guard, and that Stoudemire is going to show he's starting to regain some of that explosiveness and getting back to where he was two seasons ago. In order for Phoenix to win, that's what is going to have to happen. I'm not saying that Amaré is ready for this, but if they're going to win the series, he's going to have to burst on the scene to the point where people say that he's all the way back. Not only that, but say that Stoudemire has three or four of those 30-point, 15-rebound nights where he outclasses Tim athletically, that's going to be the scenario in which Phoenix wins.

"I don't think Amaré is very far behind Tim skillwise. I watched Amaré step out in the series with the Lakers, and he was making shots from the top of the key that were routine, effortless jumpers for him. He's been perceived as a guy who relied on athleticism -- but he's always been skilled, because otherwise he couldn't be as good as he is. I believe Amaré is as skilled as Tim; the difference is he's not nearly as fundamentally sound as Tim. If his athleticism is back, it wouldn't shock me to see Amaré play toe-to-toe with Tim and maybe even see him eclipse Tim in this series.

"The other difference maker for Phoenix is Leandro Barbosa, who is a much better player than he was a year ago. He's a force, a guy who can get them 30 on any night. If Raja Bell or Shawn Marion or Boris Diaw don't have it going, they can put Barbosa in the game and they may actually gain a notch or two.

"Both teams are capable of playing whatever style they need to win. San Antonio can play a fast-paced game and be successful at it. Phoenix will be less successful slowing it down, but in stretches they won't be outclassed playing that way. The Suns couldn't have won all of these games without being able to guard anybody at all. Raja Bell is a heck of a defender for them; he's right up there with Bruce Bowen in my book.

"If you look at the moves San Antonio made this offseason, and their rationale for not re-signing Nazr Mohammed and trading Rasho Nesterovic, it's because they were purposely trying to get smaller and quicker. It's just like when Shaq moved to the West -- San Antonio tried to get bigger to combat him. But last summer San Antonio looked around, and other than Yao Ming, what other bigs did they have to worry about in the West? The teams they had to match up against were Dallas, where the big matchup is Dirk Nowitzki, and Phoenix, where the matchup is with Stoudemire.

"That's why San Antonio made an effort to get quicker on the front line, so they got rid of their big plodding guys and went to more mobile big men like Fabricio Oberto and Francisco Elson, who plays center with a thinner power-forward type build. Basically, San Antonio has made moves to match up with Phoenix and Dallas. They've built their team for this series and this matchup, and it's going to be interesting to see whether or not the moves have paid off.

"The other question for the Spurs is whether they're too old. The only reasonable answer is that we'll know after this series. If they lose, then we'll be saying that the Spurs had their window and now they must get younger and more athletic around Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker, who is the only one who hasn't leveled off and who has a chance to get better.

"For the Spurs to win, they need Duncan to be Duncan. He has got to be the best big man in the series and outplay Stoudemire on both ends. Stoudemire will probably have to guard Duncan most of the time, but at the other end Oberto or Elson will probably spend a lot of time defending Stoudemire. Nonetheless, in this series Duncan has got to be the MVP he's been historically. If Stoudemire outplays him, then San Antonio's in trouble.

"Phoenix is younger, more athletic and quicker -- and those are big advantages. What levels the court is that San Antonio is superior at the defensive end, and San Antonio has the advantage in terms of winning playoff experience. But the disparity between these teams has narrowed. If Phoenix wins the series, I'm not going to be blown or away; we'll just be saying that Amaré Stoudemire came of age.

Scout's pick: "San Antonio wins in seven. This will be one of those series for the ages, where every game bears watching."

[Crookshanks]

The Suns couldn't have won all of these games without being able to guard anybody at all. Raja Bell is a heck of a defender for them; he's right up there with Bruce Bowen in my book.

Yeah, right - not! :lol

[bdictjames]

For the ages?

Young, bandwagoning, and sometimes idiotic fans like the Suns.

Older fans like the Spurs.

Wow.

[itzsoweezee]

marion is more of a key to the suns winning than amare. if the spurs shut marion down, like they always do, the suns don't have any chance at all. they're not going to outscore the spurs playing 4 on 5; their defense just isn't good enough to do that.

[Mr. Body]

I'd be surprised if this goes to seven.

Didn't they call the 2005 one for the ages, too?

[Borosai]

It should be a great series...one to remember forever and ever.






Spurs in 4.

[sammy]

Spurs in 5!

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

For the Spurs to win, they need Duncan to be Duncan. He has got to be the best big man in the series and outplay Stoudemire on both ends. Stoudemire will probably have to guard Duncan most of the time, but at the other end Oberto or Elson will probably spend a lot of time defending Stoudemire. Nonetheless, in this series Duncan has got to be the MVP he's been historically. If Stoudemire outplays him, then San Antonio's in trouble.


