Suns Lose to Spurs (at Home)... Time for a Change?
Last night's Suns/Spurs game was pretty enjoyable for about 3 1/2 quarters of play. Phoenix played well enough to lead almost the entire game, but their weaknesses were highlighted in the last few minutes by a less than perfect San Antonio team. Missing guard Tony Parker didn't matter either... the Spurs harassed Steve Nash and forced two late turnovers on exchanges between he and Amare Stoudemire.
This was supposed to be a statement game for Phoenix... revenge for last year's cheapshot outing in last year's playoffs... winning on their homecourt against arguably their top rival... showing they belong among the NBA's elite when talking about winning a championship.
I can't say that last night's game erases all hope for a championship, but give me a break... if you can't beat the Spurs without Tony Parker, who usually slices & dices your defense, when can you beat them? True, Grant Hill, Leandro Barbosa and Raja Bell all had poor games - Stoudemire's stat sheet doesn't jump out at you either. But you cannot lose at home, in a game you should've won.
The Suns are still in position to grab homecourt advantage in the playoffs, but the competition is heavy and seemingly getting better every day. With the Lakers acquisition of Pau Gasol today for chump change, I honestly don't even see Phoenix getting past them in the playoffs (if they meet). If Jason Kidd ends up in Dallas, as is rumored, they will also be on par (or better) than the Suns as well.
Is it time to consider breaking up the nucleus and bringing in another big man? Are there any available that can stay healthy throughout the rest of the regular season and playoffs?
What do you think is wrong w/ the Suns? (please, leave a comment)