This series started out with incredible potential to be epic. After moving to Phoenix, it didn’t look that way, but then game 4 came, and the Suns played with passion. Game 5 is sure to be must watch basketball.
1Q The Suns started the game firing on all cylinders, racing to a lead that San Antonio would never touch. Despite Stoudemire and Bell getting into early foul trouble, the Spurs couldn’t buy a shot as they faced a tenacious defense.
2Q Bell had an outstanding first half, consistently hitting shots and keeping the fans into the game. But perhaps the most surprising thing of the game up to this point, would be that Amare had merely 5 points, as the Suns ran it up to a 65-43 lead as they broke for the half. With the Suns only committing 2 turnovers, both from offensive fouls, compared to the Spurs 9 turnovers, you can see Phoenix had several easy baskets.
3Q Both teams came out of the half the same way they went in. San Antonio continued to miss easy shots and open looks, while Phoenix ran wild. With everything to lose, and after an embarrassing home opener, it’s clear the Suns are leaving it all on the court today.
4Q Popovich soon cleared the big 3 off the court, and gave the bench major minutes as the game slowly drew to a close. Puzzling, was Phoenix continuing to leave star players such as Stoudemire on the court, with a huge lead, despite the Spurs starters resting on the bench. D’Antoni was also thrown out after arguing with a ref, likely in an effort to keep emotions high as they return to San Antonio. The Suns prevented the sweep, now down 3-1 after today’s 105-86 win.
Review San Antonio couldn’t make shots, Phoenix couldn’t miss. The Suns role players had HUGE roles today, as numerous players put up great stat lines. It remains to be seen if they will keep this up. With 3 games to play, they’ll need to show up for all 48 minutes or more when they meet again. The Spurs stars had some extra rest, spending the fourth quarter on the bench, so they should be well rested. San Antonio just didn’t have the same urgency that Phoenix did today. Unlike several years ago against Dallas, Steve Kerr couldn’t save San Antonio in the 4th today, as he now works for the other team.
Returning Home San Antonio will need to make shots, get stops, and quit turning the ball over. Game 4 reminded us that Phoenix is capable of winning, when enough of their players decide to show up for the game. Perhaps the only silver lining in this is that the Spurs bench was able to get some burn, helping to shake off a little rust. Most notably in that, is Robert Horry made a 3 today, hopefully this is a sign of things to come.
Highlights
Duncan: 14 pts, 10 boards Parker: 18 pts Ginobili: 10 pts
Diaw: 20 pts, 10 boards, 8 assists, 2 blocks Bell: 27 pts, 6 boards, 5 assists, 5-7 3 pointers Shaq: 14 pts, 12 boards
Shocker of the Day
Suns win by 19 off of Amare’s 7 point game
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