Didn't Amare average like 37 pts a game in the '05 series? This guy doesn't understand how the Spurs win if he's saying Amare outplaying Duncan is the key to the series.

[Mark in Austin]

Didn't Amare average like 37 pts a game in the '05 series? This guy doesn't understand how the Spurs win if he's saying Amare outplaying Duncan is the key to the series.

Exactly. He's got to be a Mavs scout to fuck it up this bad. What a poor analysis.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

I suspect we'll do what we did two years ago - let Amare get his and shut down the perimeter. Weird and weak take by the scout given our past.

[DarrinS]

I suspect we'll do what we did two years ago - let Amare get his and shut down the perimeter. Weird and weak take by the scout given our past.


You speaketh the truth.

[easjer]

Dear Lord, it's like nobody has paid any attention to how we played Pheonix 2 years ago or in the intervening period of time. The formula for the win then isn't much different for the formula for the win now. Pheonix has not fundamentally changed their gameplan, and we've shown them time and again that it's beatable.

Sigh.

I was really hoping for something a lot more interesting than yet another article about how the Suns are run and gun and entertaining, and the Spurs are half-court and defensive specialists and boring. Also, did you know that that Suns are athletic and the Spurs are old?!

I wonder if the Spurs can 'hang' with the Suns or if Pheonix can overcome the 'stifling' defense of the Spurs?

Yeah, Amare is the key here. Sure he is. Frankly, I would LOVE for them to play him the same way. Let him average 45 for the series. If Marion is taken out and the supporting cast minimized as they were back in the day, it's no problem. SA will get out and run for awhile and when they need to rest the old legs they will clamp down the transition.

Spurs in 5.

[judaspriestess]

Scout's pick: "San Antonio wins in seven. This will be one of those series for the ages, where every game bears watching."

:dizzy ok, he just masturbated to the suns and then picks the Spurs in seven?

[conversekid]

one for the ages?

I fear it won't live up to the hype... dallas vs. spurs would deserve this kind of hype... while i think the suns are good and pose a unique challenge... i wouldn't call it one for the ages.

[The_Game]

if spurs don't take one of the two in phoenix

Suns in 5.

[RonMexico]

Suns in 1.

[RonMexico]

You guys fail to realize that the Suns' role players are just as key here. If Choke-Rich didn't shoot 5% from 3pt land in 2005, the games might have been a little different. It was over in 5 games, but they weren't blow outs (except Game 3).

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

I wish we had at least one more player/swingman this year, under thirty, to complement Manu and Tony. So that we could play run and gun as much as we wanted against Phoenix.

P.S. Duncan will own Stoudamire.

[conversekid]

You guys fail to realize that the Suns' role players are just as key here. If Choke-Rich didn't shoot 5% from 3pt land in 2005, the games might have been a little different. It was over in 5 games, but they weren't blow outs (except Game 3).

And if Manu didn't foul Dirk, we'd have 4 rings... things happen.

[Marcus Bryant]

The soundbite: The Spurs, better known for their defensive prowess, are not as weak offensively as the Suns, one of the league's most prolific scoring teams, are weak defensively. The Suns are good enough to pick up a couple of home court wins in the series, but that's all. Spurs in 6.

[RonMexico]

Spurs could be lucky to get a few homecourt wins... let's hope so, for your sake.

[RonMexico]

As Suns fans, were actually more worried about the Nuggets. Suns in 3.5

[exstatic]

You guys fail to realize that the Suns' role players are just as key here. If Choke-Rich didn't shoot 5% from 3pt land in 2005, the games might have been a little different. It was over in 5 games, but they weren't blow outs (except Game 3).
Um, Spurs aren't geared to blow people out. We beat Denver by 9, 5, and 7 before they quit and lost by 15 in game 5. We grind you down and dictate the pace.

Oh, and there's a reason your shooters suck against us: we D them on the perimeter.

[Durruti]

Wow. The arrogance is staggering. Pride before the fall I guess. Can't wait for the Suns to knock the SA senior citizens off their perch and into the old folks' home. Reading your responses will be just as fun as the Mavs fans after my warriors took it to 'em. The era of boring, plodding, whining b-ball is coming to an end (thank God)!

Suns in 6.

:ihit

[conversekid]

Wow. The arrogance is staggering. Pride before the fall I guess. Can't wait for the Suns to knock the SA senior citizens off their perch and into the old folks' home. Reading your responses will be just as fun as the Mavs fans after my warriors took it to 'em. The era of boring, plodding, whining b-ball is coming to an end (thank God)!

Suns in 6.

:ihit

Are you still bitter because we own you? A spur team not built for blowing people out just seemed to blow the warriors out time and time again. :dizzy

One playoff win in 835 years and now you're cocky.

