Suns at Spurs

Introduction

OK, folks. This is the first one of these neat-o mosquito in game play-by-play blogs of the season, and I can only hope that it's as enlightening and fun as the playoff entries I did. I doubt it, though, since no one really cares about the game (except the media, of course, with its general tendency to overhype every match up throughout the season). Yes, contrary to what they say, I have it on good authority that not a single fan in the entire Clockwork universe gives a rat's ass about a December game against the Spurs without Tony Parker. All we really care about is some energy, some offense, and a good, clean game, right? RIGHT?!

For those of you new to this format, I basically write down every significant play in as trite and succinct way as possible (there will be TONS of spelling errors, accidental homonyms, and other such grammatical inconsistencies, as I type as I watch and listen and have no time to go back and edit), hopefully adding a spot of humour and cynicism along the way. I log every minute of action, posting updates during every commercial break. This includes, but is not limited to pregame commentary, commentary on the game action, commentary, refereeing, coaching, commercials, and whatever odd thoughts may cross my mind during the game. If you're not a fan of questionable language and adult themes, I suggest you set your V-Chip to its Disneyland setting and let the adults have the room. Comments are welcome and encouraged, but I tend not to keep up with them, as this is not an easy task. The fun begins when Kevin Ray and Tom Chambers take the stage. Stay tuned...

For anyone having as much difficulty as I am getting a little psyched for this, here's something to consider...

Look at this video, then see if it jives with this quote...

"I'm from the old school. When I came in the league, during the playoffs, foul hard; no blood, no flagrant foul. It was just a hard foul. My intention was to take a charge, but I got there too late. Of course, when you've got 150 (pounds) meets 250, 150 is going to go flying. It's all good. You learn from it and move on"

Anyone who knows me knows my disdain for people who lie. It is with this in mind that I say, Robert Horry better not run into me on the streets of Phoenix. He will have no use for an athletic supporter after such an encounter. The discrepency between his words and his actions should offend anyone with an ounce of intelligence. More to come....

Pregame

OK, I love listening to TC. It sounds like he's bucking for a coaching gig with the Suns. HE GETS IT!!! Yes, Coach. Listen to the Gas Chambers' words! Get rough, get tough, and slap them lazy boys around when they're not performing!

Blah blah blah Leander talks and no one listens. TC keeps pushing the point, and hopefully D'Antoni is listening. No TP, but we got TD, and TC is always here for us. Oh, yay. Manu Ginobili gets the spotlight. I liked him a lot better when he was on "Perfect Strangers." Who knew Balki Bartokomous would grow up to be a key player on an NBA championship team? IMMIGRANTS RULE!!!

Great. The Gorilla reminds me of a nasty, filthy, disgusting habit that I just so happen to have. More after this break. Good...I don't want to listen to them talk about that rag. Farkin lying piece of shit on a stick.

I'd like to take this opportunity to welcome our old friends from The Official Clockwork Orange (and Purple) message board, as well as new friends from Bright Side and Planet Orange. Yes, we are all-inclusive on the ACOP game blog. The more the merrier, I always say when I need an audience.

My apologies to Dallin, I am NOT tobacco free at this moment, but it will happen some day.....yes, someday. For now, though, I am a slave to RJ Reynolds.

KIDS!!! DO NOT SMOKE!!! IT IS A TERRIBLE ADDICTION THAT YOU WILL REGRET YOUR ENTIRE LIFE!!! LISTEN TO THE GORILLA AND HIS GHETTO RAP!!!

The best thing about these games against the Anti-Alamo is that we get to relive the heartbreak and anger of that lame series that redefined "injustice" for everyone outside of San Antonio and Los Angeles. Nothing like a little sado-masochism to make a game worthwhile.

How does TC get sunburned in the middle of December? Or maybe he's just as ticked off watching those replays as we are? Whatever the case, the makeup department really dropped the ball here. At least he bringeth the wise words of a man who himself felt the heartbreak of coming oh so close.

TC's buzzer beaters: He speaks what all Suns fans feel -- BRING IT BORIS AND AMARE!!!

This Peter Piper Pizza commercial still smacks of edible erotica. Seriously...TEASE ME, CHEESE ME, WITH TOPPINGS THAT'LL PLEASE ME?!?!?! Is that how we want our kids to think of food? Interesting...I wonder what the relationship between fast food and cheap sex really is. Lord knows, I like a good spicy beef burrito after plantin' the ol' pipe as much as the next guy, but there are kids in that commercial.

