Posted By: Steve Kerr
April 17, 2008 1:45 PM

The Suns need to maintain a poised aggression throughout the playoff series with the Spurs. (NBAE Photos)

1. Contain the penetration of Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. In our win on April 9th in San Antonio, Parker went nuts in the first half, but we cut off his drives to the basket in the second half, which allowed us to take control of the game. Ginobili suffered through a poor shooting night, which we won't be able to count on - he'll make a lot of shots in this series. But by denying the easy baskets to those two, we can make it tough for the Spurs to score. Keeping them out of the lane is priority number one, in my mind.
2. Make Tim Duncan work for his points. We're much better equipped to do so now that we have Shaquille O'Neal. Shaq can cover Tim one on one, which means we don't have to send double team help. If Shaq can force Duncan into some low percentage jump shots, we can live with the fact that he'll probably score 20 points per game. We just can't allow Duncan to have those 10-15 shooting nights. When the Spurs shoot a high percentage, they have time to get back and set up their half court defense, which is their strength.
   
   Of course, Shaq won't always be on Duncan. Amare will cover Tim some too, which leads me to my next key....
3. Keep Amare out of foul trouble. Amare has to be smart, especially once he picks up a foul or two. Mike D'Antoni will rotate Amare and Shaq onto Duncan, and if Amare can stay on the floor and out of foul difficulty, we'll be in pretty good shape. As with every team we play, Amare is a matchup nightmare, so the more he's on the floor the better.
   
4. Bench play. In last year's playoff series with the Spurs, Boris and Leandro were not very productive. The Spurs did a good job of controlling both of them. I think it's important for them - and for Gordon Giricek - to play aggressively and give our team a boost. Boris' aggressiveness in recent weeks has been fantastic. He can play a huge role for us in this series.
5. Stay poised. The Spurs are tough. Bruce Bowen will harass Steve Nash the entire series and try to frustrate everyone. We have to fight and compete, but without losing control of our emotions. It's imperative to play through any adversity, remain confident and maintain a poised aggression throughout.

Comments

Nate - Peoria
Steve,

I think you are right on. This will be the series of playoffs. It could be possibly the most anticipated first round match up ever. All because of the things you mentioned about this conference. Suns in 6!! Go Suns!!

Antoinette Silago - Phoenix, AZ
Go Suns, Beat Spurs!! You guys can do it!! We believe in you... We love ya!!

Hayden (aka Jester32) - Phoenix
Lets have the Spurs be the ones with revenge on their mind next season. STEAM ROLL THEM.

new suns fan - ny, ny
steve, I am basketball afficonado.

Like many my age i was drawn to the sport in the Jordan years, and thus have followed your career closely as well. When you made the shaq move, while others were ready to pan...I got excited. And I am now a converted suns fan (I just bought a t-shirt to get ready for the playoffs). What many under estimate about Shaq is his desire to win. He is aging and has physical ailments, but when he is motivated he is quite an asset. Being on a great team with great players is definitely motivational. I can't wait to see how you do in the playoffs...and yes the suns are due. I never really did love the run and gun style of the suns because it just seemed like a track meet on the basketball court. But now the combo of half court and run and gun makes for really interesting basketball. Good luck to you.

Andre - Gilbert
GO SUNS

Ian Uy - Philippines(Cebu)
hey Steve.. i like your 5 key to success on how to beat the spurs and I'm looking forward on what so called beating the spurs.. I've been a suns fans since nash has rejoin the suns..hope the suns will win it all and hopefully this year championship 2008...God Bless SUNS and to you Steve!!! By the way Steve hopefully we could see playing time for Tucker and Strawberry this playoffs? i think they are also well prepared in the playoffs so that they could be an X factor?

Vincent Tang - Phoenix, AZ
Road schedule for the Suns:

1. Demolish San Antonio for their early first round loss.

2. Stop next door and beat the Mavs after they get stung but survive the hornets.

3. Take Shaq back to the West Coast and have Shaq pound L.A. into doubt about them releasing him even after they feel good about themselves beating Denver and Utah/Houston.

4. Fly to Boston and deliver a championship blow to another heavily favorited Boston sports team with incredible pre/in/post season hype.

5. Come home to the Valley of the Sun and celebrate first NBA Championship in style with a heavily relieved Steve Kerr recieving praise.

WARNING!!!

DO NOT MAKE ANY DETOURS OR RUN INTO ANY ROADBLOCKS!!!

Otherwise Steve Kerr's job might be in jeopardy and Suns fans with live with another year of what-ifs.

Arik C - N.C.
Just wanted to agree with Hwat You said, and state the fact that we are the best team in the NBA when the Suns play at their best.

Steve - Phoenix
All Great points Steve! Let's stay focused and healthy and I see no reason why we can do what we have been waiting for here in 40 years. I wish the series started tonight! Of course if Grant is able to go. But on Sat. I can wait to here the words:

Begin Transmission....

junior - phonix,Az
This is true I agree with kerr.Try to put Shaq on Duncan most of the time but try to keep Shaq out of foul trouble.Another thing is SUNS!!! it dont matter if you guys play a slow way and wait for Shaq because the Spurs are a slow team so it doesnt matter. And last but not least Suns dont get to khaki if go guys are up by 10+ try to some focus ...Go Suns

Nick - BLR
GO SUNS! You`re best ^_^

diego - arizona
go sunssss

i love suns

suns are the best

michael - england
if anyone knows about spurs offence its you so were lucky this year we have you to keep the suns informed and motivated. I believe that this is the year

nba90s - phx
Well, we have struggled for the past few years trying to get past this team, SA is that good. The feeling going into this series is a lot better than before. Now, just because we have the season series does not mean we will take the playoff series. It does mean that we have some size that should really payoff. So my theory is, Suns and fans should not go into this series assuming, we won't really know until after the first game in San Antonio and if we can get 1 or 2 games but then we must also be able to play well on our court to. Bottom line is the feeling is good about our chances. Each player should know their roles and be prepared.

hector santana - tampa fl
I have followed Shaq's career since he was drafted by the next door Magic. He is the most underrated and underapreciated big man in NBA history. Wilt, Kareem and Russell played on eras where most of their fellow centers were not as tall and athletic as they are now. Shaq had to take a beating by two or three guys every night during his 16 year career. He made Magic, Lakers, Heat and now Suns players much better with his awesome passing ability. Talk about the best center in the history of the NBA, the conversation starts with Superman. And Suns fans, prepare to celebrate because Shaq needs a ring for his thumb and his 27.0 playoff average will prove me right. Nobody steps up to the plate during playoff time like the man of steel. Playoff time is Shaq time!!! And Steve, when the Suns win the NBA championship. I need a plane ticket to Phoenix to celebrate with all of you. This trade is going to make you look like Einstein. Go Suns!

EDI ELIZABETH - PHX,AZ
suns are going to beat the spurs by 15 and that it.

jzzrock - Vancouver, Canada
I'm an avid fans of SUNS. In addition of Shaq it's now more credible that the team could win the championship. I would like to see my hometown hero Steve Nash to have an NBA ring this year. Let's rock it SUNS!!!

EDI ELIZABETH - PHX,AZ
RAJA BELL AND STEVE NASH ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

john - los angeles
the phoenix suns are absolutely tougher than last year, so they can absolutely beat the spurs

suns will win it all!

PS.

I am truly a Suns fan even though i live here in LA. don't worry :)

teddy - Lasvegas
go suns let's take care some bussines. i've been a suns fans since long time guy's let's make it happen.

claudia - arizona
I love you guys!!! My daughter and I love the way you play, there's no other team like you, you are THE BEST!!!

GO SUNS!!! you can do it!!!!

Bobby - Los Angeles
Make SPURS realize that they are dirty team and they dont deserve to pass 1st round. We should sweep them and make 'em pay on what they did to us last season.

Go Suns...

coach_jap - philippines (baguio city)
Go Suns.... Eliminate the dirty Spurs...

AC -
GO SUNS! GO!

Mickey Montamoore - Utah
I wish the best of luck to both of the teams, and I highly anticipate an electrifying game seven.

Although I am a fan of many sports clubs, I highly favor the Suns, and the Spurs.

GO SUNS GO! GO SPURS GO!

~Mickey Montamoore

Greg - Phoenix
Go Suns and here's one thought against the Spurs - Leandro has been matching up well on Tony P and Raja always hassles Manu - what about changing things up on the Spurs and starting Leandro and bringing Raja off the bench to hassle Manu every second he's on the floor! Go Suns.

ayumea - philippines
go suns....

u will win this series.....

goodluck...

Matt - New York
steve i like ur 5 keys to beating the spurs im a suns fan n i do think the suns will slaugter the spurs due to their confindence n motivation this year GO PHOENIX!

Steve - Ottawa, Ont
I have to say I think Shaq's play will tell everyone if they have what it takes to finally beat the spurs when it counts....

luis - mesa
this is our year!it's time to put the past behind us regarding san antonio and send them home early from the post season. go suns!!!!!!!!!

