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 Phoenix Suns vs San Antonio Spurs - Game 5
Posted By: Suns.com Staff |
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11:00 pm
Josh Greene
Arghhhh…
Possibly the only thing more aggravating than being eliminated from the postseason again, is to be “detained” in the arena where the latest elimination took place. My exit from the AT&T Center in San Antonio was far easier said than done after Game 5, especially when facing locked doors, chained gates and (for some reason) angry security guards at every turn.
Between the outcome of the game and the dejection in the visitors’ locker room during the postgame media scrum, I couldn’t wait to get out of that building – and with good reason.
Another all-too-short postseason exit after another 50-plus win regular season – a regular season that also happened to feature a franchise-altering trade, another pair of All-Star appearances – all en route to a fourth straight playoff berth. Of course, that’s little solace for a team that struggled out of an early Opening Round 3-0 hole, before going out in Game 5.
Back to the postgame locker room scene, there was no hostility (well, none that I experienced firsthand), even with the onslaught of camera, microphones and voice recorders at a time when nobody really feels like talking. Still, the Suns were asked every question possible about the series and the whole season. It always struck me as odd to flip that switch in mindset, from “how will you handle the opposition tonight” to “what do you think will happen this summer with this team?” – all in the span of a few hours.
I’m sure the finality of it all hadn’t quite sunk in yet… myself included. To their credit, the Suns answered all comers before filing onto the team bus for their final flight back to Phoenix.
As for what the immediate future holds for the Suns, well, that’s anybody’s guess. One thing is certain. The Suns will eventually rise again – just not today.
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9:09 pm
Stefan Swiat
My colleague that used to work at Spurs.com swears that when Fabricio Oberto scores over eight points the Spurs always win. So I went to the stat archive to see if that was true and as usual… my friend was wrong. They are 11-4 when he scores eight or above. On the other hand, we were 17-2 when a combination of Diaw, Bell or Barbosa score over 15 apiece. Right now, Diaw has 20, Bell has 14 and Barbosa has five points. So the Suns need one point from Bell to secure a great chance at victory.
Or if Bell scores six more points and scores 20, the Suns will definitely win. This season, the Suns are undefeated when Bell has scored 20 or more.
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9:00 pm
Steve Koek
Things are getting a bit chippy after a relatively clean series so far.
Suns need to keep within themselves this last 6:43. Again, if the Suns play smart, there will be a game 6.
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8:52 pm
Brad G. Faye
We’ve got ourselves a ballgame and with both teams playing as relentless as they are, it doesn’t look like anybody will be pulling away any time soon. The Spurs are playing like their normal disciplined selves (hence my always calling them the 1980 USSR Hockey Team) while the Suns are fighting with everything they’ve got (kind of like a certain USA Team did that very same Olympic year).
If Raja Bell can continue playing at this pace in the fourth quarter I really like our chances of Game 6 in Phoenix on Thursday night. Just remember Suns fans, ya gotta belieeeeeve!
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8:47 pm
Dan Hilton
Did I say the Suns needed to make up five points in the quarter? They did much better than that by outscoring the Spurs 27-15 and going from a nine point deficit to a three point lead.
Most of that run happened when Shaq went to the bench. At this point, I would hate to be in Mike D’Antoni’s shoes. Do you put Shaq in because he’s “The Big Diesel” or do you keep him on the bench because the team is rolling right now?
The great thing is that coach took Nash out and the team still kept the lead they had acquired while he was on the court.
Also, it will be interesting to see whether Hack-a-Shaq comes back to haunt the Spurs with all of the fouls their players have right now.
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9:42 pm
Josh Greene
It’s almost the end of the third quarter, and much like he did in Game 4, Boris Diaw is once again playing above and beyond. Getting the starting nod for the second straight game, thanks to an ailing Grant Hill, the Frenchman leads the Suns with 18 points and has seven boards and seven assists, as well.
It’s good to see Diaw making the most of his newfound starting minutes. Prior to Game 5, as the Suns were watching some of the Hornets-Mavs game in the locker room, TNT analysts were supposedly knocking 3D, even after his big game Sunday. I say “supposedly,” because I couldn’t exactly hear the comments (I quite possibly may be going deaf from attending too many ballgames, I guess). Anyway, leave it to Gordan Giricek to fill in Boris, who was at his locker. Diaw was pretty entrenched with whatever he was listing to on his MP3 player to hear the original comments, but that certainly didn’t stop Girecek from going up to the forward and telling him what he thought of TNT’s criticism. Diaw didn’t seem too fazed. In fact, he was more upset a few minutes later, when he missed his image splashed across the TV thanks to a remote camera set up in the locker room.
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8:41 pm
Daniel Banks
Oh ye of little faith? Apparently the Suns didn't get the memo that the Spurs are supposed to own the third quarter in the AT&T Center. They've outscored the Spurs 20-8 and if the Spurs had any cockiness about their building, it's been beaten out of them in this second half. The Suns are back in this game with hustle plays from Amare Stoudemire and (deja vu!) solid play from Boris Diaw. I love this game!
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8:38 pm
Steve Koek
Restlessness has turned to downright uneasiness as a raja bell three-pointer gives the suns a 65-62 lead with 2:20 to go in the third.
This is by far the most important 2:20 so far this season as the suns need to buckle down and play hard and smart basketball to close the period.
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8:35 pm
Steve Koek
There's nothing better than being in an opposing arena and having the crowd silenced by a good road team play. STAT's inside move pulls the suns within two with under five minutes to go in the third quarter. The AT&T crowd is growing restless.