LMMFAO!!! How perfect a choice is "Basketcase" here?

No, I don't have the time to listen to you whine, TD.

See what I mean about Leander? He doesn't even know that the Evil Empire resides in the Bronx. This is the Anti-Alamo, dontcha know?! Did Majerle just say Robert Whorey?

Paul Coro asked us today for our score predictions. I say 115-108 Suns. I can't even stand by that, really. Who knows what to expect with a missing player and an inconsistent team so far?

Oh, yay. Another lame "Where Amazing Happens" commercial. You know what's amazing? A game where you don't notice the referees. I'd pillow-smother a small child to see a game where the officials actually did a good job and didn't allow flopping.

1st Quarter

(10:23) Jump ball goes to Oberto. Finley can't handle Bell's smothering defense, and TD hits a hook. Hill fakes a three then drives half way for the long jumper. THE SHOTS MUST FALL!! Bowen misses badly, but somehow Duncan gets the put back. Hill lobs to Trix, and Vaughn forgets that you're not allowed to hold a guy to the ground. A miss by Hill, and the reboudning looks shabby so far. Duncan puts a great move to spin between Stat and Trix, but Marion taps the miss (HA!) to Nash who rewards his lightning quick wing with the Oop on the other end. Pop doesn't like it too much, and he scolds the kids in white.

(7:09) Back to TD in the post again, and the double comes quickly. Too bad their ball movement is spot on, as is Vaughn's three. Shawn misses, but Duncan doesn't. FINALLY a rebound. And another! Two offensive rebounds in a row, now if we just didn't need those. And Stat hits the inside shot. Nice. Oh look. TD in the post again. Why do they keep leaving Vaughn open? Hill misses again, and the shooting looks like crap. For us anyway, as Duncan hits again. BELL FOR THREE!!!! Finally the Spurs miss, and Stat and Trix fight for it. TD rebounds, but Trix swipes it. Ugh. Pass for Marion goes through his hands and into Vaughn's. GET THAT SHIT OUTTA HERE!!! Bell blows the fast break layup. At least the ref has a functioning whistle.

(6:25) Raja gets the free throws, and it's only a one point game. That's good, but it needs to be more. Tim takes a breather, and here comes the punk bitch. G-Knob slips but still hits it. Hill's midrange game might prove useful with SA's three point defense. These guys run out so much, all it takes is a three step dribble to get a clean shot. I hope LB is taking notes. Unlike Mike, Pop doesn't seem to like this development and asks his guys to step into a circle for a bit of a chat. A clipboard and high pitched voice seems to be involved. 14-13 Bad guys.

(2:58) Diaw and LB step onto the court, and Ginobili can't take advantage. Boris is true blue from the top of the key! Good to see him take the open look. Oberto gets an open look, but misses badly. There goes Diaw again! COME ON, FREN-JE!!! Manu pushes himself into Bell, and the ref doesn't like Bell's physical abuse. Oberto forgets that Marion is a good defender and loses it out of bounds. Suns offense looks fluid with LB and Diaw, but shots still aren't falling. The rebounding has GOT to change. Oh good, Oberto saves the Suns the trouble by hitting his shot. Bell misses from three. OLE! Says Vaughn as he blows by Leandro. Oh, great. Punk Boy blocks LB's ill advised lay up attempt. USE THE RIM, LITTLE MAN!!! NO SOUP FOR MANU!!! Boris breaks down Oberto, and Marion's three rocks the net. Jacque Cousteau gets his second foul pushing Bell out of bounds on the baseline. A turnover is a turnover. Bell back to the line as he goes for the lane shot. The TV wants to sell us something, so we look for a new beer. Suns up 20-18.

I don't know what to think about htree aging Cindy Crawfords struttin' to Kylie Minogue. Forget keeping her out of my mind. I can't even get her in there. I likes 'em young, I does. More pie. There's that food and sex link again.

HI ROBBY!!!

Yes, Tom. We're well aware of the similarities between Punk Boy and the Fresh Prince. We hadn't heard it in 14 years, so thanks for reminding us. Bell hits the first, and then the second. Four points is the lead.