Sean Siqueira - Rio de Janeiro
Poise, desire, anger, focus, concentration, motivation, teamwork and effort. Only if the Suns keep their will and all these elements during all the games, they will really win the championship. Actually I do not see the killer instinct in any Suns player. When it is time to the great come and command the game, the Suns disappear.

If you change the players mentality and make them fight for it all the game, play by play, every game, then you will get it and be the champion. If they keep expecting the other to make the points or the defense, then no one will make the basket and you will lose again the chance.

Desire for the ring, fight for every ball possession, every point, every mistake of the opposite team... One point you let the other team make can be the difference at the end. Focus and desire.

Go Suns!

Jake - Arizona
Despite the Spurs being one of the best teams in the western conference, i couldnt happier to play them in the first round. With Shaq we match up verse the Spurs better than any powerhouse team in the West, imagine how much of a confidence booster its going to be for the Suns if we take out our rivals in the first round

GO SUNS

Dan Nguyen - New York
Eventhough I'm in NY, but Im always the biggest fan of Phoenix Suns... Last year was the year of us, as we know SA Spurs is #1 dirty team, everyone knows it, no question about it... Suns players please stay calm and confident this year, to beat that son of a (beep), and that stuck up Kobe Bryant ... Like Shaq said "Sun will shy in Phoenix", if S-man say sit, It will be it... 1 2 3 Let's go Phoenixxxxxxx......

clyde - philippines
Go suns! you can do it! we believe on your team. just think positive and presence of mind. you will win it. dont forget the teamwork and heart to win the game. just do your best and you will take the rest!

trelen snorton - madisonville kentucky
i think your are right if the suns can do just what u said they have a very good chance of wining the first round and so on so goooooo!!!!! sun!!!! got steve nash thats my favorite player go nash go suns i hope yall will i'll be watching!

Adrian Abrahams - Belize
Well in order for the suns to win, they have to balance the offensive attack, go to Amare and Shaq now and again, then settle for jumpshots if both amare and Shaq are on the floor( This will give us a chance for offensive rebounds). Just keep Tony parker and Manu ginobili out of the paint and we'll be fine. Also, Grant Hill. Everybody talks about shaq's presence, but lets not forget that now since Shawn Marion is gone its going top be Grant's job to guard tony parker. Grant Hill needs to be aggressive defensively and consistent offensively.Leandro Barbosa and Boris Diaw needs to be productive off the bench. Also Raja Bell Should guard Manu Ginobili. Of course, Steve nash will do what he does best: Make Plays and hit big-time shots when needed. Lets get over the hump and send the spurs to an early summer vacation!!!!!!! GO SUNS!!!!!!!!!!!

bob - gilbert,az
go suns! you're the best team.

Marina Stever - Mesa, Az
this is exactly what we need to do! BOO the SPURS!

SUNS R #1 SUNS 4 EVER!!! YEA!!!!!

Steve B. - Macon, Georgia
Another key is watching Bruce Bowen and keep an eye on his dirty plays

Dave - Bella Vista ,Arkansas
Used to live in Phoenix,Suns Fan since 68.T6th Key is Keeping our emotions focused on the Game not the Refs. Go Suns Its time

Mariam - Michigan
The Suns Are Going To Win This First Round and Hopefully All Other Rounds. They Will Play Hard To Get The Champion And They Deserve It. Go Steve Nashhhhhhhhhhh!!!!! Your The Best In The West.

joseph - philippines
Go suns GO!!!

Let's beat them all and be the CHaMps...

GOD BLESS YOU ALL...SUNS team

Jennifer - San Antonio
Living in SA is no picnic when you're a HUGE SUNS FAN!!! I know our boys will take care of those dirty Spurs!! With an AZ boy like you helping them out Steve how could they lose!? You know how Pop thinks! Nash is going to rock SA to its core!! GO SUNS GO!!! Can't wait to wave my purple and orange all over the town!!

ice - phillippines
melt the spurs....

Go Suns..

Total Definition of Big Three is...

NASH,,,AMARE,, and SHAQ..

Good Luck

Keith - Baltimore, MD
Steve....if there is anyone who knows the Spurs inside and out, it'd be you! I totally agree with your 5 points, and now we just have to hope the Suns lock it in their brain and take it to the hardwood Saturday. I feel that we will be fine with the inside guys that we have to battle theirs. Thats Amare, Shaq, Skinner and Diaw vs. Duncan, Oberto, Thomas & Bonner. We got this! GO SUNS!!!

Bartolome - albuquerque
#1:We need defensive rebounds and try to limit San Antonio to one shot.

#2: The goal is to win one game at San Antonio. Even if we loose the first game, we need to get our cool.

#3: If Leandor and Boris can each average at least 15 points per game, we'll win the series.

Hey, I like Vincent T. attitude, keep the dream alive!

Drew - Australia
How about a DJ and Nash back court at times. I don't know if DJ has had any time against Parker or if he was beaten, but it would help conserve Nash if he could have help bring the ball up when Bowen is all over him. Of course, Nash would still guard Bowen, and Giri or Hill or Bell would shift to SG on D. But this idea would also set up well for the next round or 2 if we get NOH or Jazz as we may need another option to slow down those 2 teams PG.

Kristian - Sydney, Australia
Nice pointers Steve, if we can do all this and have a productive first series we'll defiantly blow the other contenders away. PHX-08

J. Garcia - Glendale
Steve

That was an excellent 5 keys. Though I've learned through the years not to underestimate the Spurs, I really believe that this could be the shortest series in the Western Conference's first round. Having Shaq will pay dividends, not only because he could slow down Timmy's production with his one-on-one defense, but a lot of SA's outside threats will be voided because our defenders can stay stationed on their assignments without worrying about collapsing on Duncan.

I feel extremely confident about our chances this year. With the exception of Nash (sorry CanJe, I still love you dawg), our defense is improved all the way around. Hill (get healthy!) has the length and the basketball IQ to handle Mr. Longoria, and Raja can hound Manu. All you have to do is not leave Bruiser Bowen and his offense completely disappears.

The main thing is the Suns have to focus and stay diciplined. We have a bad habit of not showing up with intensity every once in awhile, and this is not the team to do that against. When we come out with that fire in our eyes, we can beat ANYBODY.

Phoenix Suns- NBA Championshions of 2008!

Andy - Manila, Philippines
Hi. Brothers and Sisters in Jesus Christ. Mr. Steve Kerr you're right. I hope all of you will READ THIS. SHAQ, this is the time that you will prove to everyone that you are one of the best players in NBA history because you gave title to LAL, MIA and I know you can also do it to PHX. Game 1 is really important. Ask GOD's help, PRAY. Spurs are a good team but you can be BETTER. HARD-WORK, MOTIVATION and PRAYER. "YOUR EYEZ is on the PRIZE." Amare, Steve and the rest of the Suns. Let's go, come on! Bring it on! Give your best shot. GO SUNS. Thanks. God bless.

jon - phils
shaq presence in the middle will spell the difference in this match up with the spurs.

(i pressumed) shaq has always dominated tim in their playoff meetings. stat will we free to dominate the space provided to him by shaq. all shooters will shoot the lights out in san antonio.

this is the time that the suns will rise in pheonix

gigs - philippines (gapan city n.e)
go suns!!!!!

now this is the time that suns can defeat spurs in a postseason with shaq presence!

if suns defeat spurs in a first round,suns can go all the way to the finals!

go nash me and my friends here in philippines support suns!

John S. - Surprise AZ
Suns are a better team than the Spurs this year, they were probably equal last season. In all sports however, being the best doesn't mean an automatic win. There are factors, such as, determination, motivation, heart, injuries, breaks, and the lack of them. No one can guarantee victory, (except maybe Joe Namath), it doesn't work that way. Personally, all I ask of my team (Suns) this playoffs is play to the level of it's talent. Play with passion and heart, every minute of every game. GET IT DONE!!!!

ahmed - arizona
GO SUNS!

THIS IS OUR YEAR!IM FEELING IT!!

GO SUNS!-BEAT THE SPURS!!

GOODLUCK AND GODBLESS!

GO SUNS!

david - Nyack,NY
Thank you suns team for a NBA championship ring Finger size 1976, been a fan of yours since 1976# go team

Len - Taipei Taiwan
Phoenix Suns are hot in Taiwan. Go Suns!

aris cristobal - philippines (quezon city)
i became a suns fan since steve nash return to phoenix. i was amaze how he turn the suns to a legitimate contender and was so happy he won 2 mvp. i believe he deserve to win at least 1 nba championship.. may this be the first year!!!

i can't wait for us to beat the Spurs, the Jazz, the Lakers (too happy to beat them) and the great Boston Celtics...

Go SUNS... GOD bless

Mark Lugtu - Philippines
I know that u can do it suns!

in behalf of all the fans in the philippines,, we support you..

go Steve Nash!

win the CHAMPIONSHIP!

