Game 2 Adjustments: Spurs vs. Suns

[DAINTX]

Put Horry on Nash. Big Shot knows how to defend him.

[oboymeetsogirl]

I read something interesting on another blog, commenting that Pop has always been willing to live with Amare's 30, 40 point sprees against the Spurs because when he's on the floor he's also such a defensive liability for the Suns. A great finisher, but poor mentally on defense. Makes sense, because so many of the Suns' losses to the Spurs have come from two or three classic Stoudemire defensive mistakes.

In game two, I seriously doubt that the Spurs will do anything different from game one offensively. Attack the basket, and attack the basket some more. All good things come from that -- layup drills, the Suns' big guys getting into foul trouble, opening up the three point line for Finley, Bowen, Ginoblis, Barry, etc.

Defensively, though, clearly Pop thinks they were deficient in game one. Lots of errors defending Nash's pick and rolls. If we narrow the window for his passes (don't they seem so predictable, but difficult to stop?), the Spurs should make it a lot harder for them to get to the basket.

I'm feeling good about game two. The Suns say they gave the first game away; but from what I saw, the Spurs almost gave the game away with their ridiculous number of turnovers and defensive lapses in the first half. If we cut down on that, I'm not really seeing how the Suns will compete. After all, simple logic tell you that it's a lot easier to pull ahead in a close game than having to come back from 12, 16 point deficits.

[florige]

I still don't get how this is a MUST WIN for SA. I mean, going up 2-0 would be fantastic, but it's not like the concept of SA stealing one game in Phoenix is impossible. I could see it being a must win game if SA was down 0-1 on their home floor or something.


Plus even if SA goes up 2-0, we've seen several instances where they let the series come back tied for game 5....such as 2003 and 2004 against the Lakers, and 2006 against the Kings.

So if it's a must win so we don't fall into a 1-3 hole like we did against Dallas back in '06, then okay.

I think it'd be a huge win for the Spurs tonight, but I refuse to believe if the series is tied, that they can't get one in Phoenix.

Thats what I'm thinking too. While it would be nice, I don't think it would be the end of the world. The only way I would be worried if we lost tonight would be if we got blown out. Then I would be worried.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Thats what I'm thinking too. While it would be nice, I don't think it would be the end of the world. The only way I would be worried if we lost tonight would be if we got blown out. Then I would be worried.

Which would make the parallels to the 2006 Mav series even more eerie

[T Park]

Which would make the parallels to the 2006 Mav series even more eerie

Wich would make you happy.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

lol, wtf


That series was arguably more painful than the 2004 series against the Lakers

[Cry Havoc]

Why can't the Spurs go to PHX 1-1 and win the series? It's not like they haven't won in Phoenix in the playoffs before.

It would make it tougher, but not mission impossible.

+1

Spurs are tough to beat in any game of the playoffs. Even Utah would have problems taking us in their arena. We could lose Game 2 and then win the next 3.

Though if we go up 2-0, the series might... MIGHT be over. Shaq tends to shut down when he thinks he can't win.

[T Park]

lol, wtf


That series was arguably more painful than the 2004 series against the Lakers

You love to be miserable and down on the team, so its right up your alley.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

ohhhh

I see

[T Park]

+1

Spurs are tough to beat in any game of the playoffs. Even Utah would have problems taking us in their arena. We could lose Game 2 and then win the next 3.

Though if we go up 2-0, the series might... MIGHT be over. Shaq tends to shut down when he thinks he can't win.

I personally think, that game 2 is a must win.
You give them way too much confidence letting them win tonight.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

T Park, you are way too hard on the team sometimes

[T Park]

T Park, you are way too hard on the team sometimes

I'm not the one after game 1 saying how fantastic the Suns are and how the Spurs were lucky to win.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

The Spurs were lucky.


But sometimes you need a little luck to get through, nothing wrong with that.


Tonight should be a great game.

[bostonguy]

Ummm why the are people saying winner tonight takes all? Is it a game 7 or something. If the Suns win it is 1-1. If the Spurs win it is 2-0. If the Spurs cant rebound from a loss tonight, then they should already make vacation plans. If the Spurs are a true championship team this season, it is foolish to say they cant rebound if it goes 1-1.

