Suns vs. Lakers - Series Prediction Thread

[azirish]

I don't think anyone has said anything like that.

KB24 said

I don't think Amare makes all that big of a difference and i will tell you why. Ronny Turiaf has done a great job at preventing Amare at getting close to the basket and giving him easy layups and dunks. He has made him have to create a lot more then he wants to. In the post ,i don't really fear Amare all that much. I also don't think he is as explosive off that pick and roll as 2 years ago. I kinda think he hurts the Suns at times,because he can't knock down that 18 footer like Diaw was in the playoffs last year.

If the Lakers stick to there gameplan of pounding the ball inside to Kwame, Lamar ,Andrew Bynum they will get in the penalty early in quarters and that will slow down the game. The Suns with the exception of Tim Thomas do not have good low post defenders. The Lakers will have a lot of success inside the paint. I know fans will say Amare is back,but i don't really fear his low post defense all that much. Kwame and Bynum both have a major size advantage and will be able to back him down in the paint all day long. I think Lamar will dominate Marion this series and that will require the Suns to have to double team and leave the Laker perimiter guy's wide open. The key is the Lakers staying patient, and not settling for outside shots.

If they do this ,they will be in the penalty early in quarters and control the games and the series. The Suns will have there moments where they are on fire from ther outside,but the Lakers inside game will be the difference in the end. Andrew Bynum off the bench will have a huge series.

Perhaps it's just me, but it SOUNDS like he doesn't think the Suns will play as well in the playoffs as they have during the regular season.

 

[D-Dogg]

KB24 said

Perhaps it's just me, but it SOUNDS like he doesn't think the Suns will play as well in the playoffs as they have during the regular season.

To me, it sounds more like he's saying the Lakers will control the tempo of the game and slowing it down which takes the Suns off their edge. That is what will happen, most likely. That's the basic gameplan. The Suns/Lakers season series saw the same thing, with the Suns only cracking 100 in one of the games.

The question there is the tempo, which won't be in the Suns favor if the Lakers can control it, and is the only chance the Lakers have of winning some games. It's not that the Suns won't play as well as they did in the regular season, but that the Lakers are pretty good at forcing the tempo to one more of the Lakers liking.

That doesn't stop the Suns and Raja from going 6-6 from three and winning despite the tempo, so the Suns are still the same good team from the regular season, just in a tempo they don't like. They still win in it though.

 

[Cheesebeef]

To me, it sounds more like he's saying the Lakers will control the tempo of the game and slowing it down which takes the Suns off their edge. That is what will happen, most likely. That's the basic gameplan. The Suns/Lakers season series saw the same thing, with the Suns only cracking 100 in one of the games.

D-Dogg, you do realize that in last 7 times we've played the Lakers we've scored at least 106 points in 5 of those games, right? And 3 of those were without Amare.

 

[D-Dogg]

D-Dogg, you do realize that in last 7 times we've played the Lakers we've scored at least 106 points in 5 of those games, right? And 3 of those were without Amare.

We played four times this year. 1 time over 100.


Suns 93, Lakers 85
Suns 115, Lakers 107
Suns 99, Lakers 94
Lakers 99, Suns 91


That's it. This season and that's all that is relevant to the discussion. This isn't last year's team for either of us. And in the 115 win, 10 of those points were off free throws in the last minute of the game. And Amare also played in 3 of those games (I'll toss out the one he only played 6 minutes in and wasn't in the flow yet).

Last year the Suns smoked the Lakers in the regular season and that was what so many fans were hanging their hats on, thinking it would be a sweep. This year a lot of people think it will be a walk because the Lakers are slumping. The three losses to the Suns happened during that slump, and even those were pretty close games.

All I'm saying is that these two teams seem to match up well against the other, and the Lakers are pretty good at imposing their tempo on the Suns and since that's their only shot at beating them, that's a good thing from my perspective.

 

[Cheesebeef]

We played four times this year. 1 time over 100.


Suns 93, Lakers 85
Suns 115, Lakers 107
Suns 99, Lakers 94
Lakers 99, Suns 91


That's it. This season and that's all that is relevant to the discussion. This isn't last year's team for either of us. And in the 115 win, 10 of those points were off free throws in the last minute of the game. And Amare also played in 3 of those games (I'll toss out the one he only played 6 minutes in and wasn't in the flow yet).

Last year the Suns smoked the Lakers in the regular season and that was what so many fans were hanging their hats on, thinking it would be a sweep. This year a lot of people think it will be a walk because the Lakers are slumping. The three losses to the Suns happened during that slump, and even those were pretty close games.