MABUHAY!

michael - P-town
Phoenix in 6, tables have turned my friends

Danny - New York
Im a huge fan of the SUNS since i been watching basketball which really start when steve came on to the team now that amare is beastin n shaq is doing a great job on the boards this looks like a destined championship team.Also all what you have said is true and is what i also believe has to be done in order to defeat a team like the spurs.Go SUNS!!!!!!!You the Best!!!!!!!!!

Rick - PHX
lets do it suns, this is our year...keep your heads on straight and dominate your assignments, steve and coach D get it done!

Geo - San Antonio
Spurs are in play off mode watch out!! how ever My kids (6,8 & 9yr old) are big nash fans!! We are going to have a great family time watching this most exciting series.. good luck!!

aris cristobal - philippines (quezon city)
i became a suns fan since steve nash return to phoenix. i was amaze how he turn the suns to a legitimate contender and was so happy he won 2 mvp.

i believe he deserve to win at least 1 nba championship. may this be the first year!!!

i can't wait for us to beat the Spurs, the Mavs, the Lakers (too happy to beat Kobe Bryant) and the great Boston Celtics.

Go SUNS. GOD bless..

Richard - San Antonio
It is easier said than done. Spurs are the heavyweight champs. Since Tim Duncan era, Suns have never beat Spurs.

Eric - Hunsvillle
Well you have it right on with what you said.Perfet post

Megan F - Tempe, Arizona
I believe that this year is our year! I am a 26 year old native and have followed the Suns for my whole life! IT'S OUR TIME! I feel a different kind of confidence this season. In the past, Marion has been weak and unreliable in the playoffs. Shaq brings playoff experience and extreme toughness to our team which is what we were lacking in the past. With Boris, Barbosa and Giricek playing amazing right now, our team has so much depth. IT'S OUR TIME! Don't let anyone else tell you anything different suns fans! GO SUNS!!!

paul - Cebu Philippines
WOw Phoenix and Spurs in the 1st round. Truly be the next anticipated match in playoff history. Go SUNS!!!Good luck and get the championship.

kevin - globe
ABSOLUTELY!!!! we are about due. the suns is going to rise. GOOOOOOO SUUNNNNNNSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!

Harvey Managbanag - Philippines(Cebu)
YOur dead on to your 5 keys, esp the last one wherein you keep your poise, i think the suspension of amare and boris in last years playoff series against the spurs was the turning point of the series, they have a very high chance of winning that series had it not been for the 1-game suspension. Lets Give them one hell of a fight this year!

DP19 - Tucson, AZ
Suns WILL WIN it ALLl!!!!!!! GO SUNS!!!!

Shari - Navajo Nation
Defense wins ballgames. we love our Suns!

Al - bakersfield
Suns will win in 5 or 6 if the spurs get lucky and cheat there way to some wins like ussual,because I honestly believe the suns are too good for the spurs.

Al - bakersfield
Suns will win in 5 or 6 if the spurs get lucky and cheat there way to some wins like ussual,because I honestly believe the suns are too good for the spurs.

theloyalist - Hong Kong
keep up the momentum suns.

you guys are all great indeed, no doubt at all. i cant see any other teams got such competitiveness and strength. thx to all the members at suns and the world believe in you.

this is our year. AND SO DO THE FUTURE.

density - philippines,
beat the most genius playoff contender,we can make it...BEAT SPURS!!!

tri_edge - Phil.
go SUNS GO!!!

Jacob - Mesa
Steve you have really turned this team around they have 2 styles of play now, the run and gun and halfcourt. It's deadly, teams have to play both offenses and the Spurs can't they are just a halfcourt team on offense and defense. These 5 keys i think will work, good job Steve.

Madz Victor - Manila, Philippines
Dear Mr. Kerr,

Just a suggestion... please dont just use the defense ability of Shaq against Duncan. Shaq's low post expertise will be very big factor to make this series short (4-0 sweep in favor of Suns). Playoffs is Shaq's fave play.

Go SUNS! The Basketball fans all over the world, especially here in Manila, Philippines, do believe that the SUNS will rise in San Antonio on April 27 (Game 4), as I do believe that you can sweep them away!

Gerry T. Gatus - Chandler Arizona (Originally from the Philippines)
God Bless Phoenix Suns.....

Wish all the Best this Postseason!!!!

Beat the Spurs........Go all the way....

akim gonwon - philippines
go suns.....

Make SPURS realize that they are dirty team...

you will win this series....

gud luck to all of you

especially with my favor. shaq... ^_^

David - San Antonio
im a spurs fan and all because im from SA but the spurs arnt a dirty team (idk why everyone says they are)but when ever they play nice no one whats to watch them cause they are not exciting enough but when the incident from last post season happened (all apologies to Steve Nash) everyone said that they are the bad guys..... so im not trying to start any thing but thats SA's point of view ...but if you guys knock us out then im for the suns the rest of the way...... so may the best team win

GO SPURS!!!! GO SUNS!!!!!!

-
common this is the time

this is our championship year

this teams is the one weve been waiting for

the suns will rise!

jonathan higgins - memphis,tn
yea if we can keep amare out of foul trouble we'll be great.in lately shaqs freethrow per. is looking very good.so the hack a shaq hopefully will be inaffective and shaq will make the easy points. and we also need for boris to be aggressive instead of looking to pass look to score.no one has really paid attention to raja free throw per. he's great from the line if he can be able to drive and get the foul.and be able to shoot from behinde the arc we'll beat em.noW my favorte player STEVE NASH if he can come out shooting and get assist and get us to a nice lead we can keep him on the bench and keep him fresh. and when NASH goes to the bench will need for barbosa to do good to be able to keep NASH on the bench barbosa mite not can stop parker all the time but parker cant stop barbosa at all.....GO PHX THE 2007-08 CHAMPS

Atrexl - Xi'an,China
Go suns!

With O'Neal inside,i'm convinced the suns will beat down the Spurs!!!

Go,Steve!

Go,Amare!

Go,Grant Hill!

...

...

Vinny - Lake Buena Vista - FL
Well I'm with you Steve, I think you are right on the 5 keys to beating the spurs. I really like our chances at this time around. You made a great point about the Bench play. Boris Diaw and Leandro Barbosa had a great second half in last game against the spurs especially Diaw, I've been impressed by the way he has been playing lately with confidence, aggressiness and thoughness. Shaq will also rise to the occasion. Expect the DISEL to come up Big on this playoff series. GO SUNS!!!

Ben - Phoenix via San Diego
I'm so happy that we got this match up...Shaq is healthy and we've proven we can beat them. Last year , without Stu Jacksons ruling, we had them beat. They know they got a break last year with that ruling and are scared now that we have Shaq.

Redemption is nearly ours guys, go out there and take what is rightfully yours!

Paul - Oregon
Suns in 4... Shaq is hungry and motivated as ever, along with Amare and the rest of the team for that matter. They seem to have an aggravating chip on their shoulder but more importantly I feel that they truly

b e l i e v e... It's a fight between the two veteren goliaths for that 5th ring. It's Amares emergance as a true respectable superstar as he should already be considered. Bowen... Dirty... Get ready for an exciting matchup people...

Andrei - Philippines
Go Phx SUNS!!!!!!!!!!

Good luck!!!!!!!!

Stay cool and great, GOD bless all of you. ",)

CESAR GALVAN - EL TORO CALIFORNIA
THE SUNS WITH SHAQUILLE O'NEAL WILL WIN IT ALL!!!!!I'VE WATCHED SHAQUILLE SINCE '93 AND HE'S NEVER LET ME DOWN!!!!!PHOENIX SUNS 2008 NBA CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!!!LONG LIVE SHAQ DIESEL!!!!!

Raul nido - Tempe, AZ
I have been a huge suns fan since the late 80's and im only 24. I tell you what, this is the year for the suns. I love the fact that we get to see the spurs, i hate the spurs!!!!!!!!!! #1 key to the suns winning the series, keep Amare out of foul trouble......... GO SUNS!!!!!!!!!!!!GO SUNS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rash - Philippines
Shaq has a heart of a true champion.

GO SUN'S IT'S TIME TO BE THE BEST AMONG THE REST.

WIN IT ALL... (2008 NBA CHAMPION)... MORE POWER!

Suns Fan -
Go Suns!!!

You can do it!!

Raul nido - Tempe, AZ
GO SUNS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Peter -
We've waited long enough (40 years) I can see it the stars when I look up at night, I have a strong inclination that this is our year to shine and bring home our first championship ring in our mature history. Come on Shaq, Stoudafire, and Nash let's take it to these pesky spurs and give em what they deserve for ruining our fun last year!!!!

let's take this 1 win at a time Suns don't try to get ahead of yourselves you don't want to put any unneeded pressure on yourself!

Go SUNS!!!!!!!!

John Michael Tejano - Philippines
Am an avid avid fan of the Phoenix suns since the start.. Wish you all the luck! and Bring it On! win the race!

