Suns vs. Spurs

**bigboydan** · 05-03-07, 11:31 AM

Put down Spurs in 7 for me Tchocky.

**gridironguy** · 05-03-07, 11:58 AM

I like the Suns in 7.

Much different scenario than 2 yrs ago when the Spurs ravaged them. More mature Amare, Barbosa off the bench. Marion and Bell better defenders than ppl give them credit for. I believe D'Antoni has found the right mix to get it done this season.

Nash looks like he's on a mission. The best Suns team since '93.

For the second straight year, I see the Spurs exiting in the semis in Game 7, this time on the road (last yr was at home vs. Dallas).

Hopefully, the Suns get the 2-0 jump out of the gate before going to San Antone. Two excellent teams. I'm really looking forward to this.

**Dark Horse** · 05-03-07, 12:42 PM

Suns in 6.

Spurs are leaning on their reputation. Suns are the best team in the NBA.

Duncan or Amare? Amare *
Parker or Nash? Nash
Ginobili or Barbosa? Barbosa
Bowen or Bell? even
Finley or Marion? Marion
Elson or Thomas? even

* This matchup should decide the series. I think Duncan is ready to be dethroned by the most exciting and unstoppable center in the NBA.

**gridironguy** · 05-03-07, 01:04 PM

Dark, I agree with picking the Suns, but not in 6. Game 6 will be in San Antonio where the Spurs are very tough to beat.

The NBA playoffs historically are about defense -- everything slows down. That's why SA did not just beat the Suns 2 yrs ago, they smashed them in 5 games. Defense has a tendency to rule the day in the playoffs. But Phx is a different animal these days and they have the offense to push their tempo on most teams, but not as much against SA.

Both of these teams are so good at what they do (SA slow down and defense, Phx with speed up and run), that either team will have a real tough time overwhelming the other. Still, the hunger is what puts it over the top for Phx, imo.

I believe that if the Spurs win, it will be in 6 though because they can close it at home.

The Suns in 7 is the most likely result though, imo.

That's why I'm going with it. Yes, I am rooting for the Suns because I want Nash to get his first ring, but when I make predictions I am interested in making money before what I desire to happen. That's why I took the Nets to beat the Raptors on the series price -- because I am interested in money first and foremost.

My heart wanted Toronto. Who knows, maybe they'll win tomorrow in NJ and come back to win the series. But my head thinks otherwise.

**Junkyard Dog** · 05-03-07, 01:24 PM

Suns in 6

**LT Profits** · 05-03-07, 01:44 PM

I voted for Spurs in 6, although it would not shock me if they win it in 5. It's all about DEFENSE, DEFENSE, DEFENSE.

**gridironguy** · 05-03-07, 01:59 PM

I get that LT. Spurs in 6 is very reasonable.

But one person voted for Spurs in 5 and two others voted for Spurs in 4.

I just cannot see either of those two things happening.

**rjt721** · 05-03-07, 03:00 PM

Spurs in 6 (at the most).

Tony Parker is going to have a HUGE series.

**rjt721** · 05-03-07, 03:09 PM

Originally posted by Dark Horse

Suns in 6.

Spurs are leaning on their reputation. Suns are the best team in the NBA.

Duncan or Amare? Amare *
Parker or Nash? Nash
Ginobili or Barbosa? Barbosa
Bowen or Bell? even
Finley or Marion? Marion
Elson or Thomas? even

* This matchup should decide the series. I think Duncan is ready to be dethroned by the most exciting and unstoppable center in the NBA.

Amare over Duncan? Come on.

The Nash/Parker matchup will decide this series, and I think Parker will dominate Nash. The key to beating Phoenix is to attack Nash and make him work on defense, and no other PG is better at getting in the lane than Parker. Watch how easily he gets into the lane and either scores himself, passes to Duncan for an easy two, or kicks the ball out to Finley, Ginobili, Horry etc. for wide open 3's. That will be the difference in this series. SA's ability to defend the pick and roll like no other team in the league will also be huge.

**shrax4** · 05-03-07, 03:33 PM

Suns in 6

**Dark Horse** · 05-03-07, 06:59 PM

Originally posted by rjt721

Amare over Duncan? Come on.

The Nash/Parker matchup will decide this series, and I think Parker will dominate Nash. The key to beating Phoenix is to attack Nash and make him work on defense, and no other PG is better at getting in the lane than Parker. Watch how easily he gets into the lane and either scores himself, passes to Duncan for an easy two, or kicks the ball out to Finley, Ginobili, Horry etc. for wide open 3's. That will be the difference in this series. SA's ability to defend the pick and roll like no other team in the league will also be huge.

Parker to dominate Nash. I know one of them is 2-time MVP, and it's not Parker.

Also, Barbosa is much faster into the lane than any other PG, including Parker.

It's common for the Suns not to get the respect they deserve. And it will stay that way until they win a championship. Take it from someone who's seen almost every Suns game in the past three years. This team is ready to win it all. Unlike the Spurs, they're on the rise. I have all the respect for the Spurs, but they are past their prime. Unless anybody thinks Oberto and Elson have made them better than they were before. The Spurs have two edges over the Suns. They are deeper, and they are former champs. Neither will be enough.

As to Duncan and Amare. The balance has shifted. Duncan is no longer the same as a few years ago. And Amare has become the most dominant center in the league. A few years ago Shaq said he'd seen the future of the NBA, and his name was Amare Stoudemire. I have a feeling the world is about to find out that Shaq was right.

**durito** · 05-03-07, 07:19 PM

I have no doubt Amare will put up better #'s than Duncan in this series.

But, the Spurs are a better team. They rate several pts better on the season and I don't see them losing here.

**tevari** · 05-03-07, 08:49 PM

Defense wins championships. (and series!)....spurs in 5

**Tchocky** · 05-07-07, 09:28 AM

Spurs looking good to win the series.

**Tchocky** · 05-15-07, 12:21 PM

The Suns should be favored to win this series as long as Stoudamire & Diaw aren't suspended for Game 5. Suns were +185 before Game 4.