[THE SIXTH MAN]

Wow. The arrogance is staggering. Pride before the fall I guess. Can't wait for the Suns to knock the SA senior citizens off their perch and into the old folks' home. Reading your responses will be just as fun as the Mavs fans after my warriors took it to 'em. The era of boring, plodding, whining b-ball is coming to an end (thank God)!

Suns in 6.

:ihit
:rolleyes Now all of a sudden Golden State is a fucking basketball power house. Give me a fucking break.

[Durruti]

Nope. to be perfectly honest I don't expect the Warriors to make it out of the second round, although it's certainly possible. That's why I'm routing for the Suns. It would be a crying shame to have to sit through another Spurs/[insert other boring team here]final. That shit's almost as dry as baseball. Now give Nash the basketball and my jaw will be in the floor at least a dozen times a game.

Go Suns!

[THE SIXTH MAN]

Nope. to be perfectly honest I don't expect the Warriors to make it out of the second round, although it's certainly possible. That's why I'm routing for the Suns. It would be a crying shame to have to sit through another Spurs/[insert other boring team here]final. That shit's almost as dry as baseball. Now give Nash the basketball and my jaw will be in the floor at least a dozen times a game.

Go Suns!
So basically you cream your pants over style, not substance? If winning championships and consistently staying one the NBA's elite is boring to you, than I suggest you play some more xbox or something of that nature. When was the last time "exciting" basketball ever made it to the finals? :hat

[itzsoweezee]

So basically you cream your pants over style, not substance? If winning championships and consistently staying one the NBA's elite is boring to you, than I suggest you play some more xbox or something of that nature. When was the last time "exciting" basketball ever made it to the finals? :hat

he's a warriors fan, he doesn't know anything about winning

[judaspriestess]

he's a warriors fan, he doesn't know anything about winning

touche.........


moving on, watching GS beat dallas was fun not because GS plays brilliant basketball, which it does not but for the mere fact of knocking out the #1 seeded assholes.
Baron Davis is no spring chicken and you have inherited a battle hardened "old" guy in Stephen Jackson who got his experience with the Spurs.
What a stupid thing to say........ the post above says it all.

[Durruti]

"style, not substance"

Both, preferably. It's not like they're mutually exclusive. All I know is that I haven't met any b-ball fan who is hoping for the Spurs to advance except old-timers from San Antonio and perhaps Charles Barkley. A few Kobe nut huggers 'cause they hate Nash. So there's no need to single me out. Y'all are just too whiney and too boring. People are sick of Floppy's antics and Duncan's bitching. We need some new blood and the Suns are just the team to put you in your place.

Nash is at the top of his game and all the pieces are there. He'll dissect your defense like a surgeon a corpse.

Go Suns!


:ihit

[THE SIXTH MAN]

"style, not substance"

Both, preferably. It's not like they're mutually exclusive. All I know is that I haven't met any b-ball fan who is hoping for the Spurs to advance except old-timers from San Antonio and perhaps Charles Barkley. A few Kobe nut huggers 'cause they hate Nash. So there's no need to single me out. Y'all are just too whiney and too boring. People are sick of Floppy's antics and Duncan's bitching. We need some new blood and the Suns are just the team to put you in your place.

Nash is at the top of his game and all the pieces are there. He'll dissect your defense like a surgeon a corpse.

Go Suns!


:ihit
You're an idiot so I won't waste much time with you. I could care less about what people want to see. Using your own personal experiences regarding your friends opinions doesn't translate to facts. Like I stated above, fact is the Spurs win championships with this style of play, and they remain one of the NBA's elite with a legit chance to win the title every year. No one is singling you out, you made a post and I replied. And I don't think you want to go there with the whining. Remind me how many technicals, ejections and fines did the Warriors receive during the first round?

Anyways moving on, I'm happy that the Warriors upset the mavs. Not because of the atrocious basketball that was played. But because everyone loves an underdog.

[Marcus Bryant]

The Nuggets posed a greater challenge to the Spurs than the Suns will. Two premier players who can create offense for themselves off the dribble was much more concerning than an open court team built around a 39 year old point guard (but hey, the Spurs are the "old" ones). The NBA makes its $ off those who are easily fooled by high scoring and breaks. I see we have a few such visitors in this thread.

[Durruti]

You're an idiot so I won't waste much time with you.

Calm down chum. Just telling it like it is.


Using your own personal experiences regarding your friends opinions doesn't translate to facts.

Face it: The spurs are boring. I'd be a fan if I lived (God forbid) in S.A. too but I'd have to stock up on Amphetamines just to stay awake during the games. It's only natural that other fans wanna see you go down. You've been hanging around annoying fans for far too long and it's time you geezers were put to bed.


fact is the Spurs win championships with this style of play, and they remain one of the NBA's elite with a legit chance to win the title every year.

'Tis true, but like I said, all good things come to an end. I think this is the year your team begins it's inevitable decline into obscurity. Suns are shining bright.


