Game 1 Tonite

[co_laper]

Honestly, I don't think that Phoenix is gonna do anything to stop us. If we lose, it'll be self inflicted.

Meaning these things will probably happen.

Spurs give up offensive rebounds. Did that in Dallas. Difference is, it was Mavs' Centers who got those offensive rebounds because they won the size battle. That won't be the case againts Phoenix. We're not a smaller team than they are, but they are more athletic so it could happen.

And Turnovers. When Manu and co. are forcing passes and gets deflected, a lot of them always turns into fastbreak points.

If these two things is a problem for us, then that will also mean the tempo is in the Suns favor and they're getting a whole lot of easy baskets. While I think we have the guys to play uptempo, we're definitely not a better uptempo team than the Suns. Falling into this trap means a loss.

With that said, I do think the Spurs will have an easier time againts the Suns than we do againts the Mavs and we finish the series in 6 games. The Suns are more hyped up playing againts us because they hate us more than we hate them. They'll be energetic, hyped up, and will come out with more effort and hustle than us. Our goal is to steal one of the first 2 games. Game 1 or game 2 doesn't matter.

Game 1 will not be ours. I predict: Spurs lose game 1.

[Donald Kaufman]

We just need one of the first two in Phoenix. I agree that we drop G1 and think that we come back strong in G2.

RJ can't do a disappearing act. I don't care if he opts out after the season, for now he's got to play his ass off.

I hope Blair gets some decent minutes, I think he could impact this series.

Looking for Ginobili to have a monster series.

The Suns no longer go 6 deep in the playoffs. They've got more weapons now.

[Miklo]

I'm not sure, I think we could just as easily come out too cocky and drop Game 1. Also you guys should look to abuse us in the paint while Lopez is still out. Not that he will be the answer to stopping your inside game but right now we have a horrible defensive rotation inside. Basically anytime Amundson isn't in, just dump it inside.

I think we'll put Nash on RJ for a good bit, at least at first as an experiment. This puts our best defenders on Parker/Ginobli and forces you guys to rely on Jefferson a bit.

Basically, I think the series could easily go either way. If Lopez doesn't play at all, I'd have to give you guys the nod. If he comes back at full strength we may be able to grind it out with you a bit more. So I don't know who will win but I'm guessing we could be looking at a 7 game series.

"Best" of luck

[co_laper]

When it comes to being cocky, I think that's what might happen to the Spurs. Not the Suns. I don't see why the Suns will be cocky seeing they never won and they're the ones that will be looking for revenge. If anything, it's the Spurs that might get cocky and get hit on game 1.

The Spurs have handled Phoenix in previous seasons that there might be a chance that they won't take the Suns seriously to begin the game. That's why I think the Suns will win the hustle stats. Offensive boards, loose balls, and all that ****.

[SApuro_]

Both teams are coming off 3 days of rest so should be fresh. As long as we come out focused and execute can't see the Suns beating us. We need RJ to have a big impact on this series. I agree we have a better shot at taking game 2 because Pop is great at making adjustments.

We need Bonner to knock down the open 3 to spread the floor and give more rest to the starters.

[DaDragicShow]

All things aside, gonna be a good series. Good luck Spurs fans and please no more hip checking at the end of the game.

[sunsfever68]

The Suns need to win both games at home to have a good chance of winning this series. Splitting it 1-1 is ok but San Antonio could easily win both games at home.

I see the Suns coming out strong in front of the home crowd that'll be rocking and winning Game 1 but not by much. Pulling away in the 4th quarter.


Should be a great series. No injuries no bad refs let's play basketball

[DBrimstone]

Both teams are coming off 3 days of rest so should be fresh. As long as we come out focused and execute can't see the Suns beating us. We need RJ to have a big impact on this series. I agree we have a better shot at taking game 2 because Pop is great at making adjustments.

We need Bonner to knock down the open 3 to spread the floor and give more rest to the starters.

If you're a Suns fan you could say...

Both teams are coming off 3 days of rest so should be fresh. As long as we come out focused and execute can't see the Spurs beating us. We need J-Rich to have a big impact on this series. I agree we have a better shot at taking game 2 because Gentry is great at making adjustments (see also: Portland's game 2).

We need Frye to knock down the open 3 to spread the floor and give more rest to the starters.

[Joseph17]

Spurs win game 1, lose game 2, and win games 3, 4, and 5.

[saspurebball]

Im so ready I say the Spurs in 6

[DwayneSchintzus]

I'm not sure, I think we could just as easily come out too cocky and drop Game 1.

If the Suns "come out too cocky" they will get swept. They better be focused if they want to beat this team. Spurs in 6.

[razar44]

[RaisingArizona]

It won't be pretty tonight for you. Suns win by 10 plus.

[SApuro_]

It won't be pretty tonight for you. Suns win by 10 plus.

Wanna bet?

[Donald Kaufman]

It won't be pretty tonight for you. Suns win by 10 plus.

Pretty cocky for a team that has done NOTHING in its entire history.

[Christine-In-AZ]

The "Phoenix Excuses" ...it's an accurate tag to apply to a wide swath of Suns fans. Frankly, it's embarassing. I hate it...and try to fight it.

When the Suns lose a game in the series, it's a guarantee that "whaaaaah!" will be echoing from most Suns fans. Not news, I know. It's kinda their thing....sorry. I just pray the Suns players/coaches don't start whining...if that starts again, the Suns are toast.

The Spurs have beaten us forever, because they've just been at least a little better than the Suns.

Probably obvious notices, but Spurs fans should really tune into how Channing Frye is shooting, is Dudley getting loose ball/hitting open threes and how assertive Goran Dragic is playing. The Suns bench has been a huge factor in the success this year. When the second 5 aren't holding the fort or even expanding a lead...it's a bad sign for Phoenix. Goran Dragic might become a huge factor, if Nash continues to wear down.

Should be a great series. Any outcome is possible from 0-4 to 4-0 and every other combination, but I expect at least 3 or 4 wild close games. Overtimes methinks.

No hate here (I just don't get that) and no excuses (but I know they're coming). Just wanna win.

Here's to killer memorable games! And a great series.

[SApuro_]

The "Phoenix Excuses" ...it's an accurate tag to apply to a wide swath of Suns fans. Frankly, it's embarassing. I hate it...and try to fight it.


No hate here (I just don't get that) and no excuses (but I know they're coming). Just wanna win.

Here's to killer memorable games! And a great series.

Good post ChrisIn. Agree its going to be a fun series. Its the playoffs and anything can happen. Good luck to your team.

[Christine-In-AZ]

The "Phoenix Excuses" ...it's an accurate tag to apply to a wide swath of Suns fans. Frankly, it's embarassing. I hate it...and try to fight it.


No hate here (I just don't get that) and no excuses (but I know they're coming). Just wanna win.

Here's to killer memorable games! And a great series.

Good post ChrisIn. Agree its going to be a fun series. Its the playoffs and anything can happen. Good luck to your team.

It's an even numbered year ...come on! Just give us this one...can ya wait 'til next year?

I didn't think so.

With respect...
Good luck Spurs

[co_laper]

Game 1 in a few minutes. Go Spurs go.

[co_laper]

Anybody here to chat about the game? General board is too crowded. Refresh one second and a page goes by. Hanging around in Suns board probably isn't a good idea. Not a troller. Hoping to stick around here and chat with a couple of guys if anyone is also watching the game.