someone getting injured?

[td4mvp3]

d'antoni intimated at his press conference that the suns would start being as physical as the spurs, which sounds like they're about to start doing some desperation crap. i worry someone gets seriously injured, particularly duncan or parker.

[powerpower]

put ginobili in that mix too.

[2centsworth]

bring it.

[Obstructed_View]

I wouldn't worry too much about it. He actually believes that his team isn't getting calls, and that if he spouts off like that the officials will see his desperation and stop intentionally trying to railroad the Suns out of the playoffs (again!). They can't play much more physically than they do. The Spurs survived '05 in Denver, when everyone in the city was itching for someone to clobber Manu. Raja Bell looks like he's got the Spurs in his head, so the league will probably be watching him really closely the next couple of games.

[T Park]

If they do, one of their best players will get suspended.

You play the game and ignore what the morons say.

[Borosai]

They aren't built to play that way. They are losing focus.

[exstatic]

They aren't built to play that way. They are losing focus.
That, and they're seeing a healthy Duncan for the first time since '03. Only Marion and a puppy Amare are really left from that team.

[ponky]

d'antoni intimated at his press conference that the suns would start being as physical as the spurs, which sounds like they're about to start doing some desperation crap. i worry someone gets seriously injured, particularly duncan or parker.


he looked pretty pissed off about bowen's knee to nash's balls, i thought he was going to get a technical...was it bowen? i think so, it could've been someone else.

[peskypesky]

bring it.

What he said. Bring it. If Suns wanna rough-house, I say we put Jackie Butler in there to knock a few heads.

And it's laughable for D'Antoni to be whining about injuries. Didn't he see Ginobili's eye last night. F--- the whiny suns.

[Obstructed_View]

he looked pretty pissed off about bowen's knee to nash's balls, i thought he was going to get a technical...was it bowen? i think so, it could've been someone else.
I think he probably should have been pissed off at his point guard for crowding Bowen's space. The Suns shouldn't be pressuring to get the ball out of Bowen's hands while he's standing outside the three point line.

[TDMVPDPOY]

funny how that jackass antonie is calling out bowen for kneeing nash when in 03 hunter kneed duncan in the groin also

[ponky]

I think he probably should have been pissed off at his point guard for crowding Bowen's space. The Suns shouldn't be pressuring to get the ball out of Bowen's hands while he's standing outside the three point line.

other than the third foul on amare which i'm sorry was b.s. i'd say d'antoni should just stfu, i really really cannot stand him and it's probably 99% of the reason why i can't root for the suns....marion and amare's whiny crap make up the other 1%

[Mavs<Spurs]

other than the third foul on amare which i'm sorry was b.s. i'd say d'antoni should just stfu, i really really cannot stand him and it's probably 99% of the reason why i can't root for the suns....marion and amare's whiny crap make up the other 1%

Ponky, I thought that you were rooting for us, your fellow Texas Team.

:lol

[T Park]

What was the third foul, the block?

If so, look at his left hand. It pushes duncan in the stomach.

Foul.

Thank you...

[aaronstampler]

She probably meant the fourth foul, the offensive one on Oberto.

[ponky]

Ponky, I thought that you were rooting for us, your fellow Texas Team.

:lol

i am, i just want to see a good series before you guys beat them down for good. most of the series this year suck and are not prolonged like last year so i'd like to at least see the warriors/jazz and spurs/suns go to a minimum of six because i doubt any of the east series will get that far.

[ponky]

She probably meant the fourth foul, the offensive one on Oberto.

yeah, my bad, the fourth one

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

he looked pretty pissed off about bowen's knee to nash's balls, i thought he was going to get a technical...was it bowen? i think so, it could've been someone else.

D'Antoni doesn't need to get his team to be thugs because of that call. He needs to talk to them about quit trying to play defense by dry humping the guy with the ball :lol

[wildbill2u]

d'antoni intimated at his press conference that the suns would start being as physical as the spurs, which sounds like they're about to start doing some desperation crap. i worry someone gets seriously injured, particularly duncan or parker.
What a joke! The Spurs have chonically been called a 'soft' team by friends and foes alike. Now they are supposed to be physical bullies?

What does that make Phoenix if the Spurs are too 'mean' for them--wusses?