I don't think you want to go there with the whining. Remind me how many technicals, ejections and fines did the Warriors receive during the first round?

hehe fair enough. But the warriors make up for their unprofessional behavior with exhilerating play and heart. The Spurs, meanwhile, turn bitching into an artform and slow down the game until it's barely watchable. The Suns are a far more fine-tuned machine than my Warriors and they have the greatest point guard since Stockton. We wouldn't stand a chance against you but the Suns have a good shot.


Anyways moving on, I'm happy that the Warriors upset the mavs.

Finally something we can agree upon!

Go Suns!

:ihit

[THE SIXTH MAN]

The NBA makes its $ off those who are easily fooled by high scoring and breaks. I see we have a few such visitors in this thread.
Well if that's the case, then the poster Durruti just bought Stern a new BMW.
:greedy

[Durruti]

The Nuggets posed a greater challenge to the Spurs than the Suns will.

:spin :spin :spin

ur funny.

[Marcus Bryant]

:spin :spin :spin

ur funny.


Only on Sundays.

[ambchang]

Once again, people are overrating Amare. Yes, I am aware he averaged 37 points a game 2 years ago, yes, I am aware that he is a freak athletically, and yes, I am also aware that he has improved him jumpshot and defense, BUT
1) He still cannot create his own shot. He may drive to the basket and dunk the ball once in a while, but he needs a point guard like Nash to set him up. He can't pass, he has no court vision, and the only thing he can do is catch the ball and make a basket. While his efficiency in doing this task make him more valuable than 90% of the players in this league, it still doesn't change the fact that if you stop Nash, you stop him.
2) His defense has improved, but that doesn't mean much. It's just gone from terrible to bad.
3) He has a low basketball IQ.
4) Shawn Kemp was as athletic as him, much better defensively, and can create his own shot (except against Mutombo), but you never saw Kemp hyped to this level.
The key to this series has been, and will always be Nash. If the Spurs can cut his passing (let him score all he wants), then the Spurs win.
The approach the Spurs take should be matching up with the Suns in offense shot for shot, keep the game close, then in the last quarter, put the clamps down, and suffocate their offense in spurts. Do this every game, because it's easy to score on the Suns, it's not so easy to stop them from scoring, so you only stop them for short stretches, when it is most important.

[Marcus Bryant]

Once again, people are overrating Amare. Yes, I am aware he averaged 37 points a game 2 years ago, yes, I am aware that he is a freak athletically, and yes, I am also aware that he has improved him jumpshot and defense, BUT
1) He still cannot create his own shot. He may drive to the basket and dunk the ball once in a while, but he needs a point guard like Nash to set him up. He can't pass, he has no court vision, and the only thing he can do is catch the ball and make a basket. While his efficiency in doing this task make him more valuable than 90% of the players in this league, it still doesn't change the fact that if you stop Nash, you stop him.
2) His defense has improved, but that doesn't mean much. It's just gone from terrible to bad.
3) He has a low basketball IQ.
4) Shawn Kemp was as athletic as him, much better defensively, and can create his own shot (except against Mutombo), but you never saw Kemp hyped to this level.
The key to this series has been, and will always be Nash. If the Spurs can cut his passing (let him score all he wants), then the Spurs win.
The approach the Spurs take should be matching up with the Suns in offense shot for shot, keep the game close, then in the last quarter, put the clamps down, and suffocate their offense in spurts. Do this every game, because it's easy to score on the Suns, it's not so easy to stop them from scoring, so you only stop them for short stretches, when it is most important.

Only the Spurs can make Amare look like a top 3 player and the Suns foolish.

[THE SIXTH MAN]

Calm down chum. Just telling it like it is.
Face it: The spurs are boring. I'd be a fan if I lived (God forbid) in S.A. too but I'd have to stock up on Amphetamines just to stay awake during the games. It's only natural that other fans wanna see you go down. You've been hanging around annoying fans for far too long and it's time you geezers were put to bed.
'Tis true, but like I said, all good things come to an end. I think this is the year your team begins it's inevitable decline into obscurity. Suns are shining bright.
hehe fair enough. But the warriors make up for their unprofessional behavior with exhilerating play and heart. The Spurs, meanwhile, turn bitching into an artform and slow down the game until it's barely watchable. The Suns are a far more fine-tuned machine than my Warriors and they have the greatest point guard since Stockton. We wouldn't stand a chance against you but the Suns have a good shot.
Finally something we can agree upon!

Go Suns!

:ihit
All I can make from your retort is


blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah you guys are geezers blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah I get all warm and fuzzy inside when I see a dunk blah blah blah blah blah at least we agree on something.

Look you're not telling me anything different from your other posts. Just because you think the Spurs run is coming to an end doesn't mean it's going to happen. Besides, if you think the Spurs are "old geezers" than I'm really curious to know what you think of Steve Nash's age. And you didn't answer my question, when was the last time exciting basketball made it to the finals?