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8:29 pm
Stefan Swiat
ESPN’s Bill Simmons, also knows as “The Sports Guy,” talked about how bad San Antonio’s “Hack-a-Shaq” tactics are for the game. He said that David Stern should have had intentional fouls implemented to curb that tactic a long time ago. Simmons believes that the strategy takes away from the game in that it disrupts the flow of the game. He went on to say that he is disappointed in two things:
- That Gregg Popovich, who he considers the best coach in the league, would give in to using that strategy and
- That Shaq hasn’t run anyone over yet to make everyone stop using it.
Now I don’t agree with “Hack-a-Shaq,” I never have, but it shows that San Antonio doesn’t care about being the good guy. They care about winning. They know that no one remembers how they won it, but that they won it. Is it better to have principles and lose or to win? It’s an interesting debate. I’m hoping that the Suns don’t have to give up one to get another.
Maybe Coach D’Antoni will start doing “Hack-a-Bowen” or “Hack-a-Oberto” to slow the game down to a crawl. Then, maybe, the league will take a look at the tactic…
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8:25 pm
Jeramie McPeek
Good start to the third quarter!
Although they went into halftime down nine, the Suns haven’t come out with their heads down. They’re scrapping and playing aggressive. Boris had that nice little inside move and hook over Michael Finley. Raja canned a big three-pointer. Nash got up higher than I’ve seen him in quite a while to challenge a Bruce Bowen runner. Shaq blocked Duncan and then saved the ball from going out of bounds. And STAT fought former teammate Kurt Thomas for a loose ball.
I was a little nervous we might see a second half like we did in Game 6 a year ago when the Suns came out of the locker room and just melted down here in San Antonio. That was the most painful half of basketball I think I’ve ever suffered through. But I don’t think these guys are going to let that happen tonight.
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8:15 pm
Dan Hilton
If you’re looking at things by quarter, the Suns aren’t faring too well in the first two. They lost the first one by four points and the second by five points. I think they need to make up at least 5 of those points in this third quarter to keep it close and be able to make a run in the fourth.
The Suns do seem to have a bit more energy in the third quarter than they did previously. Hopefully, Steve can get some good passes to people and get some easy assists.
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8:05 pm
Steve Koek
It's halftime and the Suns’ sloppy play at times and free throw misses find them in a nine point hole.
Nothing they can't and haven't before dug themselves out of. A nine point deficit weighs a lot heavier on the road with the season at stake, however.
The Suns will have to take the court to start the third like their playoff life hangs in the balance, which, of course, it does.
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7:57 pm
Jeramie McPeek
I took one for the team.
Instead of sitting baseline at the AT&T Center tonight, or in the press box halfway up Section 103, I’m watching tonight’s Game 5 from my living room couch. After Daniel Banks and I brought back two losses from San Antonio last week, I decided to change the lineup. The playoffs are all about adjustments, right?
In our place, Steve Koek and Josh Greene checked in, and carry the weight of the planet (orange) on their broad shoulders. That’s right. I’m giving them all the credit if the Suns’ pull out the road victory tonight and all the blame if the season comes to a close.
I’ve got confidence in my veterans, though. These guys have been through the wars, and stepped up big in big moments over the years. The dynamic duo was in Dallas when the Suns won Game 6 of the 2005 semis to advance to the Conference Finals, and were in LA when the Suns won Game 6 in overtime in 2006.
Although, on second thought, “Steven J” and “JAG” were on the trips that saw the Suns’ runs end in San Antonio in ‘05 and last year, too.
TIMEOUT! I need to make a couple substitutions.
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7:50 pm
Daniel Banks
The Spurs are getting some favorable bounces in this second quarter and they are in danger of pulling away as the time ticks down to halftime. Despite the late-half struggles, the Suns are sort of like that Rick Astley, "Never gonna give you up, never gonna let you down..." they keep fighting and they remain just a few points behind as the Spurs continue to intentionally foul Shaq and keep this game slowwwwww.
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7:10 pm
Daniel Banks
Watching this on television has me at a disadvantage although I'm reaching arena-like decibal levels in the Suns.com Newsroom with how much I'm yelling at the the tv. The Suns have made their move and surged again of the Suns with handsy defense and forcing five Spurs turnovers.
The Spurs waste no time in fighting back with a beneficial trip to the line. The Suns and Spurs are playing like it's Game 7 but only the Suns are in a must-win situation...right? The Spurs are playing like a team who do not want to see Phoenix again. It's not that bad, the weather is nice and there are things to see and do...
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7:34 pm
Dan Hilton
The Suns are winning the 2nd quarter 13-6, which is good because they lost the first quarter. I’m still of the opinion that the Suns need to play by quarter instead of play by half or game.
Steve Nash just tried to draw two offensive fouls in a row and didn’t get either one of them. This is an important game for both teams so I hope the refs keep the game in control. I can see where the game could get out of control very quickly if the game is called too loosely. I’ve seen a lot of contact underneath the basket in the first two quarters and Amare and Shaq are both getting frustrated. We’ve seem some “chippiness” in other games around the NBA so I’m sure the refs are aware of what could happen as well.
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7:29 pm
Steve Koek
Key stretch coming for the suns. Shaq and Nash re-enter down 3 early in the second.
Shaq must not pick up his third foul and the Suns need to take advantage of the Spurs geriatric lineup with Thomas, Barry, Duncan and Finley all on the court for San Antonio.
Good to see LB hit a corner pocket three (see, Tom Leander, I watch) and the Suns now take the lead, 36-34 almost 4 minutes into the second.
If the Suns can go on a nice run as the half approaches and come out with intensity and smarts to start the third, the Spurs will feel the heat of Planet Orange.
We've beaten this team here before, we've won four in a row before and the spurs do not want this series to go back to Arizona.