[Obstructed_View]

yeah, my bad, the fourth one
The only case to be made against that whistle was that it was away from the ball. Oberto outsmarted Amare and drew a push. Ticky tack? Perhaps, but the push was there. Sorry, but it's smart basketball if you can get the call.

[lefty]

D'Antoni should forget the physical plays and stick to the basics : " run, shoot, whatever" :lol ; 2005 coach f the year :lol

[nkdlunch]

I predict D'antoni will injure his wrist trying to open a water bottle

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f157/ws1045/Dantonitrain.gif

[GrandeDavid]

According to Bowen in the press conference it was a non issue between Nash and Bruce. Bruce told Nash that it was unintentional and, according to Bruce, Nash's reply was something along the lines of "absolutely, Bruce", meaning its irrelevant what D'Antoni thinks. Its an emotional series, he's just trying to defend his player.

[coachmac87]

:madrun dantoni is the biggest pussy ever...i think its really unprofessional when a coach loses his cool so much in front of his players...he throws temper tantrums more than a 5 yr old :madrun

[BUMP]

he said its a physical series for the other half. in other words the Spurs are the team that has been playing physical and the Suns need to step it up.

Duncan laughed when they asked him about the series being physical. in other words, the Suns are pussies :spin

[bobbyjoe]

I think he probably should have been pissed off at his point guard for crowding Bowen's space. The Suns shouldn't be pressuring to get the ball out of Bowen's hands while he's standing outside the three point line.

So in 1998, when Karl Malone's answer to David Robinson crowding him and leaving him no breathing room was to knock him unconscious with a viscuous elbow to the head, do you think the Spurs really should have been upset with Robinson for crowding Malone or at Malone for being dirty?

If you're answer is that Robinson was at fault back then, I applaud you for being consisten. If you think it was moreso Malone at fault, then you're being a hypocrite by blaming Nash for the knee to the balls.

There are other ways of dealing with someone crowding you (a forearm to a guy's chest to clear space, showing him your elbows, or leaning into him and pushing off as you dribble to clear away) than kneeing a guy in the freaking nuts.

How low will some stoop to defend Bowen when he's clearly in the wrong?

[sunsbum]

So in 1998, when Karl Malone's answer to David Robinson crowding him and leaving him no breathing room was to knock him unconscious with a viscuous elbow to the head, do you think the Spurs really should have been upset with Robinson for crowding Malone or at Malone for being dirty?

If you're answer is that Robinson was at fault back then, I applaud you for being consisten. If you think it was moreso Malone at fault, then you're being a hypocrite by blaming Nash for the knee to the balls.

There are other ways of dealing with someone crowding you (a forearm to a guy's chest to clear space, showing him your elbows, or leaning into him and pushing off as you dribble to clear away) than kneeing a guy in the freaking nuts.

How low will some stoop to defend Bowen when he's clearly in the wrong?


they wont. even after ANOTHER incident in a 5 day span STILL, 90% of spurs fans will not admit or even hint that bowen is doing this crap on purpose.

[ThomasGranger]

they wont. even after ANOTHER incident in a 5 day span STILL, 90% of spurs fans will not admit or even hint that bowen is doing this crap on purpose.

Write your congressman.

[sunsbum]

Write your congressman.

about what? :sleep

[anonymous coward]

i hope someone cracks bowen leg, for being false and dirty

[ThomasGranger]

i hope someone ckacks bowen leg, for being false and dirty

How would you like it if somebody ckacked you?

[ChumpDumper]

Get back to us when the league takes action for the things you're whining about.

[anonymous coward]

How would you like it if somebody ckacked you?
:sleep

[ThomasGranger]

:sleep
:cry

[anonymous coward]

:cry
:loser

[jmard5]

other than the third foul on amare which i'm sorry was b.s. i'd say d'antoni should just stfu, i really really cannot stand him and it's probably 99% of the reason why i can't root for the suns....marion and amare's whiny crap make up the other 1%

:clap

[ThomasGranger]

:loser

:fishing

[GrandeDavid]

they wont. even after ANOTHER incident in a 5 day span STILL, 90% of spurs fans will not admit or even hint that bowen is doing this crap on purpose.

Bowen is not doing this crap on purpose.

Just owning his space, owning his targets, and owning Phoenix's bench with a killer three and stare back.