TD 's back and misses his patented glass hook thing, and somehow gets it back and a foul for good measure. Good thing he sucks at the line. Bad thing the Suns keep missing. Amare plays good defense for all but two steps, and Duncan hits with two minutes to go. Amare misses the key jumper. He needs to drive on Duncan. Oh, shock. Another O rebound. Not that time. Hill streaks on the break and makes the lay in on the change of direction. Thanks, Dan, for your wonderful analysis. It helps me keep up as I stare at the keyboard when I type. Hill hits another one, and we have a six point lead. LB fouls Barry for some odd reason. That was a beautiful move by Hill, I must say. OHHHH!!! Stat says GET THAT SHIZZLE OUTA HIZZLE!!! Another missed three, and SA gets the last shot. 26-20 Suns Side of the Phorce.

HAHAHAHAHA!!! Horry forgets that there's a clock running, and launches a shot about a minute too late, to the dismay of Spurs fans who STILL believe that rules do not apply to them.

2nd Quarter

(11:05) Back to the action, and Grant stays aggressive. Gee...I wonder if D'Antoni's testing his theory that Hill's game would have put us over the top last season. He makes both. OMG DUNCAN GETS CALLED FOR THE TRAVEL!!! THEY'RE RIGHT!!! AMAZING HAPPENED!!! Diaw finds Hill, and he's on a personal 10 point run. Stat holding firm against TD, but Trix a little late and gets the whistle. Duncan to the line for two. 30-20 Us.

(8:42) He actually made them. Darn. YES!!! DEEWOW!!! Spin move and reversal!!! Oops. Marion doesn't bite the first fake, but he does the second. Finley scores. Suns miss, and Leander informs us that Finley has WAY more money than all of us combined. Diaw sets up LB just inside the arc. Bad angle, bad shot. Stat blocks Duncan, but then no one helps by grabbing the damn ball. LB hits the long range, and all's right in Brazil. Here we go. Things really have settled down with LB and Diaw, but LB misses again. Took them long enough to call that travel on Finley. Never mind. It was an O-foul on O-berto. Even better. Here comes the beer, pie, and sex again. 35-28 Clockwork.

Interesting note...the Suns are holding SA to less than 43% from the field while shooting better than 48%. Keep that up, and this will be a blowout. No horny trio, but we got the Room Store with a Harlem Globetrotter. Nice change of pace.

(6:56) Never mind. Slow box score. Suns are over 46%, and Spurs under 42%. Still good. Stat gets his second, and Leander is excited as all hell. Someone REALLY needs to tell the Spurs what a Red Rocket is. Now the dog wiener hits a three. TD rejects BJ. Red Rocket (Matt Boner?) misses, but Marion tips it out of bounds. Finley travels and hits. Whistle? Better not call it on Marion. SKYNYR!!!! A nice surprise he's been. Somehow TD scores on Nash. Stat gets a dunk finally, and one. Good head fake for our Saviour. 41-35 Suns.

(6:22) Stat makes it an old fashioned three ball, and it's back to seven. Skynyr guards Duncan well, but somehow the Suns get called for a D-3? I didn't see who was in there, but someone better be aware of those little white lines. YES!!! SKYNTASTIC WITH THE BLOCK ON DUNCAN!!! Hill tries to go through Vaughn instead of around or over him. Time out for some odd reason. 42-36 Suns.

How did Wile E. Coyote get a job in San Antonio? Don't they know his work history?

Bonner schools Amare from the corner, and Hill tries a little too hard to help. marion's defense wasted on Finley, and Duncan scores over Amare. BJ did his job, though. Nash lets it go out of bounds. Weird sequence. Amare covers Bowen on the wing, and Skynyr comes to double? It goes around the horn, and another three. Diaw and LB coming back in. That's a good idea, since they got us the lead to begin with. Skynyr hits again. KT who? Good job Nash! Bonner pushed his arm out, and Nash went the other way. But Diaw wastes the effort with a good miss. SKynyr kinda misses that open look, but he's earned a pass. Um...what just happened? Nash to Diaw, then his pass just kinda dribbled out of bounds? No one touched it? Really?

(2:50) Tie game as Bell loses G-Knob on the back door. Bowen gets to know Skynyr intimately and gets popped for the foul. Nash turns it over again. Give it to Diaw on the elbow, Mike. Manu misses badly after he falls backwards for no reason, and we got our first Donaghy whistle. Maybe he was whistling his next foul? Time for more corporate manipulation of our brains. 44 all.