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7:13 pm
Steve Koek
Horry just entered to a thunderous ovation. It makes me wonder whether he gets that kind of reception during a regular season game against the Bobcats. Then again, he probably does if he drains a 3 upon entering like just did here.
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7:11 pm
Steve Koek
Hack-a-Shaq is done for now as Skinner replaces O'Neal. But wait. Hack-a-Skinner? Brian hits one of two -- how boring.
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7:10 pm
Daniel Banks
It looks like we may be in store for another Game 1 if this keeps up tonight... the teams are trading buckets and struggling to get separation on the scoreboard. The whistles are frequent and frustrating tonight as they are keeping both teams from establishing a tempo to the game.
The Suns look to be pushing a bit and trying too hard to force the plays early tonight - they haven't had many changes to get comfortable on the run, but as the action heats up Nash should find his rhythm and adjust to Spurs defensive scheme.proving to be hot at home hitting 60% to keep the pressure on against the hopeful Suns.
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7:09 pm
Steve Koek
And the Hack-a-Shaq begins with just under three minutes to go in the first. I get it, it can be a good basketball strategy, but it sure does grind the game to a halt, which I guess is the purpose. It doesn't mean I have to like it. As I type this, Shaq is fouled again, he has made 2 of 4 so far, so I’m not really sure if it's success or not.
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7:07 pm
Stefan Swiat
If you have been following my blogs throughout this series, I remarked in my entry that previewed this matchup that I hoped that Suns owner Robert Sarver would be able to enlist the services of referee Joey Crawford for one the games.
Crawford, if you remember, was the official that had a run-in with Spurs center Tim Duncan a year ago that resulted in his suspension. If you all remember correctly, Duncan was ejected after laughing on the bench near Crawford. The two have quite the history together over the years, which culminated in a blow-out that day.
It is a good omen for the Suns, who need every little piece of good fortune to grab this game on the road. Hey, at least David Stern didn’t resurrect the services of Tim Donaghy.
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7:00 pm
Steve Koek
In the "it's who you know department," on my way to the upper level press box high atop the ATT Center, I ran into one of the Suns' physicians, Dr. Craig Phelps, who directed me to an empty seat in the lower bowl. Twenty rows up in the corner behind the Suns bench.
Of course, that puts me right in the middle of thousands of screaming Spurs fans, but at least I have a better view of the action.
Looks like a good start for Diaw. Suns trail by three as the first begins to wind down.
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6:56 pm
Daniel Banks
The Suns are off to a tight start against the Spurs in Game 5. At this point last year they were playing without Boris Diaw and Amare Stoudemire but tonight they have accounted for six of the Suns' 11 points in this first quarter. The team opens up shooting 35.7% while the Spurs are proving to be hot at home hitting 60% to keep the pressure on against the hopeful Suns.
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6:30 pm
Brad G. Faye
As a New Yorker, I often get categorized as a Yankees fan. It’s not the worst thing in the world, so, despite being a Mets fan, I usually just roll with it. Sometimes that goes a step to far, however, and I find myself defending and even rooting for them – especially against the Boston Red Sox. Perhaps the only thing Yankees fans and Mets fans have in common is that as New Yorkers, we despise everything that comes out of Boston. I often ponder to myself whether or not I hate the Red Sox more than I actually like any team in sports.
Anyway, in case you can’t tell by now, this is all an elaborate setup for how well I remember Boston’s 0-3 comeback against New York back in 2004. I watched each and every game of that series and remember every sharp turn en route to that Game 7 blowout at Yankee Stadium.
Suns fans showed their support for the team by climbing Piestewa Peak on Tuesday morning.
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Not only did the Red Sox refuse to mail it in that night, but their fans also exhibited their dedication right from the opening pitch in Game 4. A good friend of mine was back in his hometown of Boston at the time and even went out and bought a Red Sox cap after the Game 3 blowout which he claimed would be the key to a series comeback. I asked, “You mean people in Boston still care?” to which he responded, “As long as this team is playing, people here are going to be into it.”
Suns fans are showing that same dedication and this morning showed it via a hike of Piestewa Peak. FOX 10’s Cory McCloskey along with members of the Suns Dancers and the Adio Sol Patrol accompanied fans making the hike, all in hopes that watching the sun rise would equate to the Suns rising over the Spurs in tonight’s Game 5 in San Antonio.
It’s great to see fans sticking with this team to the dying end, and for everyone who made the hike, I actually have a proposal. My friend from Boston wore his newly purchased hat for each and every game of the 2004 American League Championship Series from Game 4 on. So should we win tonight – which I think we will – I think it’s imperative to the series you continue your tradition of hiking Piestewa Peak the morning of each and every game forward… It’s easy for me to suggest though, I slept in this morning.
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6:15 pm
Steve Koek
Sitting on the Suns bench with Mark West and media relation smanager vince kozar. A stray ball makes its way over to Big Daddy who flips it back to the ballboy. I called a foul on him.
Vince and I were commenting on how fortunate we are to have our jobs and wondering how many fans back in phoenix would kill to be where we were. We vowed to think about that more and not to take our positions for granted.
As for the game, it's anyone's guess. West says both teams will be playing hard, the suns will win if they play smart and slow down at least one of the spurs big three. I asked him point-blank if we win. Long pause, wide smile. "Yeah, I think we do. I think we take it back home."
I think he's right.
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6:00 pm
Steve Koek
The team bus just pulled away from the hotel. A couple of dozen Suns fans waiting to catch a glimpse of players boarding and hopeful for an autograph were quietly undeterred by a Spurs fan who walked through them touting and taunting his home team's championship successes. They also went undeterred by the players' quick waves while shuffling into the bus. "That's okay," I heard one woman in a Suns shirt say. "They're concentrating. I know they're going to do it."