[jmard5]

So in 1998, when Karl Malone's answer to David Robinson crowding him and leaving him no breathing room was to knock him unconscious with a viscuous elbow to the head, do you think the Spurs really should have been upset with Robinson for crowding Malone or at Malone for being dirty?

If you're answer is that Robinson was at fault back then, I applaud you for being consisten. If you think it was moreso Malone at fault, then you're being a hypocrite by blaming Nash for the knee to the balls.

There are other ways of dealing with someone crowding you (a forearm to a guy's chest to clear space, showing him your elbows, or leaning into him and pushing off as you dribble to clear away) than kneeing a guy in the freaking nuts.

How low will some stoop to defend Bowen when he's clearly in the wrong?

Yeah right. Obviously you do not know what you are talking about. Swinging elbows even if they do not connect can be penalized. Malone knows he should not do that. It was intended to harm.

Robinson knows how to play D. He knows what Malone is capable of in offense.

On the other hand, Nash has no business crowding Bowen because
1. he is not a defensive specialist; what does he really know about one-on-one defense?
2. Bowen is not exactly a threat in offense given that situation

[Flex9050]

So in 1998, when Karl Malone's answer to David Robinson crowding him and leaving him no breathing room was to knock him unconscious with a viscuous elbow to the head, do you think the Spurs really should have been upset with Robinson for crowding Malone or at Malone for being dirty?

If you're answer is that Robinson was at fault back then, I applaud you for being consisten. If you think it was moreso Malone at fault, then you're being a hypocrite by blaming Nash for the knee to the balls.


T :dizzy he refs called the foul on Robinson. So, someone thought he was at fault.

[anonymous coward]

:fishing
:depressed :cry

[bobbyjoe]

That's true but Malone was also suspended for the incident, so clearly the NBA thought he went too far to "create space" from a defender who was crowding him.

Kneeing someone in the nuts is simply a bushleague, cowardly play in any context of NBA basketball. You dont see any NBA player but Bowen use this of all techniques to create space. It's because he's a punk and POS.

Everyone thought Terry was a punk for his blatant punch at Finley last yr. This wasn't quite as bad but way over the top nevertheless.

[Phenomanul]

That's true but Malone was also suspended for the incident, so clearly the NBA thought he went too far to "create space" from a defender who was crowding him.

Kneeing someone in the nuts is simply a bushleague, cowardly play in any context of NBA basketball. You dont see any NBA player but Bowen use this of all techniques to create space. It's because he's a punk and POS.

Everyone thought Terry was a punk for his blatant punch at Finley last yr. This wasn't quite as bad but way over the top nevertheless.


Quite some class there trying to equate the three (Malone, Bowen, Terry). Props to your amazing recognition of in-game scenarios. :rolleyes

[ducks]

who is getting injured now
is the suns coach and his pride
he thinks suns should have no fouls called on them all game

[sabar]

I thought we were the softest team in the league?
What's that make then suns then?

:lol

Flip-flop media. Either the Spurs are thugs or they're soft.

[DePastino]

Yeah right. Obviously you do not know what you are talking about. Swinging elbows even if they do not connect can be penalized. Malone knows he should not do that. It was intended to harm.

Robinson knows how to play D. He knows what Malone is capable of in offense.

On the other hand, Nash has no business crowding Bowen because
1. he is not a defensive specialist; what does he really know about one-on-one defense?
2. Bowen is not exactly a threat in offense given that situation

This is an assinine take.

All anyone ever says is that Nash can't defend, yet according to you, he shouldn't even try?

And I guess Bowen should never try to get an assist?

???

[Obstructed_View]

So in 1998, when Karl Malone's answer to David Robinson crowding him and leaving him no breathing room was to knock him unconscious with a viscuous elbow to the head, do you think the Spurs really should have been upset with Robinson for crowding Malone or at Malone for being dirty?

If you're answer is that Robinson was at fault back then, I applaud you for being consisten. If you think it was moreso Malone at fault, then you're being a hypocrite by blaming Nash for the knee to the balls.

There are other ways of dealing with someone crowding you (a forearm to a guy's chest to clear space, showing him your elbows, or leaning into him and pushing off as you dribble to clear away) than kneeing a guy in the freaking nuts.

How low will some stoop to defend Bowen when he's clearly in the wrong?
Um, showing a guy your elbows is an immediate technical foul. Pushing off is also an offensive foul, which is what Bowen was whistled for. Since you clearly know nothing about the rules of basketball, where it has clear rules about contact above the shoulders, the situations aren't remotely the same and you aren't worth my time. Thanks for playing, though.

