Matchup Preview - Phoenix Suns @ Miami Heat - 3/25/05
Phoenix Suns @ Miami Heat, 3/25/05
Could tonight's Suns - Heat matchup be a preview of this year's NBA Finals? Everyone has penciled Miami in the finals already, but many are weary of Phoenix's chances. Despite the league's best record with about 1 month remaining, many are commenting that they won't be suprised if the Suns get bounced by on the other Western Conference teams (including Charles Barkley, former Sun).
Most analysts believe that a combination of the Suns off/on defense and heavy reliance on starter scoring will lead to their demise in a half-court, playoff style atmosphere. At various points in the season, the Suns have shown these vulnerabilities, such as when Steve Nash went out for a few games and when either Amare Stoudemire or Shawn Marion gets in early foul trouble.
Miami, on the other hand, is the darling of the NBA right now after their second double-digit winning streak of the year earlier this week. Shaq is now the favoritie for league MVP with Garnett and Steve Nash a distant second and third, respectively.
Tonight's game marks the second matchup of the year, with the first coming in a Phoenix blowout, 122-107, where they ran the Heat up & down America West Arena. Look for the Heat to be aggresive on offense in an attempt to get Amare Stoudemire in foul trouble; if that happens, Miami will win the game. If Amare can stay in the entire game, the Suns should have a legitimate shot to repeat the earlier meeting and come out victorious.
Keys to the game:
- Keep Amare Stoudemire out of foul trouble.
- Play defense for 48 minutes.
- Shoot the 3 well.