The bus is characteristically quiet as we make our way to the AT-T Center. Players are in the back listening to their iPods or talking softly on their phones. Mike D'Antoni's front row seat doesn't appear to be any hotter than normal as he plows his way through his daily crossword puzzles. But we all know it is. Despite a couple of minor media brush-offs, mike has handled recent events with the class he has exhibited since coming to the Valley some six years ago as an assistant.
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We arrived at the arena safely and the Suns are going through their ritual pre-game warm-ups. I just ran into Kurt Thomas in the series of mazes they call an event level here. Dirty is always as nice as could be, from post-game interviews after tough losses to the time I ran into him at the airport. He actually told me this series could go seven and live up to the billing of best first round series ever. He said it in an "anything-can-happen sort of way," but at this point I'll take it as a good sign for Planet Orange tonight.
Comments
come on guys - noooo
i cant see suns loose man...i cant sleep if they do...
we need one more game in phx...go qtr by qtr..but win u must...
Tony - Mesa
I'm done with the SUNS!!!!! I'm tired of watching the Suns choke or quit in the Playoffs. Shooting percentage is horrible, coach not on top of the game, key players turning over the ball, or players that shouldn't be in the game thinking it's there time to shoot. I have been going to Suns games all my life and have been patiently waiting for a Title. This town has backed the Suns and every year let down. I'm done with the SUNS, until next year. Come on Steve Kerr.........
Xi - PHX
Good try maybee next year.
Suns are a much better team than the Spurs, Suns just need to hold it together. LUV you guys
DOR - Phoenix...
It's over and done... The agony has finally come to an end... But do you believe in fate? This is probably the fate of Phoenix Suns... But in all honesty, you guys did a good fight in this very last game... Forget about the TOs committed and the missed free thows, you still did your best... I do believe this is your fate this year. But no doubt, you are indeed the better team... Just continue on honing your skills and psychological maturiy, and keep your FOCUS in any given time, you will have your moment and your time to be finally called the CHAMPIONS! In my eyes, you are still the champions!!!
DOR - Phoenix
It's over and done.. But it was a good fight... We still love you guys... you are still my team.. I know someday, you will get your championship rings..
Our score wasn't that far behind the Spurs' score... Is this our fate? First, Nuggets went home (8th seed), then Mavericks (7th), and then the Suns (6th seed)... Are we looking at the Rockets (5th) or Utah (4th) going home next? Hang in there guys... let's still watch the playoff and see...
David Saggio - PHX
WE NEED A BETTER BENCH- 2009 HAS TO BE THE YEAR OR REBUILD
PHX -
Done with the suns? True fans stick through- DEFINITELY next year!!!
Dave - Phx
WE SUCK! What was that last quarter?? How many turn overs? How many times should we have called time out and drawn up a play? Who to point a finger at? Coach? Captain? Players? ALL THE ABOVE? Just frustrated with year after year...but ALWAYS A DIE HARD FAN! GO SUNS!
dandaman - San Antonio
I actually do like Suns unlike the hated Lakers of past. At a regular season game on April 9th I was taunted and heckled by Suns fans after we lost big time. I finally said "These games don't really matter until the playoffs you can sweep a regular season series and still lose in the playoffs." No disrepect to any people on this page but to those others that were at that game, I told you so.
Ian L. - Philippines
My first year as a Suns fan came to a bitter end. Last year I began watching NBA as it starts. Im really not into any team but one day I came across a game between Phoenix and Dallas. The commentator said it features two of the most explosive team in the league. Then I witnessed the pick and roll of Nash and Stoudemire. I thought it was phenomenal. One of the greatest I've ever seen. I like Nash and seeing Amare Stoudemire with that kind of play I said "Man this team is a force to be reckoned with". And so began my life as a SUNS fan. It's really hard to end it like this. I thought the Suns can defeat the Spurs in the playoffs, but doing it is a different story.
So the Suns are out, Dallas is also out, Denver is out, Houston without Yao, not a fave of Utah, I don't like the Hornets, and kill me with the Spurs... That left me with.. Lakers. oh how lucky. I still like Kobe though I hope he wins MVP
Well anyway I'm still looking forward over the Suns next season. Mike D'Anthony will have plenty of time to reorganize the team now with Shaq. So goodluck Phoenix Suns and Thank You..
fan -
This team is done. The time to rebuild is now, everyone being a year older there is no way this same team can compete next season. I could see them rebuilding and bring in young talent around Stoudemire. I think the Nash and Shaq days are over though. I just wish they would have kept Marion and Joe Johnson, look what he has been doing in Atlanta.
It was sad and disappointing to watch this series. It seems like the Suns never played any of the games like it was the playoffs. The intensity was never there, there was no chemistry, and their level of play never really elevated.
I can't count how many turnovers, shot clock violations, and offensive fouls gave the ball back to the Spurs at the end of every game. Thats when the stars have to step up. The Spurs did and the Suns didn't and they got ownd in return.
I really enjoyed watching the earlier Suns more when they had KJ, Thunder Dan, Hornacek, Chambers, West, EJ, and later Barkley. Their teamwork and chemistry seemed so much better much better.
Gerald - Philippines
I believe we had a good fight but came short. Im sure next season will be Suns season. Just hang in there!!