[GrandeDavid]

about what? :sleep

About your addiction to SpursTalk.com.

[Obstructed_View]

All anyone ever says is that Nash can't defend, yet according to you, he shouldn't even try?

???
One would think he'd learned his lesson by touching the bandage on his nose.

[DePastino]

d'antoni intimated at his press conference that the suns would start being as physical as the spurs, which sounds like they're about to start doing some desperation crap. i worry someone gets seriously injured, particularly duncan or parker.

Where the hell is all this 'Spurs are soft' crap coming from? What was it, like one or two articles? Probably written immediately after a bad loss to Charlotte or another crappy team they had no business losing to?

Here's some quotes from D'Antoni:


"I'm not going to get into it just because it doesn't change anything, and we know how they want to play us," D'Antoni said. "It's going to be up to us to draw a line in the sand and hey, let's play.

"We're going to have to take it to them. We're going to have to be aggressive. We're going to have to be smart with it. We're going to have to be mentally tough, and that's why they put champion beside your name if you can do that."


"If that's the way everybody wants to play it, then we'll play that way too,"

when asked if he’d classify this as a physical series


“Really? Well, half of it. Their half. Now we have to get our half. Yeah, very physical. I can’t say anything. We just have to take care of business.’’

Now, to me, D'Antoni sounds a little frustrated, which is to be expected. But where are you people getting the "desperation" vibe from?

You know, what kills me is that, while it's okay for the Spurs to play "elite", physical defense, if the Suns try to step it up, they're "desperate". Better still, "the Suns aren't that kind of team, so they shouldn't play that way."

Why not?

Slowly, the Suns are shedding the 'soft' label. Slowly, but steadily. The thing is, the Suns can't expect to shut the Spurs down completely, no more than the Spurs can expect to hold them down for four straight quarters. These two teams won 119 games combined for a reason.

[Obstructed_View]

How are the Suns shedding the "soft" label when they are complaining to the media about "physical play" in a series against The Milk & Cookies Gang that isn't actually particularly physical? You guys wouldn't know because you won't watch the Spurs because they are "boring".

[DePastino]

How are the Suns shedding the "soft" label when they are complaining to the media about "physical play" in a series against The Milk & Cookies Gang that isn't actually particularly physical? You guys wouldn't know because you won't watch the Spurs because they are "boring".

Wow, one comment by Amare and the entire team is "complaining to the media".

And don't bring up D'Antoni, because it's his job to lobby on behalf of his players.

I DO watch the Spurs and the Pistons. And I DO think that the Suns are starting to make a lot of similar "playoff caliber" defensive plays. Not enough of them, but they're at least getting there.

[Obstructed_View]

Wow, one comment by Amare and the entire team is "complaining to the media".

And don't bring up D'Antoni, because it's his job to lobby on behalf of his players.

I DO watch the Spurs and the Pistons. And I DO think that the Suns are starting to make a lot of similar "playoff caliber" defensive plays. Not enough of them, but they're at least getting there.

Are you kidding me? All the complaints from Suns fans about Bowen and Ginobili on this message board alone and you have the unmitigated gall to suggest that it's only "one comment by Amare"? Please.

By the way, the job of the coach is to coach the team and put them in a position to win. Complaining when he's getting owned is something he does to save his job, not to help his players.

[Scumbag]

Complaining when he's getting owned is something he does to save his job, not to help his players.


I have a feeling his job is pretty safe... oh wait, hes the GM also? snap. :reading

[Obstructed_View]

I have a feeling his job is pretty safe... oh wait, hes the GM also? snap. :reading
His job might be safe, but if the fans in Phoenix didn't believe that the Spurs are cheating in order to win, what would they be talking about if the Suns get eliminated? I imagine they'd be pointing to the abject failure of the "new and improved" Suns. If he built the team specifically to match up better against the Spurs than the '05 team, someone's going to start asking questions.

[Scumbag]

His job might be safe, but if the fans in Phoenix didn't believe that the Spurs are cheating in order to win, what would they be talking about if the Suns get eliminated? I imagine they'd be pointing to the abject failure of the "new and improved" Suns. If he built the team specifically to match up better against the Spurs than the '05 team, someone's going to start asking questions.