Note to self: Do not get future daughter a pony. She wants a cell phone. Yeah...like I'm going to trust a teenage girl with a device that charges for every minute she opens her mouth to her friends. Replay shows that the whistle was called only when Amare secured the rebound, as Knob takes the stripe.

(1:37) Suddenly, the Spurs are hitting 49% to the Suns' 48%. Diaw posts Finley, and the ball finds LB just in time for him to miss the three. Diaw rebounds the other end. Then spins, dishes to Amare who gets the bucket and foul. Number three for Fabio. I gotta say, I'm liking what I'm seeing from Le Boris tonight. This is good. Very good. Amaremisses the freebie, but we're tied until TD goes glass yet again. 22 in the first half? Are you serious?! Amare gets hit on the other end, and it's two for him.

One of two for Stat, and his career FT% continues to dwindle. Good call! TD walks again! He's made a career out of that shuffle step, and he ain't getting away with it tonight. Imagine if TP were in there. Diaw slips and slides and scores easily. Suns regain the lead with under a minute. Then Duncan does it again. Bell drives in, and things are looking good. The idea, though, is to come out strong in the third. Nash rebounds Knob's miss, and Diaw misses the last shot. Check it out y'all. Suns lead 51-50 going into the half. Stay tuned for the half time report. Jey needs a break!

Halftime

Well, the Sun are holding their own. Can't say I like Duncan going off for 24 and 12 in the first freakin' half, but Amare's not doing much worse than KT did. It seems that Marion's defense is wasted without Parker in the game, as his usually spectacular weakside help is irrelevant with TD going glass every time.

TC calls out the Suns' defense, which was good for a whole quarter. Diaw is the key to this game because he's the only guy SA can't defend in any way. He's too small for their bigs, too big for their guards, and his passing is tremendous in a half court game like this. He's off to a great start with 8-3-3, and I look for coach to use him a lot more in the secod half. LB's doing well compared to the playoffs, but he's missing too many open looks. Maybe the Spurs are still in his head, as a lot of his shots look short, which means he's rushing them.

The rebounding is atrocious. The Spurs are +8 overall, and +5 on the offensive glass. This is NOT a good rebounding team, but the Suns are actually worse. We've only seen Skynyr for 6 minutes, and that needs to change as well. Nash has yet to score, but he's got 5 assists. He needs to take a little better care of the ball, though, as he has 3 turnovers already. It's not like he's been hounded too badly. All the mistakes are easily fixed, and the team just needs to come out swinging in the third quarter. A little more defensive activity, and the Spurs won't know what hit them. The Suns are just a step slow, which tells me their energy is down. Figures.

Ginobili is almost nonexistent with his 2-9 shooting, and no one outside of Duncan is doing any real damage. Note to Shawn: Double fast and hard! Trust your teammates to rotate. If they don't, it's on them. There should be no reason the Suns lose this game if they just focus and play with some energy on the defensive end. Bottom line...slow Duncan a tad more, and this game is ours. He's the only one hurting us.

3rd Quarter

Nash shoots a tech for some reason. Oh neat. It was on Bowen. Hill misses, but let's keep an eye on Shawn off the ball. He's just kinda standing there. Good job by Nash with the hard double, then takes the charge. Stat blows the pass to Hill. Good idea, bad execution. Suns half court offense looks lazy, and Nash misses his patented sideways fall away. Duncan can't get position on Amare, but Vaughn hits. Hill goes in and hits again. Think he might have been useful last year? Amare lets Vaughn go by. At least he boxed out. Bell misses another three, and here we go again. Good man defense by Stat! Tries to score over TD. Seems he's about an inch too tall for that maneuver. Nash finally hits the net, and we're tied again. Marion faces up Horry hard, and there's a foul?

(7:18) More good D by Amare on TD. Nash's shot is way off. MARION HUSTLES and saves it to Nash. The Fresh Princess shoves Nash into Vaughn, and the refs screw him again. Duncan gets it alone inside, and Marion picks up another foul as he slaps the ball away. TD to the line. Odd no timeouts called so far. Duncan misses both.