All I'm saying is that these two teams seem to match up well against the other, and the Lakers are pretty good at imposing their tempo on the Suns and since that's their only shot at beating them, that's a good thing from my perspective.

D-Dog, the first game of the season was a Laker win 114-106. Don't know where you're getting you're info on you holding us under 100 3 times.

as far as you writing off your losses to the Suns because you were in a slump, well, so were we - but we righted the ship at the end of the season, while you guys continued to limp toward the finish line. I mean, when we had that close win against the Lakes, we were almost losing to the freaking Bobcats and Hornets when we squeaked by you and everyone else.

and the bottom line is this, if you couldn't beat us when you were able to to slow down the pace AND we were playing terribly, it doesn't speak well of your chances to beat us at all, now does it?

I stated in the first post in this thread that I don't think this will be a cakewalk, but I will be shocked if it goes 7 and beyond disbelief if the Lakers somehow pull out a win.

 

[82CardsGrad]

We played four times this year. 1 time over 100.


Suns 93, Lakers 85
Suns 115, Lakers 107
Suns 99, Lakers 94
Lakers 99, Suns 91


That's it. This season and that's all that is relevant to the discussion. This isn't last year's team for either of us. And in the 115 win, 10 of those points were off free throws in the last minute of the game. And Amare also played in 3 of those games (I'll toss out the one he only played 6 minutes in and wasn't in the flow yet).

Last year the Suns smoked the Lakers in the regular season and that was what so many fans were hanging their hats on, thinking it would be a sweep. This year a lot of people think it will be a walk because the Lakers are slumping. The three losses to the Suns happened during that slump, and even those were pretty close games.

All I'm saying is that these two teams seem to match up well against the other, and the Lakers are pretty good at imposing their tempo on the Suns and since that's their only shot at beating them, that's a good thing from my perspective.

The secret to the Lakers beating the Suns is no different than it is for any other Suns opponent... Slow the game down and get Amare in foul trouble... Any team that can do that dramatically increases their chances for victory... And, should the Suns not shoot above 50% from the field, you can then virtually guarantee a Laker victory...
This Suns team appears to have the best chance of any team they've fielded over the last several years to finally break through... However, they are still weak in the same areas they've been weak in for several years. Defense, Rebounding and the Half-Court Game... I really hope none of these Laker games come down to where the Suns need a crucial stop lte in the 4th quarter... If they do, I predict trouble for the Suns...

 

[Cheesebeef]

the only reason this series even remotely scares me is the jersey the other guys are playing... and the past - twice, as much better teams, we've seen the Suns almost lose to either pathetic or mediocre Lakers teams before having incredible comebacks. Old habits and memories die hard. If these guys had Los Angeles Clippers unis on, I'd be confident it woudl be a rout.

 

[D-Dogg]

D-Dog, the first game of the season was a Laker win 114-106. Don't know where you're getting you're info.

You are correct...I was seeing the preseason one, not the regular season on the win at lakers.com's calendar schedule. Thanks for pointing that out...I don't like having incorrect information.

as far as you writing off your losses to the Suns because you were in a slump, well, guess so what, so were we - ut we righted the ship at the end of the season, while you guys continued to limp toward the finish line. I mean, when we had those close wins against the Lakes, we were almost losing to the freaking Bobcats and Hornets when we squeaked by you and everyone else.

I'm not writing off the losses at all. Just saying our general strategy is to slow your tempo, and just because we were slumping we didn't change that strategy, so there isn't any reason we'd change it for the playoffs.

Remember, when you were squeaking by the Bobcats and such, we were losing to them.

and the bottom line is this, if you couldn't beat us when you were able to to slow down the pace AND we were playing terribly, it doesn't speak well of your chances to beat us at all, now does it?

No it doesn't, but it also suggests we are pretty evently matched since we were playing terribly too. If we both play better, it's going to be fun to watch. If the slump lakers show up (which I doubt or Phil is getting way too much money) then it's going to be over quick. I don't mind people thinking it's going to be a Suns win because it will...and I didn't plan on saying much about the series, but it's not that hard to note that these two teams play fairly close games against each other. A little respect would be nice (not directed at you, because you take a realistic look at the Lakers) but there are a few that are just over the top (whoever asked the dude how old he was and such). Just uncalled for.

I stated in the first post in this thread that I don't think this will be a cakewalk, but I will be shocked if it goes 7 and beyond disbelief if the Lakers somehow pull out a win.

