(3) Suns Vs. (7) Spurs

[hova-]

The Suns in fact don't have such a bad defense. They're ranking about 12th in FG% allowed and when they need stops they have guys who can do so. It's their system which keeps them from defending in the first three quarters. Good win, but the Spurs will bounce back.

[benji]

They were 23rd on the season on defense.

The Suns advantage is that they can get you to try and go with them and then zone you out since they know they can beat you taking jumpers. And they're one of the smartest teams in using matchups, they try to maximize both ends when using lineups. (And by that I mean they're willing to throw Frye-Amare-Dudley-Hill at you and hit you on both ends, but also switch up and challenge you beat them at scoring. It's a rotation that dares teams to adjust to theirs, and it lures lesser coaches into this when you don't actually want to adjust anymore than you have in order to keep yours going.)

Their problem is they face one of the teams that's probably smarter.

If the Spurs can't take away the Suns' game, I wonder if anyone can. If you can't it's dependent on their shots not falling, and Orlando is basically the only team that can compete if they are. (Since Denver crapped the bed. Plus the always threat of LeBron.)

How good this Suns' offense was, despite Amare taking half the season off, was completely underrated.

[atlwarrior]

The Suns are wearing their Latin Night uniforms to support the protest against the Arizona immigration law.

[Lamrock]

Great win by Phoenix tonight despite their atrocious shooting in the first half. Not getting my hopes up though. Last time the Spurs were down 0-2 in a conference semifinals series, they came back to win in 7...

[NovU]

They were 23rd on the season on defense.

The Suns advantage is that they can get you to try and go with them and then zone you out since they know they can beat you taking jumpers. And they're one of the smartest teams in using matchups, they try to maximize both ends when using lineups. (And by that I mean they're willing to throw Frye-Amare-Dudley-Hill at you and hit you on both ends, but also switch up and challenge you beat them at scoring. It's a rotation that dares teams to adjust to theirs, and it lures lesser coaches into this when you don't actually want to adjust anymore than you have in order to keep yours going.)

Their problem is they face one of the teams that's probably smarter.

If the Spurs can't take away the Suns' game, I wonder if anyone can. If you can't it's dependent on their shots not falling, and Orlando is basically the only team that can compete if they are. (Since Denver crapped the bed. Plus the always threat of LeBron.)

How good this Suns' offense was, despite Amare taking half the season off, was completely underrated.

I totally saw what benji said above in tonight's game. Pick and roll was unstopable, and was really really smart at using matchups. Pulling Tim Duncan out of paint area worked out really good. Players just took shots at ease knowing he won't come out too far.

Scoring above 100 points looked easy for the PHX Suns while it looked terribly hard for the Spurs. The Spurs have jobs to do on defensive end at home, I guess.

[atlwarrior]

Big ups to the Suns. I would love to see another Lakers-Suns series.

[diddy]

i cheer for suns in 6 for 2 reasons:
1. i hate spurs
2. i think Stat, nash and hill deserves at least conf finals!

[Lamrock]

Oh my God. I am, officially glad my Blazers beat the Spurs. Don't want to jinx the Suns, but up a dozen late in the game thanks to Goran motherfucking Dragic scoring 20 in the quarter. Epic win.

About fucking time. Close 'em out.

EDIT: Final 4th quarter score:
Dragic 23
Spurs 19

WTF?

[NovU]

Dragic was just unbelievable. Nash didn't even have to play in the fourth. Just amazing.

SAS just doesn't have enough on D to hold PHX down to under 100 points. Even in the first 3 quarters, PHX looked pretty good even though they were chasing. They missed couple of open shots, and that was the difference in first 3 quarters. In the fourth, it's just crazy how Dragic alone teared apart SAS D. Ginobili kept the game close in the third, and he sure was on fire as well. Great game. Just bit disappointed how SAS can struggle like this after great first round series. They seem to lack spot jump shooter really. Somebody like Ray Allen I think will be a great fit. While PHX were shooting lights out, while TD was shooting bricks out from free throw line, and Jefferson was missing all the open shots as well.

[Lamrock]

Well the Spurs do have this Roger Mason guy but for some reason they're adamant about playing journeyman Keith Bogans (Roger Mason would have dominated in those seven seconds).

[atlwarrior]

Good win for the Suns. The second unit dominated in the fouth qtr for the Suns. Alvin Gentry doesnt get enough credit.

[NovU]

Dragic 23
Spurs 19

Dragic was amazing. Reggie Miller 3 point shot +1 on top, great fakes, penetration, making fool out of TD, GH, TP. Nash didn't even have to play 4th quarter.

We all knew Spurs isn't the type of team that relies on great offense to win, so I didn't think their offense was really that bad, but rather it's their defense that's really disappointing. 3 games in a row, they allowed the Suns to get to 110+ points.

[StupidBoy]

DRAGIČ!!!

[Lean]

Dragic was awesome in that game.

[jonthefon]

I don't know whether to rejoice or cry.

Great win by Phoenix though I guess Nash has reached that point for me, where I don't really care if he's not playing on the Mavs and winning something, as long as he does win.

[Vl@d Zola Jr.]

Dragic rules! We're watching the new star and Nash's successor (their appearances have many in common, don't they? ))) ) to be born.

I suppose, Suns will put this series to an end in the next game.

Go, Suns, Go!

[buzzy]

Goran. Fucking. Dragic.

Unbelievable.

[Axel The Great]

The Spurs are pretty much done now, even if they win the next game, the Suns will close out the series in Phoenix. So much for Spurs in 6.

[rise]

I'm changing my vote. The Suns are absolutely unstoppable

SUNS IN FOUR!!!

[Oznogrd]

I hope you two are right...but I never count out the possibility of crazy comebacks and odd happenings when it comes to playoff basketball.

[Dee.]

Doubt Spurs can do anything about this.

[NovU]

Watching the series, I lost hopes for the Spurs as PHX's offense just looked too much for the Spurs. benji already analyzed their strength, but didn't know they were to execute it this well in the series. At least, I'm hoping to see the Spurs to make this series interesting by winning 1 or 2. However, I think it's this pretty much is it as the history is against them.

[Andrew]

I hope you two are right...but I never count out the possibility of crazy comebacks and odd happenings when it comes to playoff basketball.

Agreed, though history is on the Suns' side. I wouldn't be too surprised if the Spurs forced a fifth game though, with the Suns finishing them off at home.

Having counted out the Spurs once already, I'll take them in six this time...which probably means the Suns are advancing. So long as it's an enjoyable series, I don't mind who advances.

Just a heads up, Lakers fans; I'm picking them in the Western Conference Finals. Of course, it's a safer pick and I picked the Lakers in every round last year too, so there's really no reason to worry.

Or is there?

[Jackal]

You son of a bitch. TAKE IT BACK, TAKE IT BACK I SAYS YOU JINX MACHINE.

[Justine.]

Suns advances to WCF!