[RonMexico]

Only on Sundays.

Except Nash is only 33... not 39.

[ambchang]

Calm down chum. Just telling it like it is.
Face it: The spurs are boring. I'd be a fan if I lived (God forbid) in S.A. too but I'd have to stock up on Amphetamines just to stay awake during the games. It's only natural that other fans wanna see you go down. You've been hanging around annoying fans for far too long and it's time you geezers were put to bed.
:ihit
So ... how many Spurs games have you watched this season?
If it was only a small number, how did you know they were boring?
If you were watching many of them, why would you watch them if it was so boring?

[Durruti]

Once again, people are overrating Amare. Yes, I am aware he averaged 37 points a game 2 years ago, yes, I am aware that he is a freak athletically, and yes, I am also aware that he has improved him jumpshot and defense, BUT
1) He still cannot create his own shot. He may drive to the basket and dunk the ball once in a while, but he needs a point guard like Nash to set him up. He can't pass, he has no court vision, and the only thing he can do is catch the ball and make a basket. While his efficiency in doing this task make him more valuable than 90% of the players in this league, it still doesn't change the fact that if you stop Nash, you stop him.

I tend to agree. Nash is the man. You stop him you stop the Suns. Problem is, I think Nash has gotten significantly better in the interim between the last matchup. This is one thing I think both Spurs and Suns fans are overlooking. Nash is a "constant" while the other players are +/-. Totally disagree. It's obvious I'm a fan (when you a Warriors fan you have to find others to root for in the playoffs). I've been watching him for years and his game has gone through the roof of late. I don't see ANYONE in the league being able to contain him for any length of time. And now that he has the right pieces to his team I think the Suns have a legitimate shot.

I don't see many Suns fans underestimating the Spurs -- your team is given the respect you deserve (at least in terms of being able to win the series) -- but you guys are waaaayyy too cocky when it comes to the alleged impotence of the Suns. I really think you're in for a rude awakening.

[Durruti]

So ... how many Spurs games have you watched this season?
If it was only a small number, how did you know they were boring?
If you were watching many of them, why would you watch them if it was so boring?


You have a point, sorta. I've watched enough games to know that I find them very boring, but obviously I haven't watched anywhere near the number you have. Like I said, I'm sure I would appreciate your style far more if I lived in SA. It's just that when you're on the outside looking in you get a little sick of the same old shit. I'd like to see something different this year and I'm pretty sure I'm not alone.

[Durruti]

if you think the Spurs are "old geezers" than I'm really curious to know what you think of Steve Nash's age.

Nash is a freak of nature. Nuf said. Seriously though, I was only taunting with the geezer stuff. Just a little friendly ribbing ;)

[Marcus Bryant]

Except Nash is only 33... not 39.

You might as well have said that I made your wife "only" pregnant.

[Durruti]

when was the last time exciting basketball made it to the finals?

Depends on your definition, I guess. If you listened to Magic's interview during the Suns/Lakers game where Nash grabbed 23 assists (would have been 30 or more if the Suns were shooting their usual percentage), he said he was glad to see a team returning basketball to its roots. Honestly, I consider the Shaq/Duncan era to be a regression; basketball can be much more exciting and joyful.

[ambchang]

You have a point, sorta. I've watched enough games to know that I find them very boring, but obviously I haven't watched anywhere near the number you have. Like I said, I'm sure I would appreciate your style far more if I lived in SA. It's just that when you're on the outside looking in you get a little sick of the same old shit. I'd like to see something different this year and I'm pretty sure I'm not alone.
So you have elected to attack something you confess to be ignorant on? That certainly is one outlook on life.
BTW, I watch Suns games, I watch Warriors games, and I fail to understand how having layup line after layup line is not "the same old shit". Is there a way where the two teams have changed the way they score on layups and wide open threes that I have missed?
I mean, how can you not see something different from Spurs basketball? It's not like they play Spurs only games, or have your local area elected not to play loser franchises that hasn't won a championship in the last 30 years?

[ambchang]

Depends on your definition, I guess. If you listened to Magic's interview during the Suns/Lakers game where Nash grabbed 23 assists (would have been 30 or more if the Suns were shooting their usual percentage), he said he was glad to see a team returning basketball to its roots. Honestly, I consider the Shaq/Duncan era to be a regression; basketball can be much more exciting and joyful.
Nash has changed the rims back to peach baskets now?
And would you care to define "joyful"? I find my favourite team winning three championships to be very "joyful".
Perhaps if you understand the game, and see that flawless execution on offense and defense can drastically increase a team's chances of winning, you would find that game to be more "joyful" to watch.

[Durruti]

So you have elected to attack something you confess to be ignorant on?