I wouldn't be beyond disbelief if the Lakers win, but I'd be pretty damn shocked. I think it goes six. I'd be surprised if it went 7. Very surprised.

 

[Cheesebeef]

A little respect would be nice (not directed at you, because you take a realistic look at the Lakers) but there are a few that are just over the top (whoever asked the dude how old he was and such). Just uncalled for.

to be honest, I thought the same thing, but I wouldn't ask that question. You come across as an intelligent b-ball fan D-Dogg - that poster came across as a fanboy parotting Vic The Brick talking points.

and you know people will diss the Lakers simply because of the built up hatred for them over the last 25 years -- most people can't respect someone they hate.

side note: this Bulls-Heat series is a gonna be a freaking war.

 

[D-Dogg]

to be honest, I thought the same thing, but I wouldn't ask that question. You come across as an intelligent b-ball fan D-Dogg - that poster came across as a fanboy parotting Vic The Brick talking points.

and you know people will diss the Lakers simply because of the built up hatred for them over the last 25 years -- most people can't respect someone they hate.

side note: this Bulls-Heat series is a gonna be a freaking war.

What? I have a lot of respect for Danny Ainge.


They are already chanting "Posey Sucks." There is serious hate in this matchup...they really dislike each other. The Suns/Lakers one lost that edge when kobe and raja started playing pattycake with each other. I'm excited about this heat/bulls series. It's the only series in the East I want to watch all the games from.

 

[Cheesebeef]

The Suns/Lakers one lost that edge when kobe and raja started playing pattycake with each other.

give it two games and it's gonna get chippy - both teams are already talking -Lakers about righting last year's wrong and Amare opening his big dumb trap about how easy the series will be. Make no mistake, D-Dogg, there's gonna be some pushing and shoving in this one before it even makes it back to LA. These teams really dislike each other.

 

[D-Dogg]

give it two games and it's gonna get chippy - both teams are already talking -Lakers about righting last year's wrong and Amare opening his big dumb trap about how easy the series will be. Make no mistake, D-Dogg, there's gonna be some pushing and shoving in this one before it even makes it back to LA. These teams really dislike each other.

Sure, I think that is the case as well but I am starting to really think more and more that Kobe joking around with Raja is a calculated thing to try and take some of the edge off. Raja plays really well with that edge, and I honestly think Phil suggested that Kobe make nice(r) with Raja. It just sounds so very Phil to me. We'll see how long that lasts, because the playoffs are intense...but I don't think the Lakers want to allow Raja to get the extra juice from the testy battle...they have a hard enough time with him drilling threes at a ridiculous clip.

 

[Cheesebeef]

Sure, I think that is the case as well but I am starting to really think more and more that Kobe joking around with Raja is a calculated thing to try and take some of the edge off. Raja plays really well with that edge, and I honestly think Phil suggested that Kobe make nice(r) with Raja. It just sounds so very Phil to me. We'll see how long that lasts, because the playoffs are intense...but I don't think the Lakers want to allow Raja to get the extra juice from the testy battle...they have a hard enough time with him drilling threes at a ridiculous clip.

if that's the strategy, I think Jackson's running in mud and completely misunderstands Raja. Raja doesn't get up because a guy doesn't like him - he gets up for the challenge - does the same thing with Ginobli. He just loves going up against the best, especially since he came from nowhere - he's constantly trying to prove he belongs and no joking from Kobe can take that "I'm a CBA guy in the NBA" feeling away from him.

 

[D-Dogg]

if that's the strategy, I think Jackson's running in mud and completely misunderstands Raja. Raja doesn't get up because a guy doesn't like him - he gets up for the challenge - does the same thing with Ginobli. He just loves going up against the best, especially since he came from nowhere - he's constantly trying to prove he belongs and no joking from Kobe can take that "I'm a CBA guy in the NBA" feeling away from him.

You have no idea how much I wish Smush Parker had that menality. He's got the goods...good player, but no freaking pride at all. You'd think that Smush would be all over playing the Suns every time since he traveled through here but no. Lackadaisical attitude and big ego, worried more about his contract than the fact that he was starting for the Los Angeles freaking Lakers. At point, no less, where Magic and West played. I don't like Raja, but I can't deny that I admire the attitude he brings.

 

[Gee!]

SOB.. This game is taking forever to get here..

 

[HooverDam]

SOB.. This game is taking forever to get here..

Agreed! Im considering taking like 20 Tylenol PM so I can just pass out and sleep until tip off (sleep is like low level time travel!)