Mario - mohave mesa
I'm mad because of the bad calls, But I am a real SUNS fan since 77'. We'll just have to wait till next year. Thick&thin
M of MzGoldenBrassStats - Vancity
It's unfortunate growing pains people. I'm pissed but at the same time a lot of good can be learned from this experience. Look at the teams who've won in the past. Some/Most of best teams in history won by playing superior mental games! Our time will come if we continue to have a good balance of strong heart and strong mind! We need to bond even more as a unit and trust that we can get the job done. Have that desire to dominate and finish when we get those opportunities! Every year I see we come so close to nailing it because of heart but we have to trust our skill set and our mind set both. THANKS FOR THE EFFORT PEOPLE/GUYS!!!! I FEEL THAT THEY HAVE INSPIRED MANY PERSONALLY!
PS REMEMBER TO DEVOUR HATRED AND FEAR WHEN THEY SCREAM YOUR NAME!!!! IT WILL HAPPEN BECAUSE YOU WANT IT TO!
jason - Santa barbara,ca
I cant believe its over... Thanks for another great season PHX... Until next season.
Noel - Phil
Mavericks had Kidd
Suns had Shaq
Both teams lost 1st round
Heading into nxt season, Kidd and Shaq will have a better chemistry with their teams. Mavs and Suns will be better nxt season.
Suns had a good fight. I just really hope that steve and shaq won't tire out nxt season. I wish Hill would improve.
Wow, Mavs lost 1st round for the 2nd straight time.
And what about Denver?
Lakers are unstopabble...Kobe and Pau...
AI and Melo will have a better chemistry nxt season.
It's just a matter of time...
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Suns had been unlucky in the postseason. The franchise has never won a championship. But still, one of the best franchises, championship or no championship. It's not the end for the Suns.
I just remembered Barkley saying that God wanted Phx to be champs in 93. Damn! Barkley really fueled up the suns against bulls.
I just remembered the suns vs celtics in the finals. The triple OT game. Wow!
Phx will have a championship.
However it won't be this season.
Benson - PHX
I will always be a Laker fan, born and raised in LA, but moved to PHX 4 years ago and became enthused by how the Suns play, and became a fan. Very disappointed to see how this series ended the way it did, but still proud to be a suns fan. You guys are great. Good luck next year.
kristel velasquez - philippines
='( i cried.. i cant watch anymore the suns game here... i didnt watch the game 5 bcs i was in the place that has no cable, i feel sucks, i cant even see what's happening. =(
but then... it happened, they lost... we just have to accept the reality and come back next year with fresh. if something's must change....... we must support suns!!!! i'll never get over u guys!!! i'll always be ur loyal fan!!!!
steve nash..... i understand what had happened to you, maybe ur back hurts or whatever, it's just come to a point that we will lose. i love u nash! keep on going. be strong, ur the leader, u'r the one they will follow. take care!
hope u read this =}
-kristel.
milos l - serbia
we haven't luck enough.first game when we lost in two ot,decided this series.again bad luck,i have been watching that since 1993.i still believe my favourite team finnaly get the title,but suns have to bring winner mentality.that spurs ruuined our dreams every year cos they have gung-ho mentality.nest year is crutial for the championship.go suns ,just do it!just one name on my lips-PHOENIX SUNS!!!!!
Rob - Phoenix
Props to Boris, except for a critical T/O late, he played a great game. Hope we see that from hime ALL next year. This loss falls squarely on Shaq and Nash. Shaq couldn't hit any point blank shots, and was always a step slow on defense. Nash never got into the game and turned it over when they needed every posession. I guess D'Antoni didn't realize that the Suns made their run and took and held the lead with Shaq on the bench. Keep going with what's working! He was totally useless on offense, the Spurs didn't have to double him at all. The guy was way off, but you stubbornly kept him in anyway. Better get it done next season, because I don't see ths team not getting broken up if they falter again. What a disappointing performance. I've been a huge Suns fan for over 20 years, and I'm tired of the excuses and lossses. I'm not going to keep watching this team next season if they play in such a weak and unintelligent fashion.
Patrick - Makati,Philippines
Very disappointing 1st round! And the worst thing there was it's the Spurs again who eliminated us! Anyway, it's not the end of the world for the Suns, just the end of the championship dream this season. I'm damn sure next year would be a great one for all of us. For me the Suns are still the best team in the league. See yah guys next season! We can still get that ring! Go SUNS!!!
don - phoenix
since we're all armchair quarterbacking I might as well join in.
To me it's pretty simple. The suns have always thought they were just one man away from a championship, thinking the nucleus of Nash, stoudemire and marion would be sufficient to take them all the way. Unfortunately the suns are built for the regular season and not the playoffs. Thus the one man away scenario has turned into a false sense of security each year.
Nash's age has caught him and it was very clear his skills are starting to erode. with upcoming guys like chris paul and deron williams the torch has all been passed. He's still one of the top point guards but the suns will not be able to count on him to put the team on his back and carry us during crucial minutes. Look at the 4th quarter of last night's game if you disagree with that statement.
Stoudemire is coming into his prime, but he will NEVER be regarded as one of the best of all time because he refuses to be a complete player. He's got skills that a man of his size just shouldn't have but for some reason he refuses to use them to their potential. I hope he takes this off season seriously and work on his defense (played with feet not your hands) and his rebounding (achieved with heart and desire not skill)
and the rest of the team just didn't have the type of season they were capable of. so each year the suns always have a what if scenario. Three years ago it was what if Joe Johnson would have been at full strength against the spurs? Two years ago it was what if Raja Bell hadn't gotten hurt against the Mavs? And last year it was what if stoudemire and diaw wouldn't have been suspended. This year there are NO what if's and folks are crazy if they throw the 'what if' marion was still here.
That is why addressing the future of this team is simple.
