And The Keys To Winning Against The Spurs Are...?

[AZ4Life]

The Suns beat the Spurs 3 outta 4 times this season, but none of it matters when playoff time rolls around. I am sure Popovich (sp?) will have his strategies set against the Suns - now what does Frank Johnson need to do in order for the Suns to prevail?

- Marbury will own Parker: As long as Marbury shows up with his A game, Parker will look like a high schooler playin against a grown man

- Get Duncan in foul trouble: This is harder than it sounds. We need Big Jake and Amare to force it down low and get the big men including Robinson and Duncan in foul trouble

- Keep Amare out of foul trouble: In a majority of the games this season, Amare has been getting in early foul trouble which translates into an early visit to the bench. Many of them were petty fouls that will be avoided once Amare matures (hopefully during the playoffs! )

Any other strategies you guys can think of? The ones I gave above are just basic keys for the Suns to win against the Spurs... what do you guys think?

 

[reedykat]

We should also keep Malik Rose in check. Lately we have been anemic in our paint defense. I'm pretty sure it is because Bo is still not 100%. Bo was abused last night. I hope the next two days will be spent getting him back in playing condition. He looks kinda weak. Bo could easily be our "bridge over trouble waters" during our playoff race.

GO SUNS!! Just continue to run your race. Don't look ahead or behind.. just run the race.

 

[elindholm]

The Suns have to make their medium/long-range shots, particularly in the 16-20 foot range. The Spurs' interior defense will be too strong. (Yes, I know Marbury has picked them apart so far, but that won't last.) If Marion, Johnson, and Hardaway can't be consistent threats from that distance, the Suns will lose.

The Suns' defenders have to close out on the Spurs' shooters without falling for fakes and getting dribbled around. This is harder than it sounds. The Spurs are slighly above average from behind the arc, but it's an open question whether their role players will be able to respond to the pressure. The Suns need to challenge the shots enough to keep them honest, but not get burned on a fake.

The Suns' big people have to be extremely alert when defending under the basket. Duncan will be doubled, but he knows how to pass. Both Robinson and Rose are good at finding the open spot right at the rim.

Scott Williams will see some time, so he has to be able to make an open 12-footer.

The Suns need to avoid "tunnel vision" on offense. Sometimes they get into a rut where they insist on trying the same thing over and over, even when it's not working -- like feeding Stoudemire in the post. Develop several different offensive plans and be able to switch from one to another depending on what's working.

Marbury has to trust his teammates. He can't win it alone, and they helped him get this far. No long bombs early in the shot clock.

 

[SweetD]

I am all Jacked up for this Playoffs this year. I think we have a very good chance and doing well this year and can get far.

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[7footer]

yep

I agree--its awsome that we're back in the playoffs after last years debacle

googs contract being up after the season will be nice to free up some space--although already over the cap

but just thinking down the road


anyway--no reason why the Suns can't beat the Spurs

honestly--if they can somehow grab one of the 2 game in SA that would be the key to turning this series

AWA will be rocking!!!!

 

[zett]

Re: yep

Originally posted by 7footer
I agree--its awsome that we're back in the playoffs after last years debacle

googs contract being up after the season will be nice to free up some space--although already over the cap

Sorry but googs contract only gets worse, He holds the option for next season and has allready said he should be put in a mental institution if he turns it down!
Me being in the building on sunday should help but the rest of the series there on there own

 

[SirStefan32]

Stephon Marbury has to be able to penetrate the Spus defense, and Hardaway, Johnson, and Marion have to make open jumpers.

They will also have to make sure that the Spurs don't get any second chance points.

I think the Suns will rip them apart in 5 games.

Stefan

 

[Joe Mama]

I think if the Phoenix Suns can just outscore the Spurs in 4 out of the 7 games they will win the series.

Joe

 

[jbeecham]

lol......ok Bill Walton or is your name Gary Bender?

 

[elindholm]

Originally posted by elindholm
The Suns have to make their medium/long-range shots, particularly in the 16-20 foot range. The Spurs' interior defense will be too strong. (Yes, I know Marbury has picked them apart so far, but that won't last.) If Marion, Johnson, and Hardaway can't be consistent threats from that distance, the Suns will lose.

The Suns' defenders have to close out on the Spurs' shooters without falling for fakes and getting dribbled around. This is harder than it sounds. The Spurs are slighly above average from behind the arc, but it's an open question whether their role players will be able to respond to the pressure. The Suns need to challenge the shots enough to keep them honest, but not get burned on a fake.

The Suns' big people have to be extremely alert when defending under the basket. Duncan will be doubled, but he knows how to pass. Both Robinson and Rose are good at finding the open spot right at the rim.

Gee, maybe I should be a coach.

 

[Wally]

Originally posted by elindholm
Gee, maybe I should be a coach.

You sound just like Eddy Johnsen (spelling?)

 

[Chaplin]

Originally posted by elindholm
Gee, maybe I should be a coach.

I think you'd do better as a motivational speaker. You do such a great job of patting yourself on the back, why not give that skill to the community? j/k

 

[Chaz]

How about just shooting the ball better period?

I don't care where they shoot from, just make some.
Spurs are a good defensive team but missing layups and wide open jumpers is killing the Suns.

So far in this series.
FG% >40% = win
FG% <40% = loss

26% in the first half in game five will not get it done.