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Bickley is a hack.
Spurs playing with Suns' heads
Dan Bickley
The Arizona Republic
Mar. 10, 2005 12:00 AM
Buckle up, basketball fans. If the Suns and the Spurs meet again this season, the stakes will be through the roof.
Robert Sarver took care of that.
Livid over the Spurs' mysterious decision to rest Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili, the incoming Suns owner put on his own marquee performance Wednesday at America West Arena, one that got the attention of the visitors' bench.
He screamed at Spurs coach Gregg Popovich to put his headline players in the game. More than once, he stood up from his courtside seat and flapped his arms like a chicken. And near the end of the first half, he and a couple of friends engaged in a derogatory chant aimed at the opponent.
"Varsity! Varsity! Varsity!"
It was a night when we're all lucky that Sarver didn't possess a giant foam finger with the middle digit extended. Just as alarming, it was a night when the Suns struggled to beat a team that was casually resting its two All-Star performers.
Hopefully, it will not be a night that comes back to haunt a team with championship dreams.
"Yeah, we saw (Sarver), and I have no comment on that," the Spurs' Robert Horry said. "Me, personally, I just think he's trying to be another Mark Cuban. You know? Get your own iden y."
Alas, if this were a night where it felt like the losers won and the winners lost, it isn't far from the truth. Only a 44-point performance from Amaré Stoudemire saved the hosts from serious embarrassment, and one can only imagine the fallout if the Suns had dropped a game handed to them on a platter.
So what was supposed to be a defining moment in the season - a showdown that would test the Spurs' psychological advantage over a Suns' team that beefed up its bench since their last meeting - quickly digressed into a party stocked with stale beer.
The indestructible Ginobili was scratched with three different ailments, even though he was nowhere to be found on the Spurs' pregame list of potentially injured players. Duncan was scratched in deference to his sprained right ankle, even though he played 30 minutes the night before.
"This last sprain really bothers me because we're so close to playoff time," Popovich said. "I don't think back to back games make sense."
Sorry, what doesn't make sense is bringing back Duncan for a surprise return against the Nets on Tuesday, then resting him against the Suns, in a game that could eventually decide the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference playoffs.
Clearly, Popovich took a gamble. He didn't want to lose to the Suns at full strength, which could've bolstered the growing confidence in Phoenix. Conversely, if the Suns prevailed against the Spurs' makeshift lineup, it would prove absolutely nothing.
But if the Spurs won without their two All-Stars, there could be psychological scar tissue plaguing the Suns in a playoff rematch. It almost happened, and even with the in-game loss of Quentin Richardson due to a mild concussion, that is hard to swallow.
When the news about the Spurs' sudden injuries came down, Suns coach Mike D'Antoni immediately knew there was trouble. Anticipating the chance to make a major statement, the Suns were suddenly in a no-win situation. The last time this happened - a game against the Grizzlies when Memphis scratched some key players before tip-off - the Suns quickly lost their intensity, their focus and the game.
Fans didn't see this one coming, either, and outside, a scalper said he was getting $150 for single tickets, peddling his product to fans unaware of the changes in the Spurs' starting lineup. When the scalper heard that Duncan and Ginobili weren't playing, he looked to make sure no potential customers were around.
"I think I'll keep my lips zipped on that one," he said.
In the end, Sarver may have wished he'd done the same.
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/colu...ckley0310.html
Bickley is a hack.
I hate the Suns with a passion now, I hate them as much as the Heat
Hate doesn't seem to be a problem for you.
Have you considered therapy?
get that ugly picture out of your avator
If you mean avatar, I was going to change it but if it bothers you I think I'll keep it for a while.
Maybe I'll make it bigger.
That may be true, but Sarver's actions were unseemly, at best, and those unseemly actions were certainly newsworthy, given the guy's station as Suns' owner.
I don't buy the idea that the Spurs will somehow be extra motivated to beat Phoenix when next they meet because of anything Sarver did. That motivation comes entirely from within. The Suns are a hurdle on the path the Spurs want to run.
It is funny, though, that every year, there seems to be a new franchise/owner fighting for respectability and whose quest causes them to take some shot at the Spurs. Minnesota rolled out Jesse Ventura in 2001. Cuban's Revenge Tour idea the same year and his antics since, and now this. I guess when you're the big dog, the contenders will take a shot -- however they're able.
When your the NBA team that's a le lock owners will take shots
Lets just say I was not impressed with Sarver's actions or Bickley's article.
Cheap and pathetic are the only two words to describe what the spursies did.
Damn...those are some strong words.
What's the big deal.
Save your 'hate'.....
I think that's fair.
Ultimately, I think last night was basically meaningless, but if Suns were looking for a shot of confidence coming out of that game, I can't really see that they got it. I don't read Bickley, so I can't really comment on how this column compares to others, but I did think that he made some points that corresponded with my observations.
This third game was the real measuring stick between the 2 teams, the first game was early in the season and the second...well, you know the Suns didn't have a bench...
So this game was pivotal for both teams and the spursies blew it!
Say bye bye to the number one seed.
Sure thing, guru.
Hate's a little strong bro. Its still just a game.I hate the Suns with a passion now, I hate them as much as the Heat
Go home young one.
Well I think the Suns (and Sarver) were disappointed. They feel like they have improved lately and wanted that measuring stick. I don't think a whole lot can be taken from the game other than the fact that the Suns could use some more focus.
The best line was in Bordow's article. "The Suns paid attention just long enough to win". Just like in the second game when the Suns went up 17 then lost focus and the Spurs made them pay. They may be improving but it seems like they still haven't learned the lesson.
The crucible of the playoffs will be a good but unforgiving teacher. Hopefully they are quick learners and get a chance to face the Spurs again.
Even though I don't like the Suns and don't agree with all of your takes, I've got to say, SirChaz, you're much more eloquent than your namesake.
Why do you hate the Heat?
LakerGod, last warning ... post with substance or you will be banned for 2 weeks.
Thanks.
I think LG has been posting with a substance.
I hate the Heat because I hate Sha
I hate the Suns because of y Amare and the owner who taunts the Spurs during the game
"could've bolstered the growing confidence in Phoenix"
We did.
They couldn't whip our asses without them 2 All-Stars.
Brilliant move by Pop.
Could not have gone wrong.
Even though I understand the move.(if that is what Pop was actually doing) I don't know how pleased I am with it. Another game seperation could have been huge as we head down the stretch. I think it was fine to rest Duncan. Personally he shouldn't have played yesterday. But Manu should have been out there. Why not see what you can do against the Suns with everyone but Timmy? Plus I hate to see a loss even if it was for mind game purposes. Just my thoughts.
I think those were very good moves by Pop, messing with their minds like that. Let's just remember what happened last time Phoenix started taunting us. I am beginning to hate Phoenix as well. They are basically becoming the Lakers of yesteryears-they boast, they win, and get all the attention. I think that was very imature of the Suns owner to do that; I would expect that from a three year-old, not an adult.
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