The Suns should forfeit Game 5

[gdiddy]

This thread is pointless for a couple reasons:

First, there is NO way a forfeiture will ever happen. Suns WILL play tomorrow.

Second, we went without STAT and KT last season (against Dallas we even lost Raja). Granted, we did have Tim Thomas, but he wasn't that great of a low post threat.

Afterall, it wasn't too long ago that a flimsy Golden State team knocked off the Dallas Mavericks.....

 

[Jersey Girl]

I got tired of writing the same thing over and over, so I simplified it. I think the Suns have almost no chance of winning Game 6 if they unsuccessfully bust their asses to win Game 5 with a severely depleted roster. These games are fatiguing, and they are even more fatiguing if everyone is playing extra minutes and riding on the adrenalin of self-righteousness.

The Suns' chances in Game 6 would be much better if they didn't play Game 5. If they burn themselves out in Game 5, I think Game 6 is pretty much hopeless.

Got it. But Amare and Diaw will be fresh. I think that if the Suns DO pull off game 5 (or even if they kill themselves to keep it tight), they still can win game 6.

Guess time will tell.

 

[Ryanwb]

I don't buy the argument that players "will be tired". Give me a break, these guys are conditioned professional athletes, they don't have jobs, they go to the gym. Playing 45 minutes as opposed to 35 minutes isn't going to break these guys.

 

[SirStefan32]

The Suns will win game 5.

 

[Nasser22]

Champions don't forfeit.

 

[Feeble Mcjackson]

I think we should forfeit for 2 reasons. 1) obiviously we will lose. there is no way the suns win tomorrow lets be honest. 2) we need to send a msg to the league that this is not right. Between the knees, the kicks, the holds and cheapshots its pretty obvious the league is giving the spurs every chance to win this series.

If we dont make a bold BOLD statement this will all go to the wayside like the officiating in last years mavs/heat finals.

 

[Nasser22]

Quitting won't send any message except that the Suns are stupid and not worthy of winning a championship.

 

[Feeble Mcjackson]

Quitting won't send any message except that the Suns are stupid and not worthy of winning a championship.

How are they worthy of a championship when they lose in six because of the suspensions?

The only worthy of being a champion is a champion. This is not second grade where "everyone is a champion!"

 

[Nasser22]

I'm saying quitters aren't champions. If you want to be the best you don't forfeit a game to try and prove a point, which won't be proven in that way, all they do is lose the game. The Suns have a chance tomorrow and even if they don't win they should always give an effort. They can still win the series even with the suspensions.

 

[elindholm]

Quitting won't send any message except that the Suns are stupid and not worthy of winning a championship.

Okay, one more time for those who refuse to get it:

Forfeiting Game 5 would IMPROVE the Suns' chances of winning the series. That is the reason to do it.

 

[SirStefan32]

Okay, one more time for those who refuse to get it:

Forfeiting Game 5 would IMPROVE the Suns' chances of winning the series. That is the reason to do it.

Okay, one more time for those who refuse to get it:

Phoenix CAN win this game. They will win it for Amare and Boris.

 

[elindholm]

Phoenix CAN win this game. They will win it for Amare and Boris.

In all seriousness, what odds would you need to bet the Suns for this game? 15:1? I wouldn't take them at 20:1.

Now, imagine that we could fast-forward to Game 6 without having to endure Game 5. The Suns would be just as angry and have just as much of a chip on their shoulder. The Spurs would be up 3-2 at home, so they'd still be facing all of the pressure. And the Suns would have had a couple of extra days to methodically, ruthlessly plan for their revenge.

Wouldn't you rather bet on that game? Heck, I'd take the Suns at even money there, gladly.

But go through the farce that Game 5 will be, and almost all of that Game 6 edge is lost. Thursday is a travel day, so the Suns won't even be able to do much planning with their "new" roster for Game 6. They'll be scrambling to re-adjust from the suspensions and distractions will be everywhere.