Mannix Melencion - Paranaque City, Philippines
I agree with Mr. Kerr that its their time, the Suns got robbed last year because of a technicality... Anyway, I wish them luck and I hope they go all the way to the finals! Just be careful and control your emotions, the Spurs play dirty sometimes so be ready for that guys! Go Suns! Let the Big Cactus show the way!

BENJAMIN - Portland, OR
I've followed this team for 17 years (of my 28 total) across four states with many beautiful wins and several heartbreaking losses. The Suns are my "fountain of youth" because I turn into that 13-year-old kid every year at this time. I'm ready. I know you are too. LETS DO IT! Do work.

PS - Thanks, Mr. Steve, for Shaq.

Josep Maria - Manresa , Spain
GO my loved suns! As it happens every spring, between april and june, this year I will not sleep watching how the suns win and advance in the 2008 NBA Playoffs! We CAN BEAT SPURS!

Obevan - NJ
Steve,



I like the 5th point more than anything else when things go tough they will have to play grind out games and keep their head high. In previous years i used to see steve nash and raja bell doing it. This year I am hoping they will get more help.

Resa Doodoh - Jakarta, Indonesia
I'm with you, Steve... I believe everybody in this team, on or off court are doing the best they can... As a SUNS Fan from Indonesia, I could only give a support and cheer... and hope the SUNS will achieve the NBA championship title this season...I surely do...

O and...

Would somebody please upset Shaq... coz he can do certain thing like winning a championship when he's upset... And yes... the Suns will rise in Phoenix... hehehe...;)

Anyhow...No matter what will happen, i'll always support this team...GO SUNS...!!!

Mutlu Keskin - Turkey
there is one key to beat the spurs.SHAQUILLE O'NEAL.When he makes this stats 15-20 pts and 13-16 r we can past them.

Purvardh Bodiwala - Atlanta, GA
GOOD LUCK PHOENIX SUNS!!!!! LETS WIN OUR FIRST RING!!!!

balot of mangagoy - philippines
go Amare!!!

go Suns!!!

balot of mangagoy bislig city - philippines
I think 8s gonna be 4-1.

and my favor8 SUNS wins!!!!!

George Mojica - Philippines
Go SUNS! Crash down the dirty spurs.

Jeff - Indiana
GO SUNS!!!!!!

John M - San Antonio
You suns fans talk about slaughtering, demolishing, sweeping the SPURS. This is not a High school football pep rally cheering for the home team people!!. The SPURS have 4 rings with prodomently the same team. Trust me, there will be no sweep. SHAQ is past his prime. He will either foul out or exhaust himself trying to keep Tony Parker from going "easily" around him for a simple layup. The only "BIG TIME" player you have is Nash and that's about it. The SPURS will control him and shut the suns down. We've done it before.....we will do it again. The SPURS have played together as a unit much more longer then your team and that's what important going into the playoffs. Once again, "DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS" boring or not, the SPURS will win. PERIOD. You'll see...Go ask New York, New Jersey, Detroit, Cleveland and you own Steve Kerr (he holds a SPURS ring, remember?) yeah, he knows. GO SPURS GO!!

Lujing -
I believe the Suns can beat anyone this year!

I'm a Suns fan.

sudhakar chougale - India, Mumbai
Nash+Shaq+Stud'ire+B'bosa = NBA CHAMPIONSHIP 08

Go SUNS JUST DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

marknamz - philippines
go suns go

i'm a die hard fans of phoenix suns

since steve nash is there and amare stoudemire

last year and the other year , i so their matchup now this keys i think this a good idea enough to beat spurs... go

we have now shaq ,gordan and last of grant hill...

Aaron - Kansas
The suns should have won last year, don't let us down guys!!

Raymond Earl Ruffin Jr. - Memphis, TN
I love the Suns

We will get them rings this year

also I HATE THE SPURS

STEVE NASH IS GREAT

Dave Moore - Springfield, Missouri
Just about all the serious sports fans around here agree with me that the Suns got the shaft in last year's playoff series with the Spurs. It is poetic justice that Suns get them in the first round this year with advantage (home court) to the Spurs but advantage (Shaq) to the Suns. Phoenix in four.

Lazarua -
Steve Nash is my American Idol.

karolynn - evanston,il
i KNOW the suns are going to beat t hem .. they have the will power and the strength to blow the spurs ou tof the water ...... as he said they have to be posied AND agressive extremly AGRESSIVE if they want to beat them. i have faith in them that they will go foward and jus bomb them!!!! GOOOO SUNNSS!! YOU GOT THIS!!!

chino kwatro - pilipinas
SUNS it's OUR TIME... for the critics this team will never sink. put Raja bell on manu ginobili. he will punish him through out the series. let shaq and amare pound them inside. this will burn tim duncan. hill and barbosa should take tony parker. let's match speed for speed. giricek would be the key to open up the lane. diaw will also be a key factor in this series. use brian skinner to frustrate TIM. this will be our year. Chop Our Legs and We'll be fighting with our knees...

Betty - Dallas
This is our shot at redemption after the bitter end of last year's season. I have complete faith that the Suns can beat the Spurs. I will admit I was not in favor of the Shaq-Shawn trade when it happened, but I have come to believe that Shaq is indeed an asset....and, as Steve K. pointed out in #2, he will be a major factor in containing Tim Duncan and also hopefully keeping Parker and Ginobli out of the paint. Steve, Amare and Grant all play with consistent excellence....and everyone else has amazing potential. I am not sure that we have anyone who can match Bruce Bowen and Robert Horry in meanness, but then the Suns have always played "cleaner" basketball than the Spurs. How wonderful would it be to send the reigning Chumps - I mean Champs - home in the first round? Let's go, Suns!!!!

joe denny - tyler, texas
Yea the suns are due and with shaq on duncan is the key thats always been missing with san antoino. Now Amare on Oberto or whatever the other post is, Amare can hopefully stay out of foul trouble and be a nightmare on the offensive end. Suns with the series 4-2

Hershey - BC
Stay Focus. Play Smart. Defend.

Cilranus - Toledo, Ohio
I totally agree with you steve, I believe in the suns and I know we are going to make it through.

adrian dorshin espiritu - Philippines (Marikina City)
go Phoenix Suns!! now that you have a solid and formidable lineup, we can beat 'em!! stay focused and believe that we can win it.. one game at a time^.. go SUNS...

Riley (Bandgard1sunsfan) - Mesa
Steve,

Well said. I agree with your tips on conquering our seeming Spurs Goliath. Now we happen to have a 'monster of our own' (Shaq) and with him, strike a fear in San Antonio.

May the 'Valley' be celebrating a defeat of the defending champions in a weeks time. Long live this season! Go Suns.

-Riley

Fan, Artist, and Musician

kevin - Philippines
Go Suns.... I wish you a good luck. And to comment about Last Year's Series it was unbelievable if the suns would have won the series against the Spurs Last Year the Suns could have been the Champs because I don't know why the Cavs go in the Playoffs. SUNS = 2007-2008 CHAMPS

Brandon - PHX 602 AZ
OK its that time again PLAYOFFS!!! this is shaqs time to shine hes been playing great lets go out there and kill the spurs and prove that the Shaq trade was well worth it.Everyone on this suns tram deserves that ring lets go get it !!!!!!

Eugene - Singapore
I agree entirely.These 5 keys will be crucial.I am a lifelong Suns supporter and I know that we are going to thrash the Spurs.It will not be as tight a series as most expect.Lets go Phoenix Suns!

Rsax - Scottsdale
Steve, It'll be interesting to see if the gamble pays off. You went out and got Shaq to beat the Spurs, period. We couldn't beat SA in a run-n-gun and now we're forced to play their game. But Suns fan, don't fool yourself, the Spurs are the defending champs and have won 4 of the last 9. They're not going to roll over. They have a theory in SA that the regular season is all about getting to the playoffs healthy. Now the real season begins! This should be the best series of the playoffs!

Lindsey - Tampa, Fl
I think that because of hat happened last year in the playoffs the Suns will hsve the firepower to win this series. Steve Nash (: will be extra competetive and you all know that Shaq will fire every one up. This is a very winnable series. GO SUNS!! (:

Will - Boston
I always feel good going into war with the ultimate leader in Nash

Ramon Naui - Makati City, Philippines
Suns should be able to make Duncan earn his points and deny drives of Parker and Ginobili and remain composed. The Spurs know how to play dirty basketball, it's revenge, no repeat, we hope..We hope Shaq will silence critics in this series, Nash doing is usual thing and Amare learning to play defense w/o fouling..Go Suns!!!

JeeJay - Philippines
Go Suns!

I know a lot of people here in the Philippines who support you!!

jhello - Philippines
go suns! ur the best!

Edmond Lam - Hong Kong
Guys, still remember last year?

Be careful of dodgy Bruce Bowen and Robert Horry! I don't want to see any of our players get suspended.

Go Suns Go!

edward - indonesia
suns for life!!!

Atrexl - china
GO GO GO!

!!

Suns!

Beat down the Spurs!