Not ignorant on. I've watched plenty of Spurs games but obviously not as many as your average Spurs fan. I don't pretend to be as knowledgeable about your team as you are. Is that supposed to come as a surprise? The point is I've watched enough to know I just don't find your style of basketball very entertaining. I've also watched enough (this year) to know that the Suns have a legitimate shot of taking you out. What I find surprising is that most Spurs fans on this board are giving the Suns absolutely no shot whatsoever. That's just plain old hubris.


BTW, I watch Suns games, I watch Warriors games, and I fail to understand how having layup line after layup line is not "the same old shit".

Are you kidding me? The Warriors play like crazy street ballers with their lives on the line. And are you telling me our fan base is not something special? I'll be the first to admit that I do not think our style of play or current roster is conducive to beating a top shelf team like the Spurs, but that's something we can work on in the future. Who knows, maybe we'll pull a rabbit out of our hat, but I'm not betting it. The Suns, however, are in a completely different league.

They have arguably the most talented and intelligent player in the game. They have the fastest player in the game. They have an absolute beast in STAT. They have solid defenders in Bell and Marion. They have new additions to their team that can make this series more than competitive.

The key, again, is Nash. The only other player I would put in the same category would be your own Tim Duncan. But you can't tell me that Suns basketball is the "same old" when Nash is performing no look bounce bases behind his back with English on the ball off a defenders foot into the hands of Amare immediately beneath the basket. I question the basketball IQ of anyone who would speak dismissively of Nash and The Suns in general. This is a great team and you guys should show a little respect.


I mean, how can you not see something different from Spurs basketball?

I do. You guys are the best there is in (what has become) the dominant style. Which I find boring. Hence the desire to have you booted for the playoffs. Nothing personal I assure you (excepting Manu, whose flops put other players at risk of injury).

[RonMexico]

You might as well have said that I made your wife "only" pregnant.

You might as well have said that Michael Finley was 45, then jackass... considering he is older than Nash.

But it looks like his desire made him shoot 8-9 from 3 and I have a feeling Nash's desire will make him post some 20-10 games out there during this series.

[RonMexico]

Yeah, I won't stoop so low as to compare Spurs fans to Mavs fans, but you have to think there is a correlation between them discounting G-State and bitching about how Avery is so much better than Nellie and now the Mavs "know how to rebound and defend" just because they won a single PO series against the Spurs.

Spurs fans continue to heckle the Suns about their style of play, among other things, but I have a feeling Pop isn't taking the Suns as lightly as you are.

[Durruti]

Nash has changed the rims back to peach baskets now?

:p:


And would you care to define "joyful"? I find my favourite team winning three championships to be very "joyful".

As would I -- if I lived in San Antonio.

[THE SIXTH MAN]

As would I -- if I lived in San Antonio.
:lol Stay around the board for awhile. I can assure you there are plenty of people that don't live or haven't even been to San Antonio, that would beg to differ with your stance. There's no rule stating that you have to live with in a certain area code to appreciate a certain team.

[THE SIXTH MAN]

Yeah, I won't stoop so low as to compare Spurs fans to Mavs fans, but you have to think there is a correlation between them discounting G-State and bitching about how Avery is so much better than Nellie and now the Mavs "know how to rebound and defend" just because they won a single PO series against the Spurs.

Spurs fans continue to heckle the Suns about their style of play, among other things, but I have a feeling Pop isn't taking the Suns as lightly as you are.
I can only speak for myself when I say that I am not taking the Suns lightly. Every year is different, and Spurs fans of all fans should know that the title is not guaranteed to no one. I'm really looking forward to see how the games play out though.

[Durruti]

There's no rule stating that you have to live with in a certain area code to appreciate a certain team.

...which should be apparent from my appreciation for the Suns. I have to admit that i find it shocking that anyone would root for the Spurs outside of Texas, but there's no accounting for taste ;)

[THE SIXTH MAN]

...which should be apparent from my appreciation for the Suns. I have to admit that i find it shocking that anyone would root for the Spurs outside of Texas,
You'd be surprised.

[RonMexico]

I can only speak for myself when I say that I am not taking the Suns lightly. Every year is different, and Spurs fans of all fans should know that the title is not guaranteed to no one. I'm really looking forward to see how the games play out though.

Well put. I have way more hope that this one could go 7 than I did in 2005.

[lefty]

Yeah, I won't stoop so low as to compare Spurs fans to Mavs fans, but you have to think there is a correlation between them discounting G-State and bitching about how Avery is so much better than Nellie and now the Mavs "know how to rebound and defend" just because they won a single PO series against the Spurs.

Spurs fans continue to heckle the Suns about their style of play, among other things, but I have a feeling Pop isn't taking the Suns as lightly as you are.

Very well spoken :clap

[smeagol]

How have the 07 Suns become better than the 05 Suns?

