The almighty Spurs realized that the pick-and-roll is the most consistent offense in a league where the zone is all but overruled.
Sooner or later the Suns will realize that they can’t just outscore opponents and expect people to just bend over when they run fast or actually pass the basketball.
All things aside, the Spurs deserve their due. They have outplayed the Suns and I expect a sweep. The Suns’ coach should be fired and they need some fresh blood that knows how to teach defense — think Rick Carlisle-isk. If the Suns could play defense I would not be writing a pity post because they’d be up 3-0.*
*unless the Suns beat the Spurs in 7
This doesn’t take away from the bullshit the Spurs pulled last year, mind you — I still think that team is filthy (see: Ginobli’s awkward travel in the 2nd quarter) but after a certain point you can only cry so much before you realize you’re just being outplayed. Fact is — Horry’s pussy-ass-bullshit-omg-wtf-this-guy-is-such-a-piece-of-shit foul owned the Suns and destroyed their chances last year — the Suns never recovered. Now that is making the most of your fouls. Regardless, I think Horry should have had his arms removed for what he did. Way to make a mockery of the entire sport.
For game 1, sure, the Suns got a raw deal. Game 2 and 3 they got owned because of their own shortcomings defending their “secret” weapon — the pick-and-roll. Now, the Spurs have seen this for 10 years — probably longer — and while sometimes you’re helpless against it it’s pretty easy to understand that you can pull a couple defenders off of people who aren’t 3-pt threats.
Do the math, D’antoni. Earn your keep, jackass.
Ultimately, all crying and whining aside, I think the Suns got out-coached, and when the Suns were younger with magical Marion to clean up the mess, they were fine. My favorite part of all this is the rich denial — the Suns honestly thought they didn’t have to make any adjustments after Ginobli and Parker destroyed them on the pick-and-roll. Really? And you have tape/review sessions? Get over yourselves, asshats.
Mike D — find another barber shop — maybe in Brooklyn or Detroit where they aren’t so white they can be honest.
Now Phoenix is getting older, much like the Spurs, and they don’t have answers. It’s because unity and cohesiveness reign supreme in the playoffs, and the Suns don’t have either past a certain point. They are tired and ready to die in ’08 — just like their biggest fans.