(6:04) Shawn gets the rebound, but the refs disagree and call it out of bounds on him. Hill fouls before the ball is inbounded, and no one but the uni-colored zebras understands why. One of two for Knob, and Bell secures it. NICE!!! Hill slips the screen, and avoids the charge by dishing to Matrix for the dunk. Hill swipes it from Duncan, and the defense is picking up. Still missing open shots. Horry falls down, cries about it, and gets T'ed up.

QUIT CRYING YOU BIG BABY!!!

(5:57) Nash hits the freebie. Ugly sequence. This isn't pinball! Nice hustle by LB, though. Boris misses the open jumper, then stops the break. Time for some more brainwashing.

Is it just me, or has the game suddenly got really boring? Come on guys! Give me something to work with here! I'm not god or Michelangelo! I can't create a man out of clay!

Leander reminds us how old the Spurs are, and no one cares.

TD works on Diaw, who does a fine job according to me, not so much according to Jack Nies. Maybe he should watch for that forearm Duncan's throwing. Duncan breaks character and hits both.

(2:53) Geez. Moving screen on Marion. Balki scores through everyone, and Bowen finally gets busted for riding Nash. LB looks indecisive with the ball. Amazing how often the Spurs foul while the Suns aren't shooting. Nash drains the rainbow through the bucket, and we're only down by one. Nash stops Balki from making it to the whole, and Barry decides that it's easier to move the feet than take the hit. That's a blocking foul, Rick Junior! LB gives us the two point lead, then somehow Balki gets away with the goal tend. Diaw passes up a lane shot, but it was a good pass. Bell's three, however, was not so good. Barry makes them pay, then LB still can't shoot long. 65-65.

Suns are keeping it close in the third, which is better than previous match ups. But this is a Spurs team without Parker and TD's front court side kick, so this score should look a lot different. Credit the Spurs defense a little, but these are some open shots the Suns are missing. At this point, it's all in the head.

5-15 for the Suns, 6-13 for the Spurs. Yikes.

(1:58) Oberto taps Vaughn's miss to Hill, and we're in the red zone again. Skynyr's out there finally, LB HITS THE BUZZER BEATING THREE!!! Oh, look. Balki get's another late whistle, this time from Eric Lewis. Skynyr got nailed with a Balki elbow, and we're back in Donaghy territory. Two freebies, and the Spurs are down by 1, 68-67.

(1:03) Diaw gets the tip! I'm telling you, he is key to these match ups. Seems he prefers the tough ones. YES! Barry saves it to Leandro, and Finley doesn't give him room to land. Foul on the Finster, MEEP MEEP to the line. Let's hope he's cured his free throw ills. 2 for 2, and we're happy in Sunsland as the Suns push the lead to five.

Good defense on TD, and Barry takes and misses a 30 foot three ball. Suns rebound (YAY), and Hill hits another midrange jumper off the dribble. OMG!!! Vaughn finds a wide open Duncan, whose three inch vertical gets him stuffed by the rim...TWICE!!! Time runs out, and the Suns are up by seven going into the final frame. 74-67.

Some blonde bimbo who can't act for crap is excited. She gets to buy shoes AND gets free tickets to a Suns game. I wonder if complimentary binoculars and oxygen tank come with that.

I gotta say, I'm VERY disappointed in the advertisement selection on channel 45. It's like watching Nick at Nite for commercials. It's all about the rerun, baby.

4th Quarter

(9:00) We come back to Balki cutting the lead to five. Finley hits a lengthy three, and this could be interesting. LB makes his beautiful leaner in the lane. Man, I can see Ginobili's bald spot from here. No three for Barry, but he gets the deflection on Leandro's shot. Ugh. Great defense by Skynyr wasted as the ball rolls to Balki in the corner for three, and it's a one point game. That was dumb. Hill just throws his arm into Barry, and the ref has no choice but to call it. Someone has to box out Duncan. The guy can't jump, ya know. Hill drives and Vaughn picks up his fourth. 77-76 dipwads.

(7:47) Hill gets two free throws, and makes both to retake the lead. Skynyr does a great job keeping TD out of his comfort zone, and Marion picks up the miss. LB picks up a fade away, and the lead grows slightly. Skynyr gets schooled that time, and no one came to help. Diaw airs one out, and it may as well be a pass to Duncan. Pop takes no chances, but he does take a timeout. 80-79 Complacent bunch.

I'll be honest...I'm bored off my ass. THIS is Spurs basketball. I hope we don't meet them in the playoffs. Not because I think we'll lose (I don't), but because I can't stand watching this borefest. I'd rather watch frogs mating.