Raja Bell?

Barboza playing better?

Maybe . . .

On the other hand, Amare is not totally back in 05 form.

We'll see starting Sunday.

[Strike]

:lol Stay around the board for awhile. I can assure you there are plenty of people that don't live or haven't even been to San Antonio, that would beg to differ with your stance. There's no rule stating that you have to live with in a certain area code to appreciate a certain team.

Sounds like me. I've lived in Portland my entire life. All 29 years of it. But I've been a Spurs fan since the 1989-1990 season. I've neither lived in nor been to San Antonio but I celebrated in '99, '03 and '05 from the great state of Oregon.

Die-hard Spurs fan. Through and through.

[Durruti]

Die-hard Spurs fan. Through and through.

To each his own.

I talked alot of trash on this thread but honestly, I was mostly just ribbing. I DO believe (like most) that the Spurs are the favorites, but I think many Spurs fans are incredibly cocky. You've earned it (that is, the team you root for has earned it) but never underestimate your opponent. Read your Sun Tzu. I'm sure Pops has. I think the Suns have a legit shot to take you out this year. Should be a fun series.

Will Duncan reign supreme? Or is there a new sheriff in town?

http://www.espn.go.com/photo/2006/1120/nba_g_nash_268.jpg

Go Suns!





:ihit

[ambchang]

Not ignorant on. I've watched plenty of Spurs games but obviously not as many as your average Spurs fan. I don't pretend to be as knowledgeable about your team as you are. Is that supposed to come as a surprise? The point is I've watched enough to know I just don't find your style of basketball very entertaining. I've also watched enough (this year) to know that the Suns have a legitimate shot of taking you out. What I find surprising is that most Spurs fans on this board are giving the Suns absolutely no shot whatsoever. That's just plain old hubris.

So you find it boring, but you kept watching, I am not sure how a person can contradict himself/herself more than this, but whatever you say. If the games were boring, go do something constructive to society, don't just sit on your ass and keep watching boring basketball.


Are you kidding me? The Warriors play like crazy street ballers with their lives on the line. And are you telling me our fan base is not something special? I'll be the first to admit that I do not think our style of play or current roster is conducive to beating a top shelf team like the Spurs, but that's something we can work on in the future. Who knows, maybe we'll pull a rabbit out of our hat, but I'm not betting it. The Suns, however, are in a completely different league.

They have arguably the most talented and intelligent player in the game. They have the fastest player in the game. They have an absolute beast in STAT. They have solid defenders in Bell and Marion. They have new additions to their team that can make this series more than competitive.

The key, again, is Nash. The only other player I would put in the same category would be your own Tim Duncan. But you can't tell me that Suns basketball is the "same old" when Nash is performing no look bounce bases behind his back with English on the ball off a defenders foot into the hands of Amare immediately beneath the basket. I question the basketball IQ of anyone who would speak dismissively of Nash and The Suns in general. This is a great team and you guys should show a little respect.

Please learn to read, nothing has been said about the Suns' ability to win, the debate here is that I can't find how the Suns' way of playing basketball is not "the same old shit" when their plays are as predictable as the Spurs. Nash dribbles basketball, pass to open teammate for shots, opponents drive to basket, opponent score. The Kings of the early century was like that, the Mavs were like that, even the Raptors play somewhat like that, so what is so special about it?
And when did I mention the GS fans? I am not dismissing any team in the West, I think any team (other than the Lakers) had a shot going in. Every team, however miniscule their chances, had a shot.
And if you want to list out the strengths of the Suns players, I can do exactly the same for the Spurs player.
The Spurs have the most dominant and intelligent big man in the game in Duncan, one of the fastest point guard in Parker, we have the peskiest perimeter defender in Bowen, an unpredictable slasher and creator in Manu, the team passing is superb, especially interior passing when Oberto is in the lineup, Horry is famed for putting daggers in the heart at the most opportune of moments, and the defensive schemes were complex and effective.


I do. You guys are the best there is in (what has become) the dominant style. Which I find boring. Hence the desire to have you booted for the playoffs. Nothing personal I assure you (excepting Manu, whose flops put other players at risk of injury).

What is the dominant style? How many teams plays the way the Spurs play? If you mean defensive dominant, then it's the Bulls, Rockets, Spurs, and Jazz. But aren't their as many offensive dominant teams? Suns, Warriors, Nuggets, Raptors, and Wizards.

I know you are trying to bring out all the cliches about the Spurs as you possible can to talk smack, but you are just making yourself look like a parrot.

[exstatic]

Wow. The arrogance is staggering. Pride before the fall I guess. Can't wait for the Suns to knock the SA senior citizens off their perch and into the old folks' home. Reading your responses will be just as fun as the Mavs fans after my warriors took it to 'em. The era of boring, plodding, whining b-ball is coming to an end (thank God)!