 

[panfolk]

Whoever said that Stern would just extend the suspensions is probably right.

 

[djohnson]

Bowen

Why do I have a feeling that Bowen will be called for another flagrant 1 on Wednesday evening. This would essentially take him out of game 6. Wednesday's game will certainly be interesting.

 

[Errntknght]

Eric,

Forfeiting Game 5 would IMPROVE the Suns' chances of winning the series. That is the reason to do it.

Do you know whether its possible to forfeit the game and what the ramifications of doing it, if it is possible?

For those of us who think there is no way to do it without creating more damage to our chances, why would we give forfeiture serious consideration?

(Now, don't backtrack and say that you mean essentially forfeiting by playing our least capable players... you already objected to that as a halfway measure.)

Frankly, it if were possible to forfeit with no ramifications I'd still be opposed to it because I think it does not improve our chances - which I've talked about in other threads.

 

[haverford]

I'm with Errntknght here. This idea of forfeiture seems to be based on a kind of harsh calculation. You might be right in predicting a crushing loss, but that result would not be entirely reflective of how professional basketball works. The games are played, not calculated.

 

[Chaplin]

In all seriousness, what odds would you need to bet the Suns for this game? 15:1? I wouldn't take them at 20:1.

Now, imagine that we could fast-forward to Game 6 without having to endure Game 5. The Suns would be just as angry and have just as much of a chip on their shoulder. The Spurs would be up 3-2 at home, so they'd still be facing all of the pressure. And the Suns would have had a couple of extra days to methodically, ruthlessly plan for their revenge.

Wouldn't you rather bet on that game? Heck, I'd take the Suns at even money there, gladly.

But go through the farce that Game 5 will be, and almost all of that Game 6 edge is lost. Thursday is a travel day, so the Suns won't even be able to do much planning with their "new" roster for Game 6. They'll be scrambling to re-adjust from the suspensions and distractions will be everywhere.

Since you posted that first message, I can't believe you honestly think forfeiting a game is the right thing to do. It is probably the most sophomoric thing we could do and you are the one advocating it? That makes no sense to me except it seems like your bitterness has clouded any sense of reality you ever had!

Seriously though, I thought for sure you were being sarcastic, but now it looks like you are serious, and that is as mind-numbing as anything you have ever said.

 

[SirStefan32]

In all seriousness, what odds would you need to bet the Suns for this game? 15:1? I wouldn't take them at 20:1.

Now, imagine that we could fast-forward to Game 6 without having to endure Game 5. The Suns would be just as angry and have just as much of a chip on their shoulder. The Spurs would be up 3-2 at home, so they'd still be facing all of the pressure. And the Suns would have had a couple of extra days to methodically, ruthlessly plan for their revenge.

Wouldn't you rather bet on that game? Heck, I'd take the Suns at even money there, gladly.

But go through the farce that Game 5 will be, and almost all of that Game 6 edge is lost. Thursday is a travel day, so the Suns won't even be able to do much planning with their "new" roster for Game 6. They'll be scrambling to re-adjust from the suspensions and distractions will be everywhere.

Odds are not good. Losing your most dominant player, who is probably one of the best players in the league and losing your most versitile player hurts.

Having said that, I don't think that the game is lost. We still have Nash- who is NBA's most valuable player, regardless of what any "experts" may say; Marion- an all star player; Barbosa- 6th man; Kurt Thomas- probably the toughest low-post defender in the league; and Raja Bell- an outstanding defender and a decent offensive player. These guys will have to carry the team, and if another player or two step up- Jones, Rose, or whoever else, can step up a little bit- I think that they can pull it off.

They will be pissed off, seeking revenge, they'll be playing at home in front of thousands of fans who will be just as pissed off.

Sure, odd are probably 25 to 1- but just imagine what will happen if they win, or at least have a good game.

These guys are professional athletes in good shape. They will be tired, but Stoudemire and Diaw will be fresh and pissed off in game 6.