Marcelo Moreno - Phoenix, AZ
I hope you guys do well against the Spurs. Remember, don't choke! We are counting on you guys this year. so give Phoenix what it really needs--a championship!

Shawn - Phoenix
We have prepared all year for one thing... Too beat the Spurs. Better sooner than later. Boris and LeAndro HAVE to step up. They put up points, we win every game. Shut those two down and we might not win one game.

bob cruz - macau
I'm a Filipino who's working here in Macau and one of the very many all over the world who is an avid fan of the Phoenix Suns. It's our time now. Time to celebrate - GO SUNS!

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

sundae - Philippines
I think its about time for the Shaq unbelievers out there, to BELIEVE...

A few years ago, Shaq came to a Miami ( NO CHAMPIONSHIP EVER IN HISTORY ), and then , lightning struck and KABOOM!!! (1st year = 1st championship ).. and now 2008, Shaq being traded to Suns.. A team so short of having a ring, is now on the verge of acquiring one, thanks to an'

(OLD GUY) named Diesel.. Call whatever you wanna call it, but for me, Steve Kerr's decision

means one thing and one thing only, and that is to win the RING of ALL RINGS..

Kudos to the SUNS, and to its fans. I am an excited to watch the first game at San Antonio.

Just be careful, not of Manu, Tony P, and Timmy,

be warry of MR. Dirty hands himself a.k.a Bruce " Enforcer " Bowen, cheap shots that leads to HONEST DEFENCE... hmmfff goodluck !!!

Charlie - Flagstaff
One more thing, Raja must score!

joe - winkelman,az
Good luck Suns I know u can beat them,and to all them haterz just watch our boyz go to the ship.To the best team in the NBA thanks for giving us this opportunity to share this with u. GO SUNS!!!!!! GOOD LUCK!!!!!!

Brecht - Taiwan
Go Suns!

I hope that you will defeat the Spurs in less than 6 games!

Dave Wallace - Trumbull, CT
The Suns have to be extremely mindful and deliberate. More so than they have in the past, I believe the keys to victory are in the mind:

1. It would be 100% natural for them to seek the opportunity to take the cheap shot -- especially with what happened last year (and then the bowen elbow to amare last game). They have to be more aggressive than they have ever been with the Spurs, but not cross that line into the realm of cheap/dirty.

2. If amare can make it through 8-10 minutes without getting a foul, then he needs to maintain that focus. It seems like if he makes it without a foul for a while, then he feels like he has a foul to give. Amare -- please focus, you are unstoppable when you are in the game, so you NEVER have a fould to give.

3. Steve and Boris -- the mindset needs to be attack. I know you both take great pride in getting others involved, but you create even more problems if the Spurs feel like everyone on the floor is a scoring threat.

Go Suns -- 100%!

suns - phx
Suns, remember you won't prove anything until you have finished the job. I am concerned about the mental toughness and the persistance to finish. If we get a lead, try your best to hold onto it and don't look back. I pray that everything will be there for this team.

Carvin - Cebu, Philippines
GO suns!!! BURN the spurs!!! Annihilate them!!! I know you guys can do it!!! Make them squirm!!! GO NASH STOUDEMIRE O'NEAL!!! You can do it guys!! PHOENIX is the best team its irrefutable!

Dionbriley - home
i agree all we have to do is contain tim duncan

all close off the lanes and make them win it above three point line

Rafael - Phoenix
Steve you have to be more of a ball hog please go and make some points don't go for a lot of assists if you are open shoot. remember every shot you dont take you will miss it

fareastfan - far east
Kerr said it right.This year there is a great chance as Suns are better than last year and the dirty team is worse than last year.May be the management can caution the league on giving unbiased officiating.If everything goes fine there is good chance that the Suns can pull it in 4-1 or 4-2.The only thing that can defeat them is they themselves. We had seen instances where 15 point leads were blown out and 20 turnovers in a game etc.So, if they decide they can easly reach the conference final.

aladdine - Paris, France
I believe in Suns's win.

Pay attentions when we lead the game.

Remember what Robert Horry did to Steve Nash last year.

Remember what Bruce Bowen did to Amare in the last game.

yusuf atakan - esişehir
ı think phoenix will win west conference chamcionship because we have shaq and amare

Marc Placencia - Glendale
Going into this game with the Spurs has a totally different feel to it since we have won 3 of 4 games against them this year. Also that two of those three wins were at San Antonio. I think we could even end this series in as little as five if we keep doing what we have done against them since we got shaq. Overall, i think we have a much better shot of beating them this year than any other year that we have played the Spurs. Prediction: suns, spurs, suns, spurs, suns, suns.

Matt - Surprise
Time to put on the “time to kick butt” attitudes and show the NBA that the SUNS are not just a good regular season team, that they are a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs.

P.S. Diaw and Barbosa please bring your game to the playoffs this year.

Go SUNS

Reggie B. - San Antonio
Spurs in five. Go Spurs Go!

Raheem Velazquez -
The suns will smash the spurs and with shaq on the team tim duncan is going to have a pretty tough series thats if Shaq and STAT stays out of foul trouble. LETS GO SUNS!!!!! BRING HOME THE PRIZE THAT BELONGS TO US !! WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Juan - phoenix, az
I think trading the matrix for shaq waz a great deal. so shaq you have to demonstrate your experience in plaoff time and help the suns win their first NBA title. Go Suns!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Finish up the Spurs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mark - Pennsylvania
I agree Steve. I'm glad you are our GM. You are doing a great job. Win or lose the championship, I think the Shaq trade was good.

Lee taft- Nash's biggest fan - England
Manu needs to be kept out of the outer key area were he is a strong jump shooter, as well as parker drivin through the lane. if these are done then there isnt much much strength behind the attack as manu is probably the highest field goal shooter for the spurs in this current season.

Nash should be workin the plays and must be confident in his 3-point shootin ability. Amare must use his height and strength to abuse the spurs defence and shaq must use his height to make easy inside baskets.

GO SUNS.... GOODLUCK

Felix Villegas - San Antonio
Steve Kerr is right but keep in mind that San Antonio are the defending champions and this will be a good series. San Antonio can shift gears and I pop has been there many times to shift this team around. Good luck suns and see you tomorrow at the ATT Center 2PM.

moya - puerto rico
the suns will win because of one reason, SHAQ. Duncan wants nothing to do with Shaq. were talking about the best and most dominate player in NBA history. No disrespect to Wilt, Kareem or Russel but if shaq would have played in that era when NBA didn't have the rules they have now, they wouldn't even be mentioned today. PS: Lets see if robert horry could knock shaq into the stands.

mikeee - Phoenix
SPURS DYNASTY...NO WAY TO BEAT EM

sean harmon - dallas tx
spurs in 6!

Gabriel - Tempe
I think that since the spurs are such of fisical team we should play the bench a little more to get their player tired instead of ours. Straberry has a bright future and his defense is pretty good, i also like the defense of Skinner, i think he can do a good job on Duncan about 5 minutes of the game kind of what Thomas did last year. Doing this will help a lot to amare and shaq, and also will give rest to steve with straberry in so he won't make many turn over due to being exhaust.

i know we can just fight for it every minute like is the last game. GO GO suns.

Go suns. I know we can.

Roy - Scottsdale
GO SUNS GO !!!!!!!!!

SUNSPRESS - phx
EVERYONE IS FEELING GOOD, SEE A LOT OF TRASH TALKING BASHING THE SPURS BUT WE REALLY CANT PROVE ANYTHING UNTIL WE ACTUALLY WIN IN SAN ANTONIO IN THE PLAYOFFS AND CAN WIN ON OUR COURT, NOTHING IS TO BE TAKEN FOR GRANTED. SUNS HAVE TO KNOW THEY ARE READY, THIS IS THE SERIES THAT EVERYONE WILL BE WATCHING AND JUDGING UNFORTUNETLY BUT ANYTHING "IS" POSSIBLE. LETS CONTINUE TO BELIEVE IN THE SUNS.

Robert - MD
Does anyone remember the year that Phoenix SWEPT the Spurs in the regular season only to lose in the playoffs??? It's not the first time the suns have beaten the Spurs in the regular season series but they haven't won a thing in the playoffs yet.

suns08 - phoenix
It does feel like its time but we still can't go off that, Suns have to shine bright. They have to do what it takes and keep their composure. We are fired up and I hope they are too. God be with them!!

sunsupporter - phoenix
NO WE SHOULD NOT ASSUME, WE SHOULD HOPE, BECAUSE HOPING IS BELIEVING IN THE UNSEEN. I HOPE TO SEE THE SUNS ADVANCE AND PLAY LIKE THEY HAVE NEVER PLAYED BEFORE. BELIEVE

Nicholas Abuid - Palestine
go suns!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!eyes on the prize!!!!!!!!!!!!you can do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!you can do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!you can do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!you can do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!you can do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!

pinesmd - The Philippines
Your right Steve, lets beat the Spurs in 6 games. I hate their style of play. The Suns are long overdue for their 1st ever Championship. this is the time with Shaq! Go Suns

pinesmd - The Philippines
Your right Steve, lets beat the Spurs in 6 games. I hate their style of play. The Suns are long overdue for their 1st ever Championship. this is the time with Shaq! Go Suns

Eddie Mendoza - Brea CA
STEVE NASH,

please do one dunk for me in the playoffs. just one!

palm - phoenix
BEAT SPURS. GoodLuck to all Suns Players. Bring the trophy to our Phoenix house.

