Nash says he likes 'intensity' of series against Spurs

[ducks]

Nash says he likes 'intensity' of series against Spurs

By Greg Boeck, USA TODAY

PHOENIX — The San Antonio Spurs body of defensive work isn't taking a physical toll on Steve Nash's body. That's what the Phoenix Suns two-time MVP insisted Tuesday, saying, "I feel good."
Nonetheless, Nash has resembled a punching bag more than a point guard in the rough, best-of-seven Western Conference semifinal series that resumes Wednesday night tied 2-2.

The series got off to a bloody start when Nash and Spurs point guard Tony Parker collided head-to-head late in Game 1 with Nash suffering a deep gash on his nose that required six stitches and Parker walking away with a welt on his head.

In Game 3, after Suns All-Star Amare Stoudemire accused Spurs defensive ace Bruce Bowen of being a "dirty" player, Bowen kneed Nash in the groin, a play the league reviewed but did not levy a punishment on.

Then Monday, Spurs forward Robert Horry body-checked Nash into the scorers' table in the final minute of the Suns' come-from-behind 104-98 victory.

Horry was ejected and suspended two games and the Suns lost Stoudemire and key reserve Boris Diaw for Game 5 for leaving the bench after an ensuing confrontation between Horry and Raja Bell.

"It'd really be bad if it changes the series," Nash said before learning of the ruling. "It's such a small part of the series."

Nash, a Canadian who grew up playing hockey, called the hit a "quality check" after practice Tuesday but said he wasn't "really" shaken by the play.

In fact, he embraced the physical play of the series. "I grew up with this and it kind of takes me back to my youth playing soccer, hockey, rugby and lacrosse and being targeted a little bit," said Nash. "I enjoy it."

He doesn't feel battered at all, he said. "I like it. I think it's fun. It's great that the intensity heightens."

Horry turned the heat up in Game 4, after Stoudemire turned the burner on after Game 2.

"Every game," said Suns coach Mike D'Antoni, "is a war."

Nash is right in the middle, hounded by Bowen on the perimeter and double-teamed in the paint.

Nash missed his first nine shots in a Game 3 loss and has 19 turnovers. However, he is averaging 22.8 points and 12.5 assists.

"He's getting banged up pretty good," said Stoudemire. "It's been tough for him, but he's a strong guy who is prepared for the contact."

[Jimcs50]

I wish all the pussified pundits in the media who are all ready to crucify Horry for what they think was a horrible dirty foul, a lynchable offense, according to them, all read this article. The foul was minor IMO.

:rolleyes

[violentkitten]

of course that hit was nothing.

[fraga]

Glad Nash is being a man about it...he knows good intense Playoff Basketball when he sees it...

[johngateswhiteley]

thats the thing that is so outrageous, Horry's foul wasn't even that big a deal. it was everyone overreacting to it that caused a fuss...especially that pussy d'antoni. if d'antoni and the suns don't act like a bunch of bitches then nobody is suspended and we could have avoided all this idiocy.

1. raja didn't have to get in Horry's face
2. nash didn't have to get up and run at Horry
3. stoudemire and diaw didn't have to leave the bench

...i don't think anyone should have been suspended, but the suns have nobody to blame but themselves.

[nkdlunch]

if you guys got tivo of that hit, please watch frame by frame. and whatch avaroni or whatever his names face. :lmao his reaction to Horry's hit is priceless!

[fraga]

Raja Bell is a punk ass b!tch to begin with...always trying to act HARD...it all started back with Kobe...nobody every really pays him any mind when he's jarring...so it makes him try and be even more hard cause of his lack of street cred...

[Cry Havoc]

The Spurs haters are using every single weapon in the book to denounce this team.


Why?


Because they're scared.

They're frightened to death of Tim Duncan, who's perhaps the only player in the league who's the best at his position on offense AND defense.

They know this Spurs team has what it takes to win another title. And every game that the Spurs play their style of game, slowing the Suns offense down to a crawl, is further confirmation that nothing can really be done about this team in the long run.

Even without the suspensions, I think the Spurs win this series. Phoenix played it's game one out of four tries, and they stole game 4 with questionable officiating and horrible execution by the Spurs down the stretch.

I think Game 5 and 6 both go to San Antonio.

[violentkitten]

nash likes it rough.

