Phoenix vs. SA - Conf. Finals
- Thread starter Bibby_Is_Clutch
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Amare misses a layup on the other end, Manu hits another shot (and the Suns are even trying to lock him up with Marion guarding him), so the Spurs are up 5.
Predictably, Q misses a three, but the Suns catch a break and get the ball back. 1 minute left in the game, Spurs leading 107-102.
It's interesting to listen to (a) a team that can go through prolonged offensive droughts execute so well with the game on the line [where was this last year vs. the Lakers?], and (b) a team that executes so well on offense just fall apart in the final 12 minutes in some way shape or form on that end of the floor [doesn't hurt that they don't have JJohnson].
Predictably, Q misses a three, but the Suns catch a break and get the ball back. 1 minute left in the game, Spurs leading 107-102.
It's interesting to listen to (a) a team that can go through prolonged offensive droughts execute so well with the game on the line [where was this last year vs. the Lakers?], and (b) a team that executes so well on offense just fall apart in the final 12 minutes in some way shape or form on that end of the floor [doesn't hurt that they don't have JJohnson].
Suns cannot, I repeat, CANNOT, prevent the Spurs from getting shots in the lane at the end of the game.
Suns for some reason decide not to foul with 30 seconds left, then foul with 11 seconds left on a Manu drive. Down 3. Still not in the penalty at this point. I wouldn't have thought the Spurs would sweep the Suns, especially after the Suns bolstered themselves by winning the series with the Mavs, but if the Spurs hold on in this game 2, it wouldn't surprise me to see the Suns fold.
Suns for some reason decide not to foul with 30 seconds left, then foul with 11 seconds left on a Manu drive. Down 3. Still not in the penalty at this point. I wouldn't have thought the Spurs would sweep the Suns, especially after the Suns bolstered themselves by winning the series with the Mavs, but if the Spurs hold on in this game 2, it wouldn't surprise me to see the Suns fold.
Like I've been saying all year, the Suns do not have what it takes when it comes to experience and mental toughness. They are a really good team and they will get better because of hard fought playoff games like this, but you have to face some adversity before you can break through. No shame in losing to the Spurs though, they really have a lot of poise as a team(not to mention talent).
The problem for the Suns is that their best talent is so young. Amare being in only his third year is killing the Suns against the Spurs --- yes, he's scoring, but he's not controlling the defensive glass like someone with his athleticism should, and he's missing layups at key times. Nash, Marion, and JJackson are ready to play in this type of series (although I don't know where Marion's offense has gone). QRich showed up a little better today, but still had too many turnovers for a player that handles the ball as little as he does. If Amare has a little more experience, the Suns win game 2.
Don't get me wrong --- Amare is probably playing well beyond his years at this level, and against the Grizzlies and Mavs, his youth wasn't really exposed consistently, but the fact that I rarely hear his name mentioned when the Suns are on defense is troubling, especially for a guy with his physical abilities playing against a team that runs the ball through the low post so often on offense.
Don't get me wrong --- Amare is probably playing well beyond his years at this level, and against the Grizzlies and Mavs, his youth wasn't really exposed consistently, but the fact that I rarely hear his name mentioned when the Suns are on defense is troubling, especially for a guy with his physical abilities playing against a team that runs the ball through the low post so often on offense.
this loss is on d'antoni. he expects to win the game in the second and third quarters. leaving nash in the game for 46 minutes while he is obviously struggling (fourth quarter start) is plain wrong. so what you fall behind a few points when barbosa is in the game. you can always get back if nash is feeling well and energetic.
my predictions before Game 6 of the Dallas vs. Phoenix series were ..
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here it goes ...
Spurs will beat the Suns in 5/6 games.
Pistons will beat the Heat in 5/6 games.
That creates the match-up between the two best defensive teams in the league. Larry Brown and Gregg Popovich are two of the best coaches in the league. Both teams have a great defender on the team in Tayshaun Prince and Bruce Bowen. There's quickness displayed by the backcourt of both teams. Parker is quick as is Hamilton. Ben and Rasheed Wallace will attempt to take Duncan out of his game in the series. Detroit's defense in the paint is tough, but it will be interesting to see what Manu Ginobili does. He doesn't care if there is a brick wall in front of the basket. He's relentless and fearless and will drive to the hoop no matter what. The Pistons may take Parker out of the paint like the Lakers did last year. Still, I'm pulling for the Spurs and think they can pull it off.
NBA Finals
Spurs beat the Pistons in 6 games to win the championship.
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Normally I'm wrong, but I actually think I will get it right atleast until the Finals. I think the Spurs will be the underdogs considering Detroit has the right defense in place to stop the strength of the Spurs which is Tim Duncan and the drives to the basket by Parker and Ginobili. I wouldn't be surprised if Detroit wins, but some way I think San Antonio will take it.
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here it goes ...
Spurs will beat the Suns in 5/6 games.
Pistons will beat the Heat in 5/6 games.
That creates the match-up between the two best defensive teams in the league. Larry Brown and Gregg Popovich are two of the best coaches in the league. Both teams have a great defender on the team in Tayshaun Prince and Bruce Bowen. There's quickness displayed by the backcourt of both teams. Parker is quick as is Hamilton. Ben and Rasheed Wallace will attempt to take Duncan out of his game in the series. Detroit's defense in the paint is tough, but it will be interesting to see what Manu Ginobili does. He doesn't care if there is a brick wall in front of the basket. He's relentless and fearless and will drive to the hoop no matter what. The Pistons may take Parker out of the paint like the Lakers did last year. Still, I'm pulling for the Spurs and think they can pull it off.
NBA Finals
Spurs beat the Pistons in 6 games to win the championship.
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Normally I'm wrong, but I actually think I will get it right atleast until the Finals. I think the Spurs will be the underdogs considering Detroit has the right defense in place to stop the strength of the Spurs which is Tim Duncan and the drives to the basket by Parker and Ginobili. I wouldn't be surprised if Detroit wins, but some way I think San Antonio will take it.
I absolutely agree. The Spurs have too many weapons and are too tight for the Suns. Same with Detroit vs Miami, athough not as bad a mismatch.
The key advantage for the Spurs is they can put Barry and Horry on the floor for 25 minutes each. Those two vets keep the Spurs dangerous even when they're resting their stars.
The key advantage for the Spurs is they can put Barry and Horry on the floor for 25 minutes each. Those two vets keep the Spurs dangerous even when they're resting their stars.
I disagree - but only because I don't think it would matter what D'Antoni did. The San Antonio Spurs are the real deal and they're proving it right now.
Offense is for the regular season but defense DOES apparently win playoffs. Add the experience the Spurs have together and it's pretty clear the better team is winning...
Offense is for the regular season but defense DOES apparently win playoffs. Add the experience the Spurs have together and it's pretty clear the better team is winning...
