Game 2 of this 7 game series started out the same way game 1 did. Phoenix took control early, building a double digit lead and clicking on all cylinders. You still had the feeling that San Antonio would come back and eventually take control of the game.
It was just a matter of time. What has to be recognized is that this is a bad match-up for the Suns. What Phoenix lacks, San Antonio excels in. Even without foul trouble, Phoenix was unable to effectively defend the paint against Parker and Ginobili.
Parker abused them for 32 points, and Ginobili took turns shooting 3’s and driving to the basket. When it mattered most, the Spurs turned up the heat defensively and completely shut down the Steve Nash and company in a way that seemed to stun the whole team.
The Suns are not built to do that. They are built to outscore their opponents, and play average to below average defense. If they can’t score consistently, they will not beat a good team like the Spurs. They don’t have the capability to turn it up a notch on defense.
When San Antonio needed a lift from someone other than Tim Duncan, Parker or Ginobili, they got it from Steve Finley. His eight points at the beginning of the 3rd quarter set the tone for the rest of the game.
Amare Stoudemire went cold in the 3rd period and couldn’t hit anything, and Nash was smothered by Bruce Bowen as the Suns committed one turnover after another. No one else stepped up for Pheonix. They needed a spark, but was unable to get one from Barbosa, Diaw, or Grant Hill, who is hurt and will not be a factor in this series.
If Stoudemire or Nash don’t score, you get the feeling that no one else will.
Shaquille O’Neal is a liability playing the pick-and -roll, and San Antonio will exploit that. The Spurs have had their lapses, but they do a much better job than the Suns.
When the Suns had control of the game, they couldn’t put the Spurs away. When San Antonio got control of the game, their defense kept Phoenix from over-taking them.
Few want to admit that this a bad match-up for Phoenix, but that is the case. They had better find some answers for Ginobili and company quickly, or they can book their tee times for early next week.
April 25, 2008 at 01:25
I do expect plenty of fireworks when the series head back to Arizona. The Suns will go wild anytime Spurs hold the ball. Especially Manu Ginobili because he is the real beast for the Spurs.
He is my all time favourite. Nop doubt about that.
http://mundoalbiceleste.blogspot.com/2008/04/playoffs-news-manu-parker-takes-spurs-2.html
Looking forward to Game 3 will highly anticipation.