 

[dodie53]

yahoo!!
i can watch
SA vs denver
and
phoenix vs LA tomorrow..
back to back..

thank GOD for cable tv

 

[TheHopToad]

yahoo!!
i can watch
SA vs denver
and
phoenix vs LA tomorrow..
back to back..

thank GOD for cable tv

Don't forget about GSW vs Dallas. It's the final game of the night. Might be interesting.

 

[D-Dogg]

I'd also like to say something about this point...yes it is true and they have been terrible. But I don't think that's who you are going to see in the playoffs.

I have more faith in Phil than that. The playoffs is a time for focus, scouting only one team and playing at a higher intensity. I don't think the slumping Laker team will show up. And if they show up focused and ready to go ~snip~

If the slumping Lakers of the last three months show up, it might be a Suns sweep. But I don't think that team is the one you will see. I have extreme confidence in Phil to have the team ready to roll. Does that mean they will win? No, but it means they can. Not likely, but there's a shot. Regardless, I think the Suns will probably win it in six.

Well, scratch that. Phil is apparantly pissed that the team lacks focus in the last practice yesterday and said if they come like that they'll get swept. And that he won't hesitate to switch to having Kobe shoot volume again if need be. That doesn't sound good at all. Either Phil is trying to play mindgames, or he's legit in his anger.

Kobe on ESPN just now mentioned that the team is trying to do two very difficult things at the same time...work on their chemistry on the fly and defeat the Phoenix Suns.

 

[elindholm]

Either Phil is trying to play mindgames, or he's legit in his anger.

Geez, I can't possibly imagine which of those is more likely.

Kobe on ESPN just now mentioned that the team is trying to do two very difficult things at the same time...work on their chemistry on the fly and defeat the Phoenix Suns.

Bryant knows that it's his role to play Jackson's puppet to the media. He gets it. Whatever BS Jackson spews, you can expect Bryant to follow suit.

I really hope the Suns show up today. Otherwise it's going to be a repeat of last year's series, and no one needs that.

 

[D-Dogg]

My faith in Phil is misplaced. Not only did he not have these goofs focused...he put out a lineup of Smush, Bynum, Kobe, Cook and Evans at a crucial time in the second quarter. WTF. Then, he lets Kobe in the game with 8 left in the 4th in a blowout, and he immediately twists his ankle.* So, I put my trust in Phil and he does not deliver. But hey, Farmar played well again. I like the Bynum/Farmar combo going forward. I just don't like most of the other pieces.



* note: When Kobe came back in I'm screaming at the TV (surprised I was still even watching) "wtf are you doing Phil?? you are an idiot! I don't care how many rings you have if he gets hur....CRAP!!! HE GOT HURT..." the rest can't be posted because it was just a string of curse words and references to Colonel Sanders.

 

[mribnik]

oh my, 39-7 in fast break points!

 

[Cheesebeef]

My faith in Phil is misplaced. Not only did he not have these goofs focused...he put out a lineup of Smush, Bynum, Kobe, Cook and Evans at a crucial time in the second quarter. WTF. Then, he lets Kobe in the game with 8 left in the 4th in a blowout, and he immediately twists his ankle.* So, I put my trust in Phil and he does not deliver. But hey, Farmar played well again. I like the Bynum/Farmar combo going forward. I just don't like most of the other pieces.

does that include Kobe? Because if not, by the time Farmar and Bynum are actually ready to play at a high level (probably another 3 years), Kobe's gonna be past his prime.

 

[elindholm]

does that include Kobe? Because if not, by the time Farmar and Bynum are actually ready to play at a high level (probably another 3 years), Kobe's gonna be past his prime.

Why, because he'll be a creaky 31?

People on this board tend to forget how young Bryant still is. You know he's younger than both Nowitzki and Marion, right?

 

[D-Dogg]

does that include Kobe? Because if not, by the time Farmar and Bynum are actually ready to play at a high level (probably another 3 years), Kobe's gonna be past his prime.

Kobe will still be in his prime, but on the decline of it. I think he peaks next season then starts a three year downswing. Seriously, his prime's decline will be pretty damn good. And then there will be several years where he'll be a strong SG, better than most.

Farmar's already almost ready to play at a high level. He started two regular season games this year, and hasn't been intimidated by the playoffs. I love his game and his attitude. Bynum is a few years off.

The defense on this team is atrocious, Kwame is hobbled and has no heart (though I still love the guy), Lamar is hobbled and inconsistent. I'd love to package them both for a forward who can score consistently and get a serviceable SF or PF (whichever type isn't traded for).

The team needs a legit second threat. Nobody on this team is a legit second threat.