Only 2/3 of the core they invested in is still here, and 1 of the core players is moving into the twilight of his career. the complimentary players aren't getting it done, age is catching up and so now it is time to mov
carl - england
come on suns!!!...we can stil do it....i hav faith in dis team...we wil thrash d spurs nxt year if we wil hav dem agen in d playoffs...stil a suns fan til d end...nash 4 nxt year's mvp
Gary G - Albuquerque
My wife and I became Suns fans by way of witnessing outstanding, exciting, and action-packed basketball! Our Christmas gift to each other was to fly to Phoenix and take in the Suns - Seattle game! How fortunate you are, Phoenix, to have the Suns. Of course, we were disappointed with the outcome, but we're sold on the Suns, win or lose!
Spurs Fan - El Paso
What a shame the Suns lost that way! It was their game to win and honestly, the Spurs didn't beat them, the Suns beat themselves. Can't blame D'antoni for this one either. Even though these 2 teams are very evenly matched, the Suns lose out on the "mental" side. DON'T LOSE THE BALL. Just keeping possession would have produced a Suns victory. Simple as that. With only a 2-point difference, Suns would have scored enough points to win, had they NOT LOST THE BALL. Even though we root for the Evil Empire here in the desert, we still like the Suns a lot and it's a rotten shame they went out that way. Ciao.
Julian - San Antonio
Maybe next year guys, happy trails!
Nikki B - Texas
I'm not a Phoenix Fan, but I am a Nash fan and the Sun's are a great team, your turn will come.
chelley - phoenix
SUNS TOUGH SEASON, BUT THANK YOU ANYWAY!!. LOVE U GUYS, ITS NOT ALWAYS EASY DESPITE WHAT THE FANS AND MEDIA EXPECT. THE ONLY THING THAT MAKES IT FRUSTRATING IS THAT IT WAS AGAINST THE SPURS AGAIN. I PRAYED THE BEST FOR YOU GUYS AND WE STAYED IN IT UNFORTUNETLY AT THE END SOME COSTLY MISTAKES BUT ITS OKAY SUNS. IN THE OFF SEASON I HOPE THAT THIS ORGANIZATION WILL MAKE THE RIGHT MOVES, THE SALARY CAP IS AGONIZING BECAUSE TO ME IT HOLDS US BACK, WE CAN'T GIVE UP THE PLAYERS THAT WE REALLY NEED. I PERSONALLY WOULD LIKE TO SEE MARION COME BACK, I BELIEVE THIS TEAM WOULD BE SO SICK WITH MARION, SHAQ, AMARE AND NASH. SO KEEP YOUR HEADS UP, SOMETIMES WE HAVE TO REALLY HIT ROCK BOTTOM BEFORE WE RIDE UP TO THE TOP. ITS HUMBLING AND IN ALL THE YEARS THAT WE HAVE FALLEN SHORT BARKLEY YEARS AND NASH AND EARLY ON, ITS IS ALRIGHT, WE CAN'T GET TOO DOWN ABOUT THIS. BELIEVE THAT YOU CAN BOUNCE BACK AND CONTINUE.
Pat - Chino Valley
Will never give up on the Suns. We have to take the losses with the wins. This was a tough year for the Suns with the various adjustments. Sometimes I wondered if they would even make the playoffs.
Just hope that Nash and Hill are up to one more year and that the rumors regarding Mike are untrue. Stay healthy during the off season guys and come back fighting next year.
Go Suns! Will always continue to believe!
marc - san antonio
I have respect for the suns and its fans yall are one of the most dedicated fans out there ,,,but you do need to get rid of shaq ,,he isnt helping the team like yall hoped and build around amare ,, find another young center in a few years after shaq is done ...but keep the team like it is ,,u have to realize ur playing a really good team the champs at that ...dont shot ur self in the foot ..if you were playing anybody else u would have won ........100 ....ooo and lets go spurs ...repeat ..this has to be the year
suzette -
If any one that is a true Suns fan would never give up...
Do have question regarding the trade with Shawn Marion. Those 6 to 8 games that we lost would have put us in a better position during the playoffs. Was this a good idea at the time? HMMMMM
Stan - California
This is by far the best Suns team ever. They ran into the World Champs and outplayed them. Games 1,2,& 5 could have gone either way. The Spurs will go on to beat New Orleans, and Lakers alot easier than they beat the Suns. There were alot of bad callls that when against the Suns in this series, (Duncan trips over his own feet and they call Shaq for a foul in game 5) but you have to live with these refs bad calls. Phoenix has the best 3 players at their positions in Shaq, Nash, Amare. No need to panic in the off season, they can come back with same team and win next year. One or Two more years together is what they need to grow. This team deserves another chance to prove how great they can be together. As a Suns fan I never enjoyed watching them more than now.
nba93 - phx
well, theres so many factors you can look at. How much of it were the Suns, how much of it was the staff, how much of it were bad calls last night, the call where the ball clearly bounced of duncans head out of bounds and ref called it against the Suns, and they showed it in slow mo. What about the fact that Grant was not involved at all in this series bad timing for an injury how much would he have helped against parker. What about having a group of guys that were just bench warmers adding nothing to help. Steve is just tired, the man has worked hard for this team despite some turnovers and it caught up with him this season. The fact this team had negativity swarming them from the start with trade issues and tight race in the west. A lot of pressure fell on this team to succeed and they tired out with careless mistakes in the end. We all wanted Shaq to work out and Shaq has done his share, when we don't have the help we need from the role players, mistakes like not making free throws and turnovers are going to hurt us and it did, its not a question of talent because the Suns had enough talent to put San Antonio away. We just need to commit to using good judgement and defense in our minds. Hopefully the off season will bring some talent that will fit the puzzle and that will give us the stamina and some sustenance to stay in.
