are we TOUGHER as a result of this series?

[playstation]

i mean, this wasn't 90's heat/knicks or anything, but this was extremely draining in its own right.

the mental fortitude required for what the suns did as well as the physical nature of this series certainly played a part in the outcome.

the question is, does this change this team as a result, or is this simply something that occurred for one series and now we move on back to being as finesse as ever.

 

[cly2tw]

We are more confident. Every player is now confident. That spells doom for the Clippers already. Whether it's enough to win the conference finals agaist Spurs/Mavs, we'll see.

 

[jibikao]

This is such a great learning experience for Diaw/Barbosa. I don't know how Barbosa was "revived" since I didn't watch the last 3 games but he needs to keep it up!

 

[JCSunsfan]

This series has been huge for Barbosa, Diaw, Raja, and James Jones. It has given them confidence that will spill over into round two.

Oh, and Burke's got ta be feelin' it from the three now too.

 

[elindholm]

I hope this series has also reminded the Suns that they have to stay aggressive on the offensive end. The main reason they struggled so much in Games 2 and 3 was that they got stagnant on offense.

 

[HardBall]

I hope we learned that a 10 point lead doesn't mean shiite. We let the Lakers back in way too often. If we get lazy with the Clips, it will be a short series.

 

[HooverDam]

You hit it right when you said it was extremely draining.

I wish the Suns v LAC game was on Tuesday instead of Monday to give our guys more time to recoop. Im worried we'll drop game one and we can't dick around w/ a better team like the Clippers.

 

[jibikao]

I remember Mavs had a bad 1st game after winning Rocket. They were too excited and too emtionally drained.

 

[Nasser22]

I think this series has definetly made us tougher. I mean you could just see it in the younger guys. They learned what playoff basketball is like and I think they will continue to play that way.

 

[scotsman13]

i think we can beat the clippers and i think we can beat the mavs but without kurt or kurt not 100% i dont think we can beat the spurs or pistons.

 

[RedStorm]

IMO...

The Suns learned a very valuable lesson. They could have easily lost this series being down 3-1. They showed a lot of heart and toughness. They were in Game 7 mode for the last 3 games. I think this has awaken the sleeping giant.

The Suns will come out with a GM7 mentality and take the next two. That is my prediction.

 

[George O'Brien]

Actually I think the Suns learned that they have to play their game and keep pushing the tempo. The Lakers slowed the game to a crawl in games 2 and 3 - but the Suns players let them by not moving and passing like they can.

Another thing the team learned was that their defense has to focus on turnovers rather than trying to stop guys witht he ball in the paint. In game 6, the Lakes had 20 turnovers and became increasingly conservative about trying to pass over the Suns fronting their inside guys. By cuting off the entry passes, the Suns forced the Lakers to try to throw the ball over Marion (which is hard due to his leaping ability or become conserative.

 

[Billy Bob]

I think so and when Kurt gets back We'll be even tougher.

 

[George O'Brien]

I think so and when Kurt gets back We'll be even tougher.

Welcome aboard.

I can't see KT being much help until the WCF, if then. He's clearly not going to be in game shape for a while.

 

[Stout]

i think we can beat the clippers and i think we can beat the mavs but without kurt or kurt not 100% i dont think we can beat the spurs or pistons.

Hopefully the Mavs can knock of the Spurs and Lebron can kill the Pistons...I know, Lebron's probably not going to be able to carry his team that far, but I do think the Mavs can take out the Spurs.

 

[Billy Bob]

George
I agree, But Tim Thomas sat for three mouth and fit right in, I know it wasn't due to injury, but Who knows?

 

[George O'Brien]

George
I agree, But Tim Thomas sat for three mouth and fit right in, I know it wasn't due to injury, but Who knows?

TT came out with one great game followed by a few weeks of mediocrity. In any case, hie was healthy and working out during his down time.

 

[Errntknght]

No doubt the series helped the team's toughness, confidence and cohesiveness. Probably just as importantly, it helped the confidence of the coaching staff by 'out-adjusting' the Lakers impressive staff.

The Clippers are going to present a new set of challenges and I see another tough series ahead with both teams trying to impose their tempo on the games. The Suns will have to give them lots of different defensive looks in the paint because they have a stronger frontcourt than the Lakers and we can't let them get into a good rhythm for long stretches.

Frankly, I still think the Mavs will beat the Spurs. Avery has the right idea in forcing TD to carry the load. Yes he was up to it for one game but it was a very narrow victory. BTW, does anyone know if something is amiss with Nazy? He played very few minutes and Horry started in his place.

 

[Goldfield]

The Suns realized the playoffs are WAR...

They got alot tuffer because of that lakers series.

But now they better be ready to play teams that are alot more talented.