Steve Nash does exactly what I expected of him, the Suns did what they are becoming famous for (forcing 7's and winning), and the Clippers offense was nowhere near the level they needed to be at. But let's take a step away from offense for a minute and look at both defenses. Mike Dunleavy has never been a big defensive coach, but he knew that this team, with its guards age and its inside prowess, would have to play some real stand up defense in this game to be able to make the Western Conference Finals. The Suns knew that their defense would have to be quick enough and careful enough to force a couple TO's and get those precious boards they've been lacking. I have to say, this is one of the first times in these playoffs that the Suns did more than they needed to to win this game. We've seen then skate and scrape on numerous occasions so far, but we've not seen them really win a game going away, and this was one of those instances. The Clips couldn't defend anyone (most notably their 'stopper' Quentin Ross, and Vladimir Radmanovic, who were wretched), and Steve Nash made them silly, while everyone else shot the daylights out. My singular concern now is Dallas. I think this team could beat either East team (Miami would be a TRIAL), but Dallas matches up so well, we could be looking at another game 7. I think Steve Kerr made a great point in the Spurs-Dallas series, he said that if those two teams played each other twenty times, the series would be 10-10, and Dallas and Phoenix look a lot like that too. Jason Terry's intensity and Dirk Nowitzki's newfound killer instinct are both going to center stage, while the Suns' quickness and shooting are going to have to be top notch for four fourty-eight minutes games. That's going to be something else to watch. A quick side note: having watched this entire series, and most notably tonight, has anyone been given a single reason to dislike Raja Bell's game. I thought we sharp, on point, and mostly high intensity and good defensively, what's to complain about? I know that Bell had a tough series against LA, but playing against the best offensive player in the game has to be frustrating. Knowing he's going to get his points every night and not being able to do anything about it? I'd be fed up too. But this flopping nonsense I keep hearing about. I watched that San Antonio game, and Manu Ginobili just makes me want to wretch, there's absolutely not a trace of that with this Phoenix team. This is just another excuse to hate someone because Kobe does? Someone please fill me in.
Kobe was hand-cuffed by Raja in Game 7 of that series. If he hates him, that would be the only reason. I love Raja's game, I was sad to see him leave the Mavs, and he makes it a point to make them regret it everytime they play. I look for another hotly, contested series, but this time the Mavs need to slow down the tempo as opposed to speeding it up like they did the Spurs' series. It should be entertaining.
I definitely think Raja's been getting some undeserved hate because he got into a thing with Kobe. He's the type of player every team would love to have. Great defender. Hard worker. Good teammate. I've always admired the man's work ethic. And he's definitely earned his place in the League.
Let's not forget that as recently as two seasons ago with the Jazz, there were writers making the (obviously) arguable statement that he was the least useful player in the league. He has proven those writers wrong, and as you said Chutney, more than anything he has earned his place in the league and more notably, on this team.
You were on point about Nash having a big game seven, he has to keep it up through out the Conference Finals though.
Go Suns ! Great game by Nash, finally. 27pts 16ast 5reb. Marion and Diaw played great too. And that winning J by Diaw... Suns is just perfect ! GO SUNS!GO SUNS!GO SUNS!GO SUNS!
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Flow:</div><div class="quote_post">Go Suns ! Great game by Nash, finally. 27pts 16ast 5reb. Marion and Diaw played great too. And that winning J by Diaw... Suns is just perfect ! GO SUNS!GO SUNS!GO SUNS!GO SUNS!</div> Darn tootin', loved that game one. I have a DVR, but unfortunately, the missus was busy with the telly. I'll have to check in on the highlights, but obviously Diaw was big. Let's get this question answered: who marks Diaw in the Game 2? Any takers?
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Bobcats:</div><div class="quote_post">That was an amazing game. These playoffs have definitely been the best I've seen in a while.</div> I love to hear that, I really do.
