Suns Evade Clippers for Game 1 Win
Steve Nash was presented with the league's MVP trophy before the game, and afterwards looked like he deserved it (again). Nash finished with 31 points and 12 assists in the Suns 130-123 victory over the other LA team. Elton Brand led the Clippers with 40 points on 18-22 shooting, but he didn't score much in the 4th quarter and Phoenix took advantage.
The Suns got a solid performance from everyone, as six players reached double figures. Raja Bell finished with 22 points, Shawn Marion had 20 points & 15 boards, Boris Diaw had 19, 5, 5, Leandro Barbosa finished with 17 and Tim Thomas added 12. Barbosa followed up Game 7's victory over the Lakers with another solid performance off the bench.
I think the Clippers were expecting the Suns to be a little more tired after winning Game 7 against the Lakers less than 48 hrs earlier, but that wasn't the case. Phoenix jumped to an early lead and led for most of the 1st half until the Clippers put on a run and led by 5 at halftime. LA shot a better FG% than Phoenix, but the Suns were 24-25 from the charity stripe. The Suns also made 12 3-pointers, compared to just 4 for the Clippers.
The Suns will probably be a little sluggish in Game 2, but they need to keep pressing the ball and forcing the tempo of the game. Expect another big game from Elton Brand and the other LA big men.
On another note...
What the hell happened to Kobe Bryant and the Lakers in Game 7? After leading the series 3-1, they basically gave up in Game 7 and Phoenix advanced. The thing that bothered me the most was Kobe's performance in the second half. What, 3 shots in the entire half when you're team is down by double figures? Unless he's trying to show he's a team player and get his team believing in that for next year, he really blew it. Considering that Raja Bell returned from his Game 6 suspension, it's puzzling as to why Kobe did not show him who's boss.
My prediction... Phoenix wins Game 2 at home over the Clippers, 107-97.