Not really. Everyone pretty much knows the Spurs are a better team. They have more than gelled in the post season. The Suns have more individual talent at each position.

[cheguevara]

:lmao

how do you add physicallity to run-and-gun game??? you don't!

Suns are soooo stupid, and D'antoni especially. he is getting so far away from Suns bread and butter game.

[Scumbag]

Why do you assume they are changing anything renob?

Suns focus on sticking to game plan against physical Spurs
Paul Coro
The Arizona Republic
May. 14, 2007 12:00 AM

SAN ANTONIO - Toughness. It's not just for the Spurs anymore.

That is how the Suns are approaching tonight's Game 4 in San Antonio.

They need to match the Spurs toughness, but it's not about muscle. Bringing down the Spurs will take more backbone than brawn.
OAS_AD('ArticleFlex_1')

They know the only way to avoid a sixth consecutive loss at AT&T Center and a 3-1 hole that has been death for all but eight teams in NBA history is to play through the hacks, kicks and knees.

They are down 2-1 because they were not steely in a Game 3 loss Saturday.

It showed in many ways:


• When Shawn Marion lost the ball on a sure layup and then stuck around to argue an ensuing play, resulting in two Bruce Bowen open three-pointers that gave San Antonio the lead for good.


• When Steve Nash missed two layups against Tim Duncan and lost two round-the-back dribbles as Bowen jostled him.


• When Amaré Stoudemire returned for one play before picking up his fifth foul to open the fourth quarter.


• When Leandro Barbosa went on a turnover spree as the team got "antsy," according to coach Mike D'Antoni.

"We're going to have to be as mentally tough as they are," D'Antoni said.

Nash recently said the Suns' toughness was underrated. Tonight's game could make a more convincing statement, especially when a win would flip perception by giving Phoenix home-court advantage in a best-of-three setup.

The Suns' Raja Bell returned to the arena Sunday with the same edge he had leaving it on Saturday. He wasn't up for talking about the Spurs' supposed toughness.

"I'm sure they (the Spurs) are having a real good time with it so it's time to stop talking," Bell said.

"If you try to play their game with them, you're going to lose. They're good. They've done it year in and year out. They've done the playoffs year in and year out. They've won championships doing it. You can't do that. You have to play your game. Being tough is sticking to your game plan, playing your game despite whatever is going on around you, despite what they're trying to do to you, despite what this crowd is trying to do to you . . . There are a lot ways you can be tough, and they're not all physical."

The Suns are shooting at a high percentage and scoring enough points, and their defense has been solid for most of the playoffs. But key moments get away from them, such as when Nash left the game with the Spurs leading 72-71 and 1:49 to go in the third quarter Saturday. San Antonio finished the quarter on a 8-1 run and made it 10-1 off Stoudemire's fifth foul.

"The tendency here is whoever plays hard and tougher gets closer to winning the game, so we're going to try to bring the same juice and aggressiveness," Spurs guard Manu Ginobili said.

"We need to match their intensity and physicality, but I wouldn't expect anything less anyways," Nash said. "To me, the mental toughness encapsulates physical toughness, whereas physical toughness does not always encapsulate mental toughness."

That includes moving past a bad call or bad play quickly, Nash said.

Even Ginobili acknowledged the Suns can be physical. Then he qualified it. "Well, of course, some of the guys," he said.

Ginobili said he expects "desperation" from Phoenix tonight.

Stoudemire declared it a "must-win game."

"I don't know how much bigger you can get it," D'Antoni said. "Can't you also say it's a must-win for them?"

[DePastino]

Are you kidding me? All the complaints from Suns fans about Bowen and Ginobili on this message board alone and you have the unmitigated gall to suggest that it's only "one comment by Amare"? Please.

"Obstructed" indeed. I was referring specifically to the Suns players, not the fans.

So much for my "unmitigated gall".


By the way, the job of the coach is to coach the team and put them in a position to win. Complaining when he's getting owned is something he does to save his job, not to help his players.

So it would seem, except that Popovich has 3 titles under his belt, and things are pretty much going to the Spurs way right now. He can afford to not complain.

BTW, the Spurs were the least penalized team in the league this year, yet the Spurs players cry about every call. So a comment about "People in glass houses" is probably in order.