David - NY
All the suns need to do is contain Tony Parker, Tim Duncan, and Manu Genobli.Keep SHQ on Duncan for as long as he can. the suns are going to sweep the spurs. Nash can penitrart on Tony and score and get as many assist he wants. Demolish the spurs.

GO PHOENIX!!!!!!!!!!

chimar - milwaukee
Suns are going to win and make it to the final and Amare is the best.

John - LA
The problem I see is that Steve Nash isn't what he used to be. Nash is containable now and the Suns offense is nearly as explosive as it used to be. I dunno I think it'll be interesting and fun to watch, but I see the Spurs slowly beating away at the armor of the Suns and beating them in game 7...

-
The 5 keys you give are all very important and #1 the penetration of Parker is most. #6 should be try and get Duncan in foul trouble, go at him with Shaq or Stat and make him play defense. The Spurs bench is very weak. The Spurs are mostly over the hill like Damon Stoudamire, Finley, Thomas, Horry, Brent Barry, they are grasping at straws with these over 35 year old guys. Their time has passed and the Suns will sweep them away.

Michael Balderrama - Scottsdale arizona
I think you hit it right on the head with everything you said steve, I just hope boris will stay aggresive and amare staying outta foul trouble. (By the way I am steve nash`s mail man)

Vandamme Albuquerque - Australia
I am an avid fan of SUNS especially to NASH... I think this year will be a tough one for the SUNS but with all the teamwork and maturity they had I guess championship ring is near ahead for them... I always have FAITH on this team.....

GO NASH...

blow your 3's to BOWEN's face...

GO AMARE...

give your shots in all spots...

GO SHAQ...

slam it all to TIM...

wikz - Dumaguete City, Philippines
I agree Steve that they should not be controlled over by their emotions. We know that the spurs is excellent in their defensive strategies, but we all know that there is nothing impossible if we hang on our trust to our almighty God..God bless you guy and i'll be watching your game..go Suns..

Joevan Santizas - Cebu, Philippines
I am looking forward for this rivalry.And this year will be tough for the SUNS. With SHAQ acquisition, and bench aggresiveness, i guess this team is healthy and ready to the playoffs. But they must remember they will fight with the defending champs, so better play smart with SPURS. I always have FAITH with my SUNS.

SUNS in game 6...

GO SUNS!!!

GO NASH, AMARE, SHAQ...

GOODLUCK and GODBLESS

Stan - California
Spurs are malicious players. They put on the worst hollywood act trying to fool the refs into giving them calls. They are disapproved by every basketball fan that don't live in San Antonio. The are despicable to watch play. The Suns will be cheered on from East to West (except Texas) in the U.S.A. to end this Spur garbage. Spurs have contaminated the Basketball game long enough with their cheap shots. They take away the integrity of Duncan their only decent player. Hopefully it will be a first round exit for these Spurs. And Shaq will be closer to getting ring #5.

Eddy - Texas
So you guys got Shaq, I still don't think the Suns have what it takes to take down the greatest basketball team of the last decade. The SPURS will eliminate the Suns again. Quit making excuses for last years elimination. Hate to hear what kind of excuse you will come up with this year. GO SPURS!!!!!!

christian lopez - the heart of phoenix
DO everything as you said.Try to give shaq the ball lower in the paint to get time duncan fouled outof the game. What they're going to do is, they're going to double team shaq. So shaq just give the ball down low and pass rite down,get comftorable down there. And for stat do as u always do PLAY YOUR GAME. Nash just keep control let them play phoenix suns ball, we got this. Fill free to shoot. well i dont need to wish u luck because well were phoenix and were the best team out there. LET'S GO.

A.King - San Antonio
News flash you guys are garbage with shaq he is a big body and that's it. And for the fact that it is the playoffs this is when THE WORLD CHAMPION SPURS season statrs we are done with the 82 game preason. SPURS in 6, and to all the suns and fans have a nice summer and we can do it all again next year.

Noel - Yorktown, VA
I used to be stationed near phoenix. I am a huge Sun's fan since Steve Nash rejoined the team. We got rob last year because of some silly rules. I believe will conquer the spurs. Go SUNS Go! PHOENIX RISING!

Bryan - Vancouver
GO SUNS GO !!!!!!!

Nards - Makati Philippines
Wise move by Tarver, Kerr and D.Antoni to trade for Shaq. In any case/scenario, the blockbuster deal brings so much for the Suns Fans and the community. Hopefully the suns would focus on the 5 items above the win it all.

GO SUNS!

Josh - Uvalde, TX (outside SA!!)
Well, my Rival Suns fans, I hate to break it to ya, but until you can beat the Spurs, not much can be said about your team in terms of championship caliber. The Suns are Definitely better this year than in years past and Shaq will definitely give the Suns more punch down low than ever before....BUT!!....

The Spurs have been there and won it multiple times. The Suns may be more of a challenge this year, but the Spurs are a PROVEN championship TEAM!!

Best of luck to ya Suns, but the Champs are here to play!!

suns super fan -
It is the classic battle of good vs. evil.

Justice will prevail. GO SUNS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MEL - NC
I THINK THIS IS OUR YEAR TO WIN THE NBA CHAMPIONSHIP.WE HAVE THE OFFENSIVE WEAPONS AND BETTER DEFENSE TO WIN IT ALL. I DONT THINK THERE IS A TEAM IN THE NBA THAT WILL CHALLENGE US FOR THE TITLE. WE LOOK GOOD ALL YEAR BUT THIS IS THE TIME TO ELAVATE YOUR PLAY N BRING A CHAMPIONSHIP BACK TO PHOENIX.AMARE WILL DOMINATE THE REST OF THE POWER FOWARDS AND THE BIG CACTUS WILL DO WAT HE WAS BROUGHT THERE TO DO WIN CHAMPIONSHIPS.GO SUNS

Hugo - Phoenix
Los Suns will rise from west, while the sun will set on Los Spurs...

Suns in 6!

Patrick - Makati, Philippines
As early as the first round I can already feel the ring in our fingers, the shining championship trophy in our hands, the confettis, the champaigne popping! Go SUNS!!!

leo - little rock, arkansas
O'neil

Stoudemire

Hill

Bell

Nash

GO suns, we can do it..

dennis barazon-Philippines - philippines
Go!Suns!i can smell the championship ring this year. seems right to finally have it!because the puzzle is complete,Shaq filled the missing part of a championship caliber suns! To tell you honestly im a Shaq-Fanatic dude from Magic,Lakers,Miami to this day @ Suns,i support my idol Shaq which team he is. so to all the critics with Shaq's trade, you are all wrong dude and ur big mistake you made the Big Steele,Diesil, now Cactus very upset. And from the big man himself, when hes upset hes mad then the championship title! Go Suns!

Louie - Glendale, AZ
I must say that I was somewhat disappointed at first when I heard that the Suns traded away their most diverse player in Shawn Marion. He was a treat to watch. But I've warmed up to the fact that the Shaq-Man was needed inside to take on the Mighty Duncan. Good move Suns!! Suns in 7 on their floor.....SWEET!!!!!!!

dennis barazon-Philippines - philippines
Go Suns!More power suns!4-0 suns-spurs thats the way i look at it...Yes!Shaq pound Tim big fellow...your thumb ring is on the way!Go Suns!

Jeremy - Phoenix, Az
hey john m from san antonio. First off this is a suns website second not many are predicting a sweep of the spurs more like suns in 5 maybe 6 you guys may steal 1 win like you did in the regular season. We have more than 1 just nash on this team how about the man avg more than 30 a game since shaq came to town Amare Standing Tall And Talented stoudemire!! Oh and shaq may be gettin up there in years but so is the entire spurs team! Shaq will keep duncan in check and make it hard for parker and manu to get any easy buckets!! Beatin the spurs will give us the confidence to go all the way to the championship cant wait for saturday!! Go suns!!! Suns in 6!!!

Darren - Australia
hahahaha, Just read John M's San Antonio's comment. I had to laugh alot. Sure you have the same team and all but shaq past his prime!? Come on, look at the last 2 games since we've acquired the Big Cactus. He has dominated Tim "Amature" Duncan. Duncan had gotten used to being double teamed by the "old" suns, but the Big Cactus? Come on. He may be old but Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was 40 and they were still winning championships? Explain that.

will - mesa az
step 1 distory san antonio step 2 show dallas who is boss step 3 teach kobe a lesson again step 4 bully boston or dimollish detrot step 5 take what is ours suns champs in 2008 for real homes!!!

Dani - Douglas
GO SUNS, THIS IS OUR YEAR!

