Winning Game 2

[Griffin]

The Suns have lost game 2 in the last five playoff series. Four of those games were at home. Four times the Suns lost game 2 after winning game 1. Three times we gave up home-court advantage as a result. The last time we managed to win game 2 is when we swept the Grizzlies.

The Suns seem to get a little complaisant after taking a 1-0 lead in a series. The urgency to win is not there. The other team always seem to want it more. But we are at home, and therefore need to protect home court advantage. I hope the Suns come out and play with a little more determination this time around. If they want to keep this a short series, winning Game 2 is a must.

 

[SactownSunsFan]

Agreed. Hopefully we've learned our lessons from the past about letting up, and we'll come out with fire in game 2 to really put the pressure on the Lakers. If we don't win game 2, we'd have to win both in LA to keep this series from going 6-7 games.

 

[D-Dogg]

The series is O-V-E-R if the Lakers lose game two. A split is a requirement here, IMO They aren't consistent enough to win 4 straight and they aren't going to win a game 7 on the road.

Have to go home 1-1. Even if they go hom 0-2 and win both games, I don't see them winning game 5 on the road, so they'd have to fight to set up a game 7 that they'd lose.

Come on......split!

 

[az1965]

Agreed. Hopefully we've learned our lessons from the past about letting up, and we'll come out with fire in game 2 to really put the pressure on the Lakers. If we don't win game 2, we'd have to win both in LA to keep this series from going 6-7 games.

When was the last time Suns came out with fire or urgency unless it was an elimination game???

 

[Gaddabout]

Raja Bell was frustrated because he was hitting his pre-game shots and his halftime warm-ups shots, and even hit 10 in a row in a post-game shooting session. He just wasn't hitting open shots during the game. I think his head's just on defense right now, and it has to be frustrating when you're doing an OK job but your guy still goes off for 28 points in the first half.

I think the Lakers are begging the Suns' perimeter players to hit their shots, and it looks like they're begging Marion to shoot the 3. Also, Nash seemed to pass up a few open 3 looks to get Bell going, which never happened. If Nash is open at the top of the arc with nobody within 5 feet of him, he has to make the Lakers pay for that and not give up a shot to a guy who shoots a lesser percentage. If the Lakers are going to force the action to the wings, Bell has to hit the shots.

When that happens, that's when the Lakers really crumble. If it doesn't happen, the Lakers will have their shots at the end of the game. Bottom line, hit the 3s and spread the defense.

 

[Cheesebeef]

When was the last time Suns came out with fire or urgency unless it was an elimination game???

yup, I'm a show me guy and considering they haven't shown that killer instinct in the past and have had lingering problems with it this year, I think tomorrow night's a disappointing loss, on the way to a 6 game series. very much hoping to be proven wrong.

 

[SactownSunsFan]

^^ Which is why I'm hoping they've learned from their experiences the past two seasons. I expect them to win tomorrow. It will be a disappointment if they dont.

 

[sly fly]

yup, I'm a show me guy and considering they haven't shown that killer instinct in the past and have had lingering problems with it this year, I think tomorrow night's a disappointing loss, on the way to a 6 game series. very much hoping to be proven wrong.

Under normal circumstances, I would lean towards expecting a letdown in Game 2.

However, the Spurs and Mavs did PHX a huge favor. I think PHX sees the opportunity of possibly having more rest... and I think they know damn well that they better close out LA as quickly as possible.

Let's hope lessons were learned from last year.

 

[Cheesebeef]

Under normal circumstances, I would lean towards expecting a letdown in Game 2.

However, the Spurs and Mavs did PHX a huge favor. I think PHX sees the opportunity of possibly having more rest... and I think they know damn well that they better close out LA as quickly as possible.

Let's hope lessons were learned from last year.

believe me sly, the same thoughts have gone through my head, but for some reason, I just see us having some kind of unwarranted struggle against this crap-ass Laker team. old memories.

 

[Gee!]

believe me sly, the same thoughts have gone through my head, but for some reason, I just see us having some kind of unwarranted struggle against this crap-ass Laker team. old memories.

Id be worried if you actually thought positive about game 2.. When dont you have a negative feeling?

 

[hsandhu]

Man I cant tell you how pissed I will be if we lose game 2.

I mean we got by far the easiest draw of the big 3 in the west and s.a./denver are gonna beat the hell out of each other. If we can get rid of this weak lakers team quickly we'll been in a great position in the second round.


If the players cant understand how important it is to have a killer instinct in game 2, not just for this series but our entire chance at a championship, I seriously dont think this team has what it takes to win a title.

 

[Cheesebeef]

Id be worried if you actually thought positive about game 2.. When dont you have a negative feeling?

when i'm not thinking about sports! and game 1.

 

[dodie53]

the suns will not lose game 2..

diaw will step-up..
i hope.

 

[TJ]

Raja Bell was frustrated because he was hitting his pre-game shots and his halftime warm-ups shots, and even hit 10 in a row in a post-game shooting session. He just wasn't hitting open shots during the game. I think his head's just on defense right now, and it has to be frustrating when you're doing an OK job but your guy still goes off for 28 points in the first half.

I think the Lakers are begging the Suns' perimeter players to hit their shots, and it looks like they're begging Marion to shoot the 3. Also, Nash seemed to pass up a few open 3 looks to get Bell going, which never happened. If Nash is open at the top of the arc with nobody within 5 feet of him, he has to make the Lakers pay for that and not give up a shot to a guy who shoots a lesser percentage. If the Lakers are going to force the action to the wings, Bell has to hit the shots.

When that happens, that's when the Lakers really crumble. If it doesn't happen, the Lakers will have their shots at the end of the game. Bottom line, hit the 3s and spread the defense.

Raja has anger management issues. When he gets frustrated, it has a psychological affect on his shot. He needs to clear his mind, step up and make the buckets, while maintaining the same effort on defense

 

[Bufalay]

dodie where is the mohawk?

 

[dodie53]

next week maybe. just got my haircut 2 days ago

 

[Scot1]

These Suns have stood up for important, non-elim games--see the late-season ones against Dallas, Utah, Lakers. They Can turn it on. Will they for all of Game 2? I dunno--the odds aren't great, but the good thing is, if they can turn it on for the second half, or even the third or fourth quarter, and somebody like LB or Amare takes up the slack, that may be all they need against the Lakers.

I'm hoping the willpower will get stronger as they get closer to the Finals. In the past, it has, but injuries made it too hard. This year, there's no excuse. They're two big men better than in 06.

 

[azirish]

As with most games, the situation will be simple. If the Suns start hitting their open shots, the game will be a rout no matter what Kobe does. If they keep shooting badly from the outside, the Suns will have to play great defense for 48 to win.

 

[zett]

Well if we do lose I will take the blame, after getting out of my morning Jacuzz, I kicked over my favotite suns coffe cup and shattered it! I instantly thought that was a bad sign.