sunsfan - phx
Nobody knows where the problems lies but we saw so many things that just did not help in the end. We gave our selves a chance when Nash hit the 3 to tie it up, but on top of free throw misses, turnovers and throwing the ball away, none of this helps, we just lost our focus, but it always seemed to occur with the Suns. Steve Kerr has won championship, so has Shaq, but as a GM who knows what it takes, maybe adding some key players and fine tuning the bench would help. I just feel Nash was exhausted, for all the mistakes this team has made, maybe they were exhausted from overworking themselves because there just wasnt enough help from role players.
phxfan - phoenix
Just hate that the Suns could not finish strong. My heart goes out to the players and the coaching staff, as a fan we should know that it can be very difficult when you believe so stongly in a system that ultimately it can come back and kick you. I just feel we never gave ourselves a chance. It is unfortunate again this time, but I like Steve Kerr, hopefully he will figure something out after all he has championships, maybe Steve should coach the Suns. We just make so many bad decisions with trading players that it really hurts our organization. Suns need to keep Nash, Amare, Shaq and get some key players that will consistently help them out when they can't step up. A player like Arenas would help, this salary cap is so frustrating it has hurt us so much.
sam - indy
I have been a suns fan for twenty years. The suns must make changes in the off season. Steve Nash has down in hsi skill level> He makes too many turnovers and is predictable. I would trade Barbosa for Baren Davis and use Steve as a backup. This would give them a much tougher back court
howen - Philippines
I hope that we can bring jose calderon here
B-Boy - KS
For Pete's sake, don't let D'Antoni go, Phoenix. You need him, and you need to work on your defense. If you guys work hard enough on defense, you can beat San Antonio next year (maybe, anyway).
If D'Antoni leaves and/or no progress is made on the defensive end, you will be back to square one....
Do what's best for the team.
carlos - laveen
we want the matrix back, it would have made a big difference on the playoffs
Brett - Tucson
Looks like the Shaq trade didn't get us anywhere this year. Maybe in the offseason the Suns can learn to play better with him in the lineup. Depite their difficulties and the loss of Grant Hill in game 5 the Suns still could have come away with a victory. The out of bounds play where Nash had the ball knocked out of his hands by Bowen was a terrible call but the Suns should not have been in that position with all their late turnovers. Oh well, I guess its do or die next year. The team isn't getting any younger. Thanks for a great year Guys. I look forward to next season.
deb - dallas
Shaq trade is not worth it--hack-a-Shaq worke quite well--could have won if he made his free-throws.. Also look how many dunks he missed even under the basket! Nash, Amare, where were you two?
Looking forward to the pre-season--GO SUNS!!!!!
G ant - Tucson
One or two more years will not make the different
its the chemistry of the team. Player like Joe Johnson, Shawn Marion can attest to. We needed to pulled the trigger on the Kevin Garnett trade image
if you would Shawn,Kevin Bell,Nash Hill. That would have been the team. No matter who comes or go until
Amare understand that a team consist of five player
the Suns will never shine in Phoenix. And many may feel that time together althrough brief is the excuse. Take a look at the tapes understand the game and the stategy any team can take to beat the Suns, force the ball inside to Amare double team
him and win. Its very simple. Good luck Suns I am still a fan. Need help give a call.
Daniel Garcia Jr - Phoenix, Arizona
For the past 4 years, the Suns still can't get it done. The Suns are Championship caliber team and the only thing wrong the team is 1)Defense, 2)Bench, and 3)Depth. D'Antoni is a great coach, don't get me wrong, but he doesn't coach "Defense". The Spurs are a good defensive team and that's why they have 4 NBA Championships. "Defense" wins Championships. Shaq didn't dominate like I thought he would've and Nash didn't play good this year like he used to. To all The Suns Organization, 1)"Defense", 2) Depth, and 3)Improve your bench players. Good luck Next year for the 5th time. Oh yea and I just found it hard to believe the just let game 1, 2, &3 slip. Yea I think Marion was still here it would be different. Imagine the starters be Nash, Amare, O'Neal, Marion, and Bell. If the Suns don't win the Championship nxt yr, I don't think they'll ever win 1. Suns fans can only take so much dissapointing first and second round ousting. I pick the Phoenix Suns again for next year, not to be ousted in the first round, but to FIINNAALLYY win the NBA Title. I hope everybody including the Phoenix Suns organization read this.
bob cruise - macau
Still and will be a PHOENIX SUNS fan forever. Good thing, Suns didn't use the spurs tactics just to bail them out of the playoffs - horry hipchecking Nash. SUNS game is always about exciting, real fun game.
Markeesha - Mississippi
With the draft in June the Suns should get DJ Augustin. He’s a speedy guard that’s got fantastic court vision, passing ability and a shooter’s touch. The guy is clutch, a true backup for Steve. Anyway, its time go with a small forward as the Suns are very much depleted in this area, and I vote for Chris Douglas-Roberts. He’s a 6-7 guard/forward, meaning he can play in a small fast line up or in a big fast line up. A true center, and a young one so that after Shaq gets into foul trouble. Go with Robin Lopez! He already has a good defensive skill set, which is all the Suns really need on what would be a high-powered offense. So after that ridiculous draft day orchestration, the Suns line up looks like this: Steve Nash/DJ Augustin, Raja Bell/Boris Diaw, Chris Douglas-Roberts/Amare Stoudemire, Robin Lopez/Shaq. And that’s SMALL ball for the new-look Suns. They could go big with Augustin (the only small guy on the court), Douglas-Roberts, Bell/Diaw, Stoudemire, Shaq/Lopez. That allows at least 4-5 scorers on the court at the same time. Getting D.J. gives you someone who can run toe to toe with Tony Parker for sure and Chris Paul(maybe cause he's playing at his best). If this happens can we say championship(YES). The Boston who?????