Oh, look, Balki knocks over Raja, but he's allowed. It's his world, ya know. Disgusting. DONAGHY!!!

Amare and LB both pass up open shots, and it seems that D'Antoni has a plan to post Diaw. Amare looks unhappy, but it's his own fault for hitting Duncan on the arms. Now if only that consistency went both ways. Amare's so upset about the last foul, he just stands there as Nash passes him the ball. Good thing the refs bailed him out, as Nash gets fouled on the pass. See what I mean about expendable, folks?

(3:20) LB hits a three, and I'm still bored. Diaw's the key. I'm telling you. He got that assist from the post. Stat rebounds Fabio's miss, but LB leaves the three about that many inches short. Can someone call a foul on San Antonio, please? Leandro didn't fall on his own, ya know. Nash decides that Amare isn't bringing it, so he scores on the screen and roll. Amare gets lost on the pick and roll, and Balki hits another three. Leandro's runner from the wing is a bit too strong, and Oberto picks up the air mail. Raja strips Balki, and we all hold our breath. Amare scores over Manu, and we're back up. Vaughn comes back with a three, and Mike D can't take it anymore. 88-87 Lunesta.

Honestly...who needs Nytol when we have the Spurs?

(1:55) Marion brings the ball up court. Nash drives the baseline and dishes around Duncan's back to Amare, who's promptly fouled on the dunk attempt. Still shouldn't have caused him to miss that one. Is it the knee? He hits one of two free tosses, and I'm fighting to stay awake. Hill blocks Duncan! Still asleep, though. Marion gets a second chance on that New Orleans shot, and it bounces, not once but twice and falls in. Duncan gets in low, but the refs decide that two travel calls on Duncan is a game limit. Instead, Marion gets called for reaching in. I dunno...maybe the head? They'll figure it out after the game when they review their calls and decide they were flawless, as usual. Somewhere, David Stern is smiling with his pants around his ankles, a bowl of cheetohs at his side, and a mysteriously orange penis. 90-88 Plasma Balls.

For those who are wondering, it's the offensive rebounding. The Suns are winning everything else (FREE THROW SHOOTING, TOO!!! I HAD NO IDEA!!!).

Duncan makes a couple of free throws in the clutch, and no one mistakes him for Shaq.

(39.8)OHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! Nash dribbles and dribbles and dribbles, and suddenly finds Amare underneath and it's NASTY. Then SharkFin hits a three. Bowen looks like he just ate a lemon for breakfast after he's called for fouling Nash. I'd be surprised, too, if I were him. And of course, he draws the offensive foul on Amare. Weak call, but oh well. Amare pops the ball loose, Marion picks it up, a little movement as the break is broke, and Hill hits the open 15 footer. Nice. 94-93 US.

That's the scrappy defense the Suns are supposed to be known for. Let's keep that up, as we try and hold onto this lead. No...I repeat NO THREES AND NO FOULS!!!

PLEASE, FOR THE LOVE THAT ALL THAT IS HOLY IN THE CHURCH OF PURPLE AND ORANGE!!! PLAY SMART!!!

Replay shows a possible foul on that Amare dunk, but it's Duncan, and he's Christ incarnate. So sayeth the Stern, so sayeth the flock.

(17.4) Ginobili drives, throws it 40 feet in the air and hits. Amare gets the bucket on the other end, but it's waved off. Gee. I'm SOOOOO surprised. Funny how they call the foul quickly right there. I tend to agree with Thunder Dan on this one. He didn't dribble, he went straight up, and that's a continuation. They must have forgotten to send us the updated rulebook. Stat makes one to tie it. Then he makes the second for the lead, and Pocked-ovich wants to mull over his options. 96-95

(9.9) Amare's out for defensive purposes, which makes you wonder. Skynyr is on Duncan. Great movement by the Spurs, but the Suns movement is better. Bowen clanks the three, and Hill secures the rebound. Spurs foul immediately, and Hill goes to the line to prove his worth. Sure enough, Grant earns his veteran's minimum, and it's a three point game. Pop's got 20 to talk. 98-95

NO THREES!!! I RE-REPEAT!!! NO THREES!!!

And if you foul, make sure they don't hit the shot.