H. King - Manila, Philippines
Go SUNS!!!!!! All you need is to Amare, Hill and Shaq, in transitions and their unstoppable momentums and aggressiveness in the game. Nash keep assisting and try to shoot as many as possible. And the rest of the Suns roster good offense and better defense is the only to reach the goal and that is to win.

One or two things the Suns need to work on is: they need to be aggressive always no matter what, even if the Suns are leading 10-20 points ahead, don't let them come after you. Just keep attacking no matter what. Don't worry about their "defensive" plays because nothing is impossible. Second, the Suns still need to work on their defensive transitions especially on rebounding and manage stay out of foul troubles. If the Suns manage to contain who ever they are facing then nothing is impossible. The Sun with you always! Go SUNS!!! Burn them.

AC - Dallas
I think the Suns will crush the spurs. I am a huge fan and I know that the Suns can overcome any of the Spurs "cheating" skills that are to come. Go Suns!!! You should've had the ring by now, but it was all Cheap-Shot Horry.

Jean Pierre - Philippines
beat the crap out of spurs.

reyan - seoul,korea
the SUNS could had been the champ last year had it not Horry orchestrated their dirty plan.A plan wherein to have AMARE or any SUNS player suspended or get injured by all means.remember the momentum is on the SUNS that time.the spurs is lossing then suddenly that fateful thing!well i know its a painful memory but we have to go on.i have my fingers CROSSED...THE SUNS WILL SURVIVE THIS ONE!GOD BLESS SUNS

Floriano - Italy
Time to shine guys! GO SUNS!!!

Andrei - latvia, Riga
I am fans Suns, go SUNS win vs. Spurs. I love Suns team :)

milos lu - Serbia
pay-back time!!!!!let's go my SUNS!!!! b-e-a-t s-p-u-r-s!!!greetings to all suns fans from serbia!!!!

cang - philippines
go suns!.i know you can beat them.with amare and nash around,y0u are a monster team.PLUS!having shaquille o'neal.we know y0u are VERY unpredictable,.good luck!

Knut Are Hansen - Norway
I have played basketball since I was 11.I am now 39 and loving the game as ever before.Having a son playing in Kristiansand,Norway who is 13.As father as son.I have been a Suns fan for four years now ,and I think this year will GO SUNS WAY!!!Like in soccer a combination between defence and offence win games.My son like Shaq as many around the world.Now I can look at games together whit my son seeing his favorite player on my favorite team.Teams like Lakers in the 80´s,Chicago in the 90´s and the Lakers the three first years of this century.I would love to see The Suns-Celtics in the finales.Beat The Spurs and the rest of the west and "make my day"this year by knocking out Celtics!!!

Justin - Manila, Philippines
Hi Steve,



Good analysis, and fully agree our Suns are due for this. Goodluck!

Go Suns, Fire it up!!

Jim - Philippines
GO STEVE NASH YOUR MY FAVORITE GO SUNS GO!!!!

Jim - Denver
I Think this is Phoenix time... I wish that Phoenix Suns will be the NBA Champion this year.

Go Phoenix..!!

Amir - Quebec
The suns have to play a better defence if they want to beat a dirty team like the spurs. The suns have the best defensive matchup to stop the Spurs but Parker can own Nash any time because He play defence like a girl but I Think the suns will win in 5

Leonardo - Brazil
I´m from Brazil and a huge Sun´s fan. I really hope that the Suns will beat the Spurs this time... It would be great to see Leandro playing well this year. I´m sure he will be helpfull....

Suns in 6 ! ! !

Peter - Toledo, OH
I believe in the suns. This playoff is going to be a good one for us. Go SUNS, Go PHOENIX!!!

Kevin - Chandler, AZ
T-minus 16, begin countdown...

BoYvO - CDO, Philippines
MY Fave Team for Decade and I am so excited to see the SUNS crash down the SPURS..Championship for SUNS this year!!!!!I love Mia,Inny,Izzy and Iggy!!!We cheer for the SUNS!!!

Paul Drechsler - Tempe AZ
I couldent agree more if amare stays out of foul trouble them they have no awnser for him, amare just needs to rember if he plays smart and dosent pick up those easy fouls,then he will be unstoppable

Tom - South-side Scottsdale
Suns in 5!!!!!!

Don;t question it.

We will beat them in Nashty way.

Pax

Greg Lamb - N-O-T-L, Ontario
GO SUNS!!WE HAVE THEM EASILY AS LONG AS STOUDMIRE,SHAQ AND NASH ARE HEALTHY!BEAT SAN ANTONIO!

Ami - Scottsdale
one of the keys to this series is brian skinner. If he plays well against duncan (on defence) it can give amare some breathing space to do what he knows best. plus diaw is a very important too as he can play all positios on the floor.

GO SUNS !

Lalo - Mesa
Steve,

The key to beating the Spurs is to fire D'Antoni. I am tired of him getting outcoached, or outsmarting himself.

How can he let the Spurs shoot a three with his team up by three with only 12 seconds left in the first overtime?

What a moron. Idiot. Dummy.

Send him packing after the Suns lose this series, will ya?

reggie jean - ft myers, florida
2 nash i swear u guys r gonna beat them please keep it up oh please shoot more we really need it!!

JAVIER -
OHHHH!!!!! YOU ALL CAN BEAT THAT TEAM(SAS) THEY DON'T KNOW HOW TO PLAY THE GAME. THEY JUST ARE VERY IMPRESSIVELY LUCKY, AND THE TEAM HAS TO REALIZE THAT THEY ONLY WIN WHEN AMARE STAYS OUT OF FOUL TROUBLE.... FINALLY THE TEAM NEEDS NASH TO BE MORE OF A SCORER IN THE GAME THAN ONLY A PLAY MAKER, BECAUSE THE TEAM NEEDS HIS 3 POINTERS MORE, LIKE IN THE GAME VS DENVER WERE HE MADE 8 3 POINTERS. THE TEAM IS PLAYNG VERY WELL THEY JUST NEED TO PLAY VERY SMART TO AVOID FOUL TROUBLE.. GO SUNS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Big D - phoenix, arizona
Hey Steve,

All of your keys to victory over the Spurs sounds like you analyzed the video tape pretty good. However, you miss one aspect of the Spurs, one that you should know quite well by being apart of their championship team, they know how to win. The Spurs have not won 4 championships in 9 years because of "5 ways to beat them" appears on paper. The game will always be won on the wooden court. There has been a reason why the Suns have not brought a championship home to Phoenix, the championship is won with championship players who have hearts of champions. You remember that, right? Spurs are geared to finally repeat and complete their destiny as a dynasty. The Suns just have not figured that out yet.

Ray Hacke - Chicago (Chicagoland), Illinois
After seeing the game one nail-bitter loss, I just gotta say that as long as the suns don't get fusterated by S.A. defense and keep amare on the court slaming the rock down the throat of the Spurs, there is no way we can loose.

San Antonio can score, but the suns are the best offensive team in the league.

yam - gapo philippines
go suns beat the spurs! contain manu tony and tim and u guys will do just fine! ariba! ariba!

NIKKI B - MISSON, TX
YOUR FIVE WAYS TO BEAT THE SPURS DON'T MENTION MENTAL TOUGHNESS, YOU MENTION ALOT OF IF'S. IF ONLY THE SUNS WERE MENTALLY TOUGH.

Jack - Victoria, Australia.
We would have won game 1 if STAT had of stayed in the game wwithout fouling out.

Not to aggresive on d next game amare.

we nearly had them.

Oh well theres next year.

Sun of the Gun - Mesa
So much for your technique Steve. I guess might as well let the Spurs take the Championship one more time. Go Spurs !!!

Lewis Rodriguez - San Antonio
This is going to be a great series, the first game went 2OT wow. I admire Steve Nash and his ability to score! Are the Suns ready to beat the Spurs mental toughness?

phoenixsundowners - sundeigo
steve,

nice keys to win over spurs(dream)

will never happen, spurs have been the thorn in suns flesh and will be.

the spurs have the suns number.

defence wins championships not offence.

suns have no defence well a little with big daddy shaq, but wiht the big fundamental... naaaa

sorry i hate to say as much as i like the suns style of play will not happen.

spurs in 6.

though it was an excellent move to get shaq.

hopefully next year get sum defensive guys and roll everone in the regular season ... have to have that mentality right from game1 or reg season too(DEFENCE)

itll be another what if season sorry.

p.s: steve kerr i have always been a fan of and will be.

errol e. - Philippines
Been a suns fan ever since nash got traded from dallas, now that shaq joined nash and amare i think this will be the year for PHX, few years back they have trouble defending the basket, but having shaq now plus the maturity Suns has become i don't think it'll happen again this playoffs all the way to finals. Although right now we're down 0-1 after game 1, i still believe Suns will be victorious.

Jin - Wisconsin
GO SUNS!!!!! destroy the spurs

JIN - Wisconsin
GO SUNS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

James Yang - Canada
Go!!Suns!!

