When the matchups for the opening round to this years NBA Playoffs were announced, all eyes zeroed in on one matchup: Suns/Spurs. Last years memories still linger, proving that no love has been lost; there have been only gains in that of intensity, and most importantly, personel. The Suns acquired Shaquille O'Neal in what seemed like a move looking ahead to the imminent face off with the Spurs. Steve Kerr, Phoenix's freshmen GM in 2008, made a gutsy move in his first year with the Suns -- one he hoped would not only help them get past the veteran Spurs, but race them to the top and claim what the Spurs had in 2007: a championship.
Most NBA analysts labeled the series as the best of the opening round, and others took it as far as the best of the playoffs -- look how that's turned out. Game 1 deceived us all into thinking that this series was going to be a mirror image of the epic we were indulged in last year. Two overtimes, 40-points by the best PF in the game, and a narrow victory by the Spurs. The logical made logical arguments; the Suns had lost O'neal and Stoudemire to foul trouble for much of the game; Nash wasnt himself; the Suns made foolish mistakes, letting the Spurs back into the game after a comfortable halftime lead. The loss was brushed under the table, experts declaring the series was laid out before the Suns for them to take. For them to sieze. NBA analysts daring them to come carpe diem, baby.
Now the Suns arent so comfortably numb, sitting in a 0-3 hole after being waxed 115-99 on Friday night. NBA analysts from broadcasting publications like TNT to ESPN are sitting on their hands, wondering what has become of their Finals pick. So much for the epic battle, indeed.
The Suns made their move, in full belief and confidence that O'neal would propel them past the Spurs come playoff time. What they failed to realize was that they still couldnt play defense like the Spurs. Game 1: Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobli and Tony Parker combine for 90 points -- the majority of it in the paint. So much for Shaq's inside presence. Game 2: Suns allow 102 points; Duncan, Manu, and Parker comebine for 79 points. Game 3: Suns give up 115 points; Duncan, Manu, and Parker combine for 84 points.
The Suns have allowed an average of 111 points-per game in the first three decisions against the Spurs. On two occasions, the Suns have been torched by a 40-point performance, either by Tim Duncan or Tony Parker. The Suns squandered their chance to steal homecourt in two close games in San Anton, and on Friday night may have blown their shot at a trip to the NBA Finals.
Somebody tell Diantoni that allowing over 100-points a game in the playoffs doesnt win championships, it loses them. Or in this case, doesnt get you out of the 1st round. This Suns team, like so many other elite teams, have a window of opportunity, a time when they are in their prime and ripe for the picking. This is that time for the Suns. We are smack dab in the middle of their window, being blinded by the light. Steve Nash may only have a handful of seasons left before he begins to slow down. Shaq most likely wont last many more moons in the NBA, nor will Grant Hill. Leandro Barbosa is the NBA's best sixth-man, and may push for a better contract soon, or make his way to another team, making bank. The San Antonio Spurs may not only be moving on in the post season, leaving their rival behind, but also crushing that rivals future chances at a championship.
So much for being old and overlooked.
1 comment:
Over... rated.
Overrated.
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