[easjer]

I'm saying it's a must win, because despite the fact that 2-3 more games happen minimum, I do not see the Spurs taking the series if they don't win tonight. I can see them splitting in Pheonix, but I NEVER count on a team winning on the opposition court, especially in crunch time. A big chunk of the edge Pheonix has is psychological, and the Spurs need to win tonight to negate that. Pop even said that they had lost some heart, some belief in themselves. Losing tonight would reinforce that they were just lucky and Pheonix let one slip away, as opposed to fighting back and proving that they can be the better team.

I just firmly believe that if they don't win tonight, this series goes to 7, and I won't be betting on the outcome. If they win tonight, I think it gets wrapped up (relatively) quickly.

ETA - I think this is where the Spurs step up and prove that they are here to play and that they can get it done. We've been let down over and over this season by one stunning game, only to have them fall flat in the next two or three. If they step it up and win tonight, then I think they can do it, all the way. If they don't, then I'm not convinced they can beat Pheonix. They have got to maintain HCA, and they have got to win tonight. That is why I think it's must-win.

I understand why people are ok with a split - I predicted a split here, a split in Pheonix, and wins in 5 and 6. But there is just a gut feeling I have, which I usually have before games 3 or 5, that this is the moment that they define themselves and this year.

There is every chance I'm wrong, and that my original prediction for this series holds firm.

In other words, I agree that this game, not game 3, is the one that decides the series.

[Billy Cobham]

Start Ginobili.

Bench Parker.

[1Parker1]

Bottom Line; If the Spurs win tonight, it'll give them a great chance to finish this in 6 games. If the Suns win, the Spurs can risk losing in 6 games or perhaps this going to 7 games where each team will have a 50-50 chance of winning it.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Bottom Line; If the Spurs win tonight, it'll give them a great chance to finish this in 6 games. If the Suns win, the Spurs can risk losing in 6 games or perhaps this going to 7 games where each team will have a 50-50 chance of winning it.

Why do I get the vibe that both me and you feel iffy about tonight's game?


also, I agree 100% when you said how the Spurs get off to big leads early, they tend to lose those games (i.e Lakers game, where they started on a 7-0 run)

[1Parker1]

Eh, I'm not iffy about tonight's game, I think it can go either way. I honestly don't know what to expect from either team. I don't think the Suns are going to just roll over after Game 1. I do think they'll be more careful next time they have a big lead on the Spurs. I just think that if the Spurs come out of the gates and get a good lead on the Suns, their recent struggles coming out of halftimes to score may be evident. I like when they keep the games close and then turn it up a notch on execution in the 4th quarter for a few key possessions.

[easjer]

Bottom Line; If the Spurs win tonight, it'll give them a great chance to finish this in 6 games. If the Suns win, the Spurs can risk losing in 6 games or perhaps this going to 7 games where each team will have a 50-50 chance of winning it.

Yes, exactly. This sums it up in far fewer words. That's why this is so important.

[Galileo]

Great post.

Tim for Vice President!

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Creer.

[td4mvp21]

I thought the Spurs did a good job of forcing contested jumpers last game. The Suns made a lot of tough shots (which is no surprise, they have very good shooters), but hopefully those contested shots won't continue to fall. The Suns only had 46 points in the paint (maybe a little more had Shaq played more, but not a whole lot such as 60 points). 46 out of 115-I think the Spurs defense deserves credit for that. I think what needs to be different is offensive execution-get role players involved, DO NOT STOP MOVING THE BALL, and limit turnovers. Also, the Spurs need to bust out of the gate with energy and intensity. If they do those things, I will be confident about securing a win.

[Supergirl]

I disagree about Udoka...I think we need to see a lot more of him - he can shoot the jumper reliably and will help cut off the Suns' passing lanes and create turnovers.

[YoMamaIsCallin]

Last year, the Spurs went 1-1 in the first 2 games of both opening series (vs. Denver and at Phoenix). They went on to beat Denver in 5 and Phoenix in 6.

From what I've seen the Spurs usually come on big in Game 5/6. By then they've figured out the other team.