I know you guys can do it!!

beat Spurs!!

And Suns is better than Spurs!!

so do it!!

vm - philippines
great games last night, the team just came out short handed in the last second. i think steve kerr's keys will be very effective for this series.keep it up! go straight to the finals phx! eyes on the price! lol

Arn Digamon - Philippines
GO suns!! go steve!! BEAT THE Champs & i will join phoenix soon...

PLEASE - s
hey suns im a little guy from denmark (Little country en europe) and i really hope you take the title . i think you need to juse shaq more and try not to get him en foul troble . LETS GO SUNS!

Hans Christian - Indonesia
All your keys are very good.

But really,The spurs are really in trouble

when the suns play quick.

The spurs will really take an advantage when the suns playing half court style.

so keep playing the way suns play,i mean the run and gun,or a quick halfcourt play.

and off course,add many three points to the game.

Because spurs got many players that good at the three point too.

so Barbosa,Bell,Giricek,and Nash have to look for three point chance oftenly.

GO SUNS GO !! BE THE CHAMPION !!

FRANZ C. - Phillipines
GO SUNS.....FORGET WHAT HAPPEN LAST HERE...BE STRONG AND DONT BE INTIMIDATED BY THE SPURS.....BEAT THEM ALL...ILL HELP YOU WITH MY PRAYERS...

Jacky - Malaysia
STEVE!!

plz dont miss out. i think that the team need to focus more on getting shots for Grant Hill.

dont under estimate him. he would be the key factor in the series because spurs dont really focus on him. he is the intengeble in the team.

As unexpected as duncan shot the 3. try to run plays for him. and we will win the series.

go suns!!

go Grant Hill

Christopher - Philippines
Hey Shaq...and the whole SUNS team..

I'am a fan of yours, beat the Spurs, and reach for the star...go go go!!!!Goodluck!!

MARCUS LEE - PHILIPPINES
BRING IT ON SUNS..

nick n - phoenix, az
i hate the spurs espeacially affter the game one we need to win the next game,but it's encouraging to see the suns almost win with shaq amare and diaw infoul trouble

mother earth - Arizona
Shaq is a winner--sometimes the coach needs to know the team is winners

bjhae^^ - philippines-pampanga
only one message for SUNS "HUNGRY" to win the title NBA FINALS champion... so many options to the offensive play.. try to improve your defense then no can beat the team PHOENIX SUNS aight? =) have a great game guys GOD BLESS!!!

Gerry T. Gatus - Phoenix Arizona (Originally from the Philippines)
Hey Steve,

I know its hard to accept that the Game 1 slipped away...We know that we got it in our hand but still they stole it at the end...I truly believe that we can make this series interesting and we will get the benefit at the end (getting this 1st round)We have the advantage Steve,tell your guys that we are so proud of them.....Mabuhay PHOENIX SUNS!!!!

kia4601 - phoenix
Go suns. Play tough 'D' on the Spurs big 3, stay out of foul trouble, and rebound. Then there will be a chance to get past San Antonio.

Mike - Lake Havasu City, AZ
First game loss is tough...but the Suns are a much better team!!! No way the Spurs can beat us in a 7 game series!!!! ALL SUNS FANS BELIEVE!!!!!!

Ranny -
go suns, you are my team, you can do it

JJ - Cottage Grove, MN
The Spurs may just be better . . .

Gerard Domingo - Bohol, Philippines
Keep shaq and amare out of Foul trouble. . . im so upset that shaq got two fouls at first quarter of the game,,,. . . .

SUNS Forever!!!

Napo, Loon, Bohol, Philippines

Keizo - Philippines
This is the time to conquer the championship from the planet orange! Go suns! you can do it.. There are still 6 games to win. You can do it!! I am praying for you all!!! Go, do your best!!

SUNS FOREVER!!!

Robert Johnson - Wichita
To be real with u u guys did a great job only problem is u guys couldn't play D because of all a the touch fouls called on your best players. it's the play offs play ball whats wrong with a little contact.There not on you guys level.

Go SUNS

diego sanchez - texas
ya'll or going to win even though you lost the first game and tell amare to stay out of foul trouble good luck

Leonard - San Antonio
Suns will prevail despite the best efforts of the refs to keep our big guys on the bench !

Josh...again... - Uvalde, TX
Hello my dearest rival Suns fans....I know, Im not here to rub it in about the game one loss in san antonio....however I am going to say I Told Ya So!!

The Suns had the Spurs worried in game one and had them down the majority of the game, including some in the over time periods....but the PROVEN Championship TEAM of SAN ANTONIO displayed why they are the DEFENDING CHAMPS!!

Mental toughness to grind it out to last second against a GOOD PHOENIX TEAM....and the HEART of a CHAMPION prevailed over a team of offense, speed and confidence. I know the Suns will probably win a few games in the series, but the Spurs know how to get it done when needed and they proved it.

Best of luck to ya Suns fans, but like I said before, The Champs are here to Play!!

PS: Steve Kerr, I loved watchin ya play in San Antonio....but you know just like every other Spurs fan that the Spurs dont go quietly and will not give in....love ya man and all the memories you created in SA!!

patutski - Philippines
Go Suns!!! Let's go do this in 5 games! The more rest time in between rounds the better!! We ain't getting any younger.....

Joevan Santizas - Cebu Philippines (Pasil)
SUNS in game 6....

Go SUNS!!!

Austin - Alberta Canada
This is for Raja Bell. Manu goes left 90% of the time. Maybe when the game is on the line force him right for the jumper instead.

This is for Mike Dantoni. Maybe a 7 foot 1 325lbs shot blocker would have helped prevent that basket from happening. Too bad we dont have one of those. Oh wait we do now. Shaq but he was on the bench.

This for Boris Diaw. Hit a layup.

This is for Amare. Don't be stupid out there. Don't take dumb fouls.

This is for Steve Nash. Great game. Atta be your clutch self. Thank god we have you.

Sorry i am so sour about the loss. Suns will win in 6. I promise you.

Logan Borden - Roatan, Honduras
first and for most it was just a lucky shot from duncan second Nash should have given the ball to Diaw instead of giving it to Barbosa Well it was a disappointing lost on Saturday but the Sun's has what it takes to bite the Spur's and they will do so in 5 games i am very optimistic about that Sun's has proven that they can take the spurs down they showed it in the regular season the one think that makes the Sun's the PERFECT TEAM TO TAKE THEM DOWN it is not going to be easy but they can do it and you know what the Sun's got the MOST DOMINANT PLAYER OF ALL SHAQUILE THE DIESEL ONEIL

GO SUN'S

Steve - Warren, NJ
Great great first playoff game. But once again our achilles heal showed through. If the Suns don't find solutions to their weak interior defense, they will be out in 5 to 6 games. Time for Shaq to earn his paycheck and prove many of us skeptics wrong that trading Shawn Marion was a bad panic moment trade. I hope the Suns prove me wrong and win it all. Go Suns!

Marshall - Gilbert
I agree with you on defending Coach Mike on not fouling at the end of regulation and the 1st overtime. I don't agree with not protecting the tree point line. Why was Nash chasing Manu when the best Manu could do is score two points. Stay by the 3 point line and stop any Spur from getting a good look, even Tim Duncan!!!! Why isn't Nash or Stat taking all the final shots. Do or die with your best. Why didn't any Sun have the presence of mind to take a delay of game warning when the ball went through the net after Nash hit the three and stop the clock to allow Shaq to enter the game in the last overtime for the last 15 seconds. Finally, why not start Boris, since Hill is hurt and start the game with Boris, Stat, and Shaq? Let Boris start the game on him and let Stat and Shaq try to block the shot on the weakside. Keep Shaq and stat out of early foul trouble. Skinner can come off the bench for support. Strawberry can help on Manu in the 2nd quarter and get physical with him, and Use Gordon as well. Lets go deep and get physical with the Spurs. You have the depth and the man power to wear the Spurs out. Keep our boys fresh for the 2nd half with fouls to spare and make it a long day for Manu and Duncan. Pound the Spurs and break the hearts of their fans. We can't go another year of what if!!!! The Spurs must go down!!!!!!

Geo - San Antonio
Great series so far ..most def.. nail bitters...you have to admit the sun were playin kinda dirty in game two...but you expect that... its the play off you want to see physical games...win or go home, not lose cry and complain. cant wait till game three... last year the sun took two at home. it still anybodys game. good luck go spurs!!!

Mama Papa - Buenos Aires
in order for us to win is to play better defense..that's all i can say...the team who plays better will definitely come out as a winner..

Shellhelix - Denver, CO
Hey Shaq and Phoenix Suns:

I wish you all well inspite of the 0-2 deficit. I'm confident you could beat Suns, just hang on there and keep playing well. You know, Spurs are smart team and you should outsmart them specifically they are a bunch of floppy players.

Remember Miami and Dallas was then 0-2, but they've got to turn it around and Heat became champion. Shaq knows it! Go Shaq! Go Suns! You deserve to be the NBA World Champions!

Sergio