[Sportcamper]

Well...Nash has to say something nice...Bowen knees him in the balls, kicks him in the knees, Timmah gets in his face, Horry knocks him senseless, Parker breaks his nose...Do you want him to admit that the Spurs have tried to end his career.... :dramaquee

[BlackFlagg]

The Spurs haters are using every single weapon in the book to denounce this team.


Why?


Because they're scared.


You. Nail. Head.

Maybe there's a chance yet that certain Suns fans will take the lead of Steve Nash and stop acting like babies. Nash is a decent guy, and sadly, the one I feel the worst for in all this.

[SAGambler]

Glad Nash is being a man about it...he knows good intense Playoff Basketball when he sees it...

You really have to respect Nash. Seems the rest of the team should learn from their leader.

I'm sure that not the first "hard foul" Nash has gotten, nor will it be the last.

At least he is a man about it and don't go crying to the media like "Black Jesus" does.

[violentkitten]

i recall the sainted steve nash pulling a bitch move in a playoff series once upon a time. kinda funny to see him made out to be a victim.

[Sportcamper]

Conspiracy...Is it too soon to say it...The Spurs have been handed this series...What is really going on here...Why have the Suns been unfairly handicapped with both Amare & Diaw suspended...Why hasn’t Bowen been suspended for his dirty play day in & day out?

Why have the Spurs been allowed to “MUG” Steve Nash? :dramaquee

[DarrinS]

It's ironic that the ONE Sun player who's had his nose split open, his nads kicked, and been hip checked into the scorer's table, is the one Sun that hasn't been publicly complaining about the "roughness".

It's sad when your toughest player is a 6'2" Canadian point guard.

[violentkitten]

yeah, the league surely wants to take the series away from the high scoring team with the white star.

[clambake]

Nash just took the high road. spurs could learn from that, but I doubt it.

spurs should complete the hit they have on Nash, because integrity has sailed.

[Sportcamper]

I don’t know what is going on...But it is obvious to everyone that is a sports writer, broadcaster or just watches the play-offs, that the NBA is not going to allow the Suns to get past round two...Conspiracy! :madrun

[longrod]

Nash is a good guy. A hockey player, not a pussy.

[Capt Bringdown]

Cute comments from Nash, sounds like he was admitting this was all a flopper's act:
http://i.usatoday.net/sports/_photos/2007/05/14/nash-topper.jpg

[angel_luv]

In fact, he embraced the physical play of the series. "I grew up with this and it kind of takes me back to my youth playing soccer, hockey, rugby and lacrosse and being targeted a little bit," said Nash. "I enjoy it."

For crying out loud, you're not being targeted.

[angel_luv]

Nash is right in the middle, hounded by Bowen on the perimeter and double-teamed in the paint

It's called defense, though I can see how a Sun's player would not recognize it. :lol

[violentkitten]

suns have been working the media and the league before this series even started. not hard to see through.

[clambake]

Oh, I get it. If he's not paralyzed, then he's flopping.

Just finish the job on injuring sun players. Stick to the game plan.

Contoversy, tainted, cheaters, thugs losers has already been cemented on SA. You can't un-ring a bell. Admit and live with your disgrace. Off season is looking good.

[phoenixnative]

nash likes it rough.

And I think you like it dry and in the ass.

[Sportcamper]

Yea...Nash looks like he is having a fun time out there...

[angel_luv]

Off season is looking good.



Off season- the only thing Mavericks are experts about.

[ThomasGranger]

Off season is looking good.


:lol Mavs fan.

[clambake]

I'm a spurs fan too. But their behavoir is disgraceful. Take a dive, spurs, and save face.

[LavaLamp]

It's called defense, though I can see how a Sun's player would not recognize it. :lol


You've hit the nail on the head. It all comes down to this: As an extension of their respective styles of play, the Spurs and the Suns have different ideas of what constitutes defense.

[Hook Dem]

Oh, I get it. If he's not paralyzed, then he's flopping.

Just finish the job on injuring sun players. Stick to the game plan.

Contoversy, tainted, cheaters, thugs losers has already been cemented on SA. You can't un-ring a bell. Admit and live with your disgrace. Off season is looking good.
What irony!!!! A Mav fan trying to lead a Suns rebellion! :lmao :lmao

[clambake]

Oh, you think it's for the suns. The fans of the entire league are disgusted with the spurs and their soon to be tainted victory possibilities. It's in cement.