JJ - Houston
That's it...... Thank you everyone for the great but not perfect season. I will treasure the happiness and the tears that the Suns have brought into my life. No matter what happens, Steve Nash is my forever hero. Have a wonderful summer and see you guys in a few months.
Suns - phx
Markeesha, helpful insights. Suns should catch every opportunity available. Maybe Marion would be the difference but how much would Marion want to come back and could the Suns afford him. Keep hearing the window has closed on this team, and it really hasn't. Nash has still got it and its annoying to keep hearing negative things about him, he has brought a lot to this franchise just like Barkley, championship or no championship. We need to give this team a full season of playing with each other before we go judging on anything. Its unfortunate that the season is over now because we could not clamp down enough in some areas. It is apparent that we gave up the athletism when we lost Marion, but we also gained a little more muscle with O'neal, and I think its clearly obvious that something else needed to go with that, a combination of Marion and O'neal would benefit this team more than we realize.
Dylan - Massachusetts
Too bad the SUNS lost to the Spurs . Next year will be the year . Steve Nash , Amare Stoudemire,Grant Hill , Shaquille O Neal, Raja bell , Boris Diaw , have a good Summer!
PHOENIX SUNS ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!
joseph - peoria,az
If stat plays the way he has along side shaq theres no doubt in my mind he will be M.V.P next season.. As far as the team is concerned we need to get rid of some dead weight..ex, boris diaw, leandro barbosa their the only players on our team with value.. i thought last year we should have moved up in the draft via trade. to get a new point guard for the future.. Steve is great and all but lets be honest he has tired in the playoffs the last few years... this year against the spurs he was a no show!!!i guess that can lead back to coach.. but at what point can we get it in coaches head to play the bench more.. let our best players rest and give the bench some late game minutes to see what they can do.. tucker and strawberry are worth more minutes.. plus all the money management is paying shaq and we still couldnt get past the spurs.. you have to ask yourself what difference would it had made if marion stuck around?? maybe tony parker is shut down and cant get to the rim so often.. Now its time to break down and rebuild.. stats not gonna be young forever...
brian - manila
i think suns should get 1 more veteran offensive player and they should practice their defense more. im really a die hard fan, i just hope they can win their title before steve nash retires.
Dylan - Massachusetts
THATS IT! I had it with the San Antonio Spurs and the Boston Celtics . If you sign Kobe Bryant from the LA Lakers , Jason Kidd from the Dallas Mavericks , Deron Willams from the Utah Jazz , Brandon Roy from the Portland Trailblazers, Kevin Durant from the Seattle SuperSonics and Chris Paul from the New Orleans Hornets Thats good .
Nash, Stoudemire, Hill, O Neal, Bell, Diaw, Marks, Strawberry, Tucker ,Skinner, all the teams that are out even Phoenix and good luck to the teams that are still in the playoffs[execpt spurs and celtics] .
PHOENIX SUNS ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!
Sean - Denver-Colorado
The suns did great this season. Yes, we lost on a couple of crucial plays including a fluke out of bounds pass in the closing minute and Tim duncan tripping over himself?! ahh this happens about every year. But thats not the point! A true fan will realize that the suns skill and ability far outwiegh the Spurs. While watching the final game of the series it was obvious that there is a lot of execution in the offense that they need to adjust. Next year after som fine tuning in the offense this team is the team to beat! Keep D'antoni Nash, Amarie, and shaq together. THe suns will be keeping it hot next year!!!
Suns - phoenix
SHAWN MARION RECONSIDER, ELTON BRAND, GILBERT ARENAS ARE NAMES THE SUNS NEED TO CONSIDER.
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我是一位中国球迷 支持太阳队有4年了 这4年我亲眼见证了太阳队的风雨历程 和纳什的经典岁月 虽然太阳队一直未能突破西区决赛 但是我们中国球迷永远支持你们 永远爱你们 你们永远都是我们心目中最好的 一直都是 不会改变 祝愿太阳能走得更远 祝愿纳什 但是无论怎么样 不管怎么样 太阳永远是最棒的 I love suns I love nash 以后的时间里 我们都会用信念 和灵魂一起为太阳加油 希望你们永远都不要放弃 希望就在前方 擦干脸庞的泪水 看看前面 那就是奥布莱恩杯啊 加油 加油 别放弃 你们是最棒的 我们爱太阳 我们中国有太多的太阳球迷 希望你们能感受到中国球迷对你们的支持 对你们的呐喊 你们永远都要记得 中国有数千万的球迷一直陪着你们往前走 什么都不用怕 一直往前走 别放弃 太阳是最棒的 是我们永远的NO.1 I love suns I love suns I love suns I love suns I love suns I love suns I love suns I love suns I love suns I love suns I love suns I love suns
Fan - Arizona
I am sooo disappointed with the way the season ended.....to see them come this far and loose like that was a really sad. I feel that the Sun's as a whole made so many mistakes, but the one with the most to blame for at least 2 game looses, the first game against the Spurs and this last game was Nash...I am sorry for all you Nash fans, but come on he had no game,he was not there, he did not step up when it was the time to shine, he plopped....and Amarie???? what happened the whole season driving the ball in and most plays were 3 pointers, the shot and 1...where was this play when we needed it the most???? I thought for sure after they won the Spurs in the season in their next game they would come out with fire, but there was no heart...I can't believe they were eliminated like that. They played better throughtout the season than in the finals.
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