[DePastino]

:lmao

how do you add physicallity to run-and-gun game??? you don't!

Suns are soooo stupid, and D'antoni especially. he is getting so far away from Suns bread and butter game.

But playing defense and running aren't mutually exclusive. In fact, I'd argue that most of the Sun's fast break opportunities come from blocks and steals. They've scored over 100 in every game so far and are averaging 103 ppg this series. Sure it's 7 below their season average, but it's also 12 or so points above the Spurs defensive average.

The Suns aren't purely run and gun. They can play solid, physical defense - in spurts. They're one athletic big away from really having a championship contender caliber defense.

[JustSpurs]

I did sound like a threat to me.

[MadDog73]

BTW, the Spurs were the least penalized team in the league this year, yet the Spurs players cry about every call. So a comment about "People in glass houses" is probably in order.

Well, you had me going until this.

Watch the game. Yes, sometimes the Spurs throw their hands in the air and stare in "disbelief" they somehow did something wrong. That bugs me too.

But it's fair to say that it's not every call. Even Tim raises his hand and acknowledges a foul every once and awhile :toast

[DePastino]

Well, you had me going until this.

Watch the game. Yes, sometimes the Spurs throw their hands in the air and stare in "disbelief" they somehow did something wrong. That bugs me too.

But it's fair to say that it's not every call. Even Tim raises his hand and acknowledges a foul every once and awhile :toast

Okay, well maybe not every call. But it sure happens a lot, which is ironic when you consider that "least penalized" stat.

[Borosai]

Deactivate Elson, activate Ely. Let the bodies hit the floor.

[Obstructed_View]

Not really. Everyone pretty much knows the Spurs are a better team. They have more than gelled in the post season. The Suns have more individual talent at each position.
Fortunately, it was D'Antoni who threw out that little nugget for everyone's education. Whose fault would it be, incidentally, that a group of better individual players isn't as good of a team?

Some of you guys are complete suckers.

[Obstructed_View]

"Obstructed" indeed. I was referring specifically to the Suns players, not the fans.

So much for my "unmitigated gall".
Since you already forbade me from mentioning the coach, and now the fans, I suppose aside from the media, the bloggers, Raja Bell, and the assistant coaches, Amare is the only one that commented on it. Should we start calling him "Mrs. O'Leary's Cow"?



So it would seem, except that Popovich has 3 titles under his belt, and things are pretty much going to the Spurs way right now. He can afford to not complain.Pop has won three titles in 11 seasons, which means he's had his season come to a premature end 8 times. He won the titles by coaching his team, not by complaining to the media or throwing hissy fits. D'Antoni could learn something by his example.


BTW, the Spurs were the least penalized team in the league this year, yet the Spurs players cry about every call. So a comment about "People in glass houses" is probably in order.
The Spurs were the least penalized team in the league, I wonder how that relates to how many fouls the team commits?

BTW, the Suns players, fans and coaches are the ones crying about foul calls, not the Spurs players. I'm not sure how you have any frame of reference since you weren't watching the boring ol' Spurs prior to the last three games.

[florige]

Since you already forbade me from mentioning the coach, and now the fans, I suppose aside from the media, the bloggers, Raja Bell, and the assistant coaches, Amare is the only one that commented on it. Should we start calling him "Mrs. O'Leary's Cow"?


Pop has won three titles in 11 seasons, which means he's had his season come to a premature end 8 times. He won the titles by coaching his team, not by complaining to the media or throwing hissy fits. D'Antoni could learn something by his example.


The Spurs were the least penalized team in the league, I wonder how that relates to how many fouls the team commits?

BTW, the Suns players, fans and coaches are the ones crying about foul calls, not the Spurs players. I'm not sure how you have any frame of reference since you weren't watching the boring ol' Spurs prior to the last three games.




I agree with you right on with the Pop assessment. After that Joey Crawford incident just this season that more than likely cost us the 2nd seed, I didn't so much as hear a peep out of Pop. The only thing I heard from him was that it may be addressed. But you have to realize that we have been the thorn in Antoni's side for a while now. I think now it is just frustration more than anything that they can't run up and down the court like they have been doing all season, and against LA in the first round. I think now us playing Denver in the first round, and Phx playing LA is starting to loom its head. Like was mentioned already here, Denver is much more physical than Phx will ever be. LA was pretty much a cakewalk for Phx.