Suns in 6.

:ihit
Why the hate, Golden State? And arrogance? You didn't happen to see Senor Ron Mexico call Phoenix in 1 and Phoenix in 3.5, did you? For a team that has never won shit, and went to 1 Finals like 30 years ago, that's arrogance.

We take teams that want to run, and we slow them down. That's a fact. Denver averaged 19 FB ppg during the regular season. They got 19 total in the first three games. There are three ways this happens.

1) We run a motion offense, and use a lot of our own shotclock.

2) When the shot does go up, THREE PLAYERS run back immediately. Pop doesn't care about offensive rebounds. He'd rather run our efficient offense, and make the other team face our half court defense. Spurs shoot .474 and our opponents shoot .443.

3) In 2005, to prepare for the Suns, our scout team was allowed to take the ball directly out of the basket and start running to simulate the go go Suns. Preparation.

Even if you don't like SA, a lot of folks here are pulling for you, including me. Your team displayed balls the size of coconuts and a heart as big as all outdoors. I almost never watch other playoff games, but I will be tuning in to the Warriors a few times, I can tell you.

[GrandeDavid]

Exactly. He's got to be a Mavs scout to fuck it up this bad. What a poor analysis.

These clowns have such short term memories. Its amazing they hold jobs in the Assoshe.

[SenorSpur]

Spurs in six

[Clutch20]

I wish we had at least one more player/swingman this year, under thirty, to complement Manu and Tony. So that we could play run and gun as much as we wanted against Phoenix.

P.S. Duncan will own Stoudamire.
Will J.White make an.........nah, maybe not.

[sunsfan76]

I cannot believe the arrogance of Spurs fans, It is unbelievable that any rational thinking person could believe the spurs will win in 4 or 5, that is homerism pure and simple.

As far as saying Barbosa may be better than 2005 is to display an unbelievable level of ignorance, he played a total of 15 minutes for the ENTIRE series in 05, never even seeing time after Joe Johnson went down. He is now arguably our 3rd best player - he is better than Ginobli in my opinion - and he will prove it this series.

I don't expect Amare to average 37 a game this time around, but he doesn't need to. We are a more balanced team now, and that is a big reason why many of you think he is not close to what he was in 2005.

If the suns use single coverage on Duncan primarily with KT and dont let parker go crazy I like their chances - but I know it will not be easy.

[jman3000]

I'm thinking it would be obvious that a GS fan would be cheering for the suns... they know that if they advance to the WCF's that they stand a much better chance of beating them then they do if they meet up with the Spurs.

they're cheering the matchup.

[Marcus Bryant]

I cannot believe the arrogance of Spurs fans, It is unbelievable that any rational thinking person could believe the spurs will win in 4 or 5, that is homerism pure and simple.

.....snip....

If the suns use single coverage on Duncan primarily with KT and dont let parker go crazy I like their chances - but I know it will not be easy.

If the Suns go with single coverage on TD the Spurs will win it in 4 or 5.

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

I don't think there's any way in hell the Suns don't bring the double from somewhere on Duncan, but if the Suns don't want to bring the double when Tim gets into the post, well, be my guest.

[jmard5]

You guys fail to realize that the Suns' role players are just as key here. If Choke-Rich didn't shoot 5% from 3pt land in 2005, the games might have been a little different. It was over in 5 games, but they weren't blow outs (except Game 3).

No ifs and buts anymore...

[Gaddabout]

For a team that has never won shit, and went to 1 Finals like 30 years ago, that's arrogance.

Minor fact check: Suns have been to two Finals, in '93 and '76.


Spurs shoot .474 and our opponents shoot .443.

Except against the Suns: Spurs shot 40% and Suns 43% in three games. Home team held court in all three games.

[Spursfan101]

Spurs In 5

[Kobulingam]

Y'all crazy. It will be a huge suprise if Spurs don't sweep.

[mavsfan1000]

I cannot believe the arrogance of Spurs fans, It is unbelievable that any rational thinking person could believe the spurs will win in 4 or 5, that is homerism pure and simple.

As far as saying Barbosa may be better than 2005 is to display an unbelievable level of ignorance, he played a total of 15 minutes for the ENTIRE series in 05, never even seeing time after Joe Johnson went down. He is now arguably our 3rd best player - he is better than Ginobli in my opinion - and he will prove it this series.

I don't expect Amare to average 37 a game this time around, but he doesn't need to. We are a more balanced team now, and that is a big reason why many of you think he is not close to what he was in 2005.

If the suns use single coverage on Duncan primarily with KT and dont let parker go crazy I like their chances - but I know it will not be easy.
I agree. Barbosa should be a big help against Parker. Parker can't handle speedy guards. Bell could bother Manu as well. Kurt Thomas could bother Duncan. This years suns team matches up much better now than 2 years ago.