Yes, I'll admit. I jumped up and screamed when Hill got that rebound. I guess I'm awake now. OK...it was more of a yell a la YEAAAAAHHHHHH!!!! But it's all the same when there's no gravity.

Here we go. DEEWOW STEALS IT AND IS FOULED WITH NO ONE IN THE WAY!!!! A crappy free throw shooter, he sure did a number on the bald spot. Two freebies and the ball. Nice. He makes one of two, and they've got to get it to Nash.

So they do, and they call the ticky tack touch foul on Balki the Balding Flopperella. Nash is money from the line, as they say. I say he's ice fucking cold as he misses the second one. No matter, though. Suns win. 100-95.

Yes, that felt good, but we all know what everyone who hates us is going to say tomorrow. Time for another break (yes, typing at this fantastically furious pace is tiring in a strange heart attack way). Stay tuned for the post game, and some smart ass comments.

Postgame

Let the Spurs fan caveats begin. The Suns barely beat a short-handed Spurs team, and Duncan killed our front line, and we got waxed on the boards. OK. We've got that out of the way.

That last one is certainly a problem, as Nash was the leading rebounder for the Suns with 8 rebounds. He and Hill both outrebounded Marion and Stoudemire, which makes me question Stat's commitment to defense. He wandered around aimlessly most of the game, but still managed 3 blocks. He only took 9 shots, but made 6 of them for 17 points. That won't get it done in the playoffs. He was sulking about his five fouls most of the night, and he needs to get over it and just be the nasty freak of nature that he used to be, sore knees notwithstanding.

As I said earlier, Marion's defense is wasted in a game like this, as he has no one difficult to guard. His 6 rebounds might be excusable, considering the Spurs' penchant for hitting threes when Duncan is doubled. Without Parker to slow down, he's too far away most of the time to get any of those rebounds. Still, Grant Hill managed 7, and he was guarding Ginobili most of the night.

Leandro had a nice game, although he took far too many shots. I can't say that any of them were bad, though, as most were clean looks from all over the floor. He just needs to forget what happened in the playoffs and just do his thing. With MEEP MEEP, it's all about confidence.

I'm quite happy with Skynyr's minutes, though I think D'Antoni could find more than 6 per half. Come on...he was a defensive replacement for Stoudemire in the closing seconds. What does that tell you? I'm surpised to see that he only had 2 rebounds and one block, as I thought his defense was at least as good as Kurt Thomas'. Sooner or later, preferrably before April, Mike's going to have to figure out a way to work him in a few more minutes a half. Don't be afraid to bench Amare, coach, especially when he plays like he did tonight.

Now you know why we picked up Grant Hill. It was obvious from the start that this was going to be the Grant Hill show, as D'Antoni was probably as anxious as we were to see how he would help the team against these flaming douchebags. His 22 points, 3 assists, and 7 rebounds are a welcome upgrade over James Jones, who some people still inexplicably miss.

But the story of the game is Boris Diaw. 11 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds, and one VERY BIG STEAL...you remember...it was the strip of Ginobili on the inbounds at the end of the game that secured the win. This is the thrid game in a row that he's shown why D'Antoni defends him every time he has a bad game. It's that versatility and basketball IQ that will prove instrumental in finally dethroning the Spurs this season. He took 11 shots to get those 11 points, but both are better than the 0-fer he's been bringing this season. He can do anything he wants against San Antonio because they simply have no way to defend him. In a series against this team, he should be the primary facilitator, since Nash will be lucky to see an open passing lane. The Suns have to slow the game down against San Antonio if their shots aren't falling, and Diaw's post play is pivotal for that to work. Tonight showed us how true that is.

That's it for tonight, as my wrists, fingers, and head are quite sore after not having done this in six months. Hopefully, I'll be in better shape on Wednesday, when we do this all over again for another "big" game against Dallas. The Suns will need to step up the energy level in order to win that game, but I won't complain, since the Spurs have a nasty habit of sucking the life out of anything that breathes. A tough win, to be sure, but it's a step in the right direction. This is a sign of things to come, folks. It may take a couple more months to put it all together, but this game showed us a lot of what this team can be come playoff time. Leandro's ability to break free for open looks is there. Grant Hill's midrange game is just what the doctor ordered. And Diaw will most certainly be DEEWOW in a series against the slowest, most boring, dirtiest team in the history of the NBA.

Thanks for following along, and don't forget to tell your friends about Wednesday night!