I just don't think that throwing in the towel is the answer. They need to come out and play as hard as they can. They need to put up a good fight for Amare, Boris, and all the fans out there.

 

[SunsTzu]

I'm not advocating the forfeit but I think it would piss off the league office and that would be sweet. Just imagine people tuning in to watch what is likely to be the best playoff match up of the year and getting stuck with some 15 year old episode of Law and Order.

 

[elindholm]

Do you know whether its possible to forfeit the game and what the ramifications of doing it, if it is possible?

No, I don't know.

For those of us who think there is no way to do it without creating more damage to our chances, why would we give forfeiture serious consideration?

I think you're the only one who objects on those grounds.

(Now, don't backtrack and say that you mean essentially forfeiting by playing our least capable players... you already objected to that as a halfway measure.)

If the ramifications of an actual forfeit would be unacceptable, then I agree that playing the scrubs probably wouldn't be constructive.

Frankly, it if were possible to forfeit with no ramifications I'd still be opposed to it because I think it does not improve our chances - which I've talked about in other threads.

We'll see how they look in Game 6.

 

[Louis]

Eli,

I'm not sure what you're smoking, because the Spurs are now very vunerable with the absence of Big Flop Bob.



I've seen a post at Spurstalk.com comparing this act by Horry to his shot in that Lakers series versus the Kings.

Thankfully the Suns made those offseason moves that shored up their bench with the likes of Marks and Banks.

Ugh.

Right now imagining the possibility of a Spurs v Jazz WCF and a Spurs v Pistons Finals is bringing a bad taste in my mouth. Both could contend for the least watched series in NBA history.

==============================

 

[tobiazz]

Are forfeitures allowed? If the Suns actually decided to forfeit this game (by physically not showing up) their players would probably be suspended for weeks and automatically forfeit the entire series. Then be suspended for the first week of next season . . . and fined mercilessly.

 

[Louis]

Are forfeitures allowed? If the Suns actually decided to forfeit this game (by physically not showing up) their players would probably be suspended for weeks and automatically forfeit the entire series. Then be suspended for the first week of next season . . . and fined mercilessly.

How about a "virtual forfeit".

Refuse to play the regulars and send in the bench guys.

Start

Banks
Polish Rifle
Jones
Marks
Burke

Let'em play for 48 minutes.

LOL.

 

[Errntknght]

I'll take the Suns in a 20:1 bet with you, Eric. Any amount you want to wager.

Edit: On second thought, any amount up to $100... you might be rich and I'm not. If I win, I can afford a first class seat for game 7.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

Eric,

Do you know whether its possible to forfeit the game and what the ramifications of doing it, if it is possible?

For those of us who think there is no way to do it without creating more damage to our chances, why would we give forfeiture serious consideration?

(Now, don't backtrack and say that you mean essentially forfeiting by playing our least capable players... you already objected to that as a halfway measure.)

Frankly, it if were possible to forfeit with no ramifications I'd still be opposed to it because I think it does not improve our chances - which I've talked about in other threads.

I absolutely agree. Who knows. Duncan might reinjure his ankle in tomorrow's game if we didn't forfeit. Barbosa might come alive and score 40.

You play the game out. Win or lose, this team has shown me more and more heart than I thought was possible. No way in hell I thought that the Suns would even win game 5 after the way that they played the first 3 and a half quarters. I would not be surprised AT ALL, if the Suns found a way to win this game.


elindholm, I really do respect your opinions on this board, but this one has to be one of your worst. Forfeit? What kind of message do you think that it sends our players if we forfeit? I'll tell you. It tells the remaining players that the rest of you guys aren't good enough to beat the Spurs. That's something you want in their heads in game 6. I understand your "resting" strategy, but it still a HORRIBLE idea.

Amare and Diaw did break the rule. It is a stupid rule that I would like to see amended after this season, but it was broken nonetheless. I hate the ruling, but I knew it would happen.

I third that $100 bet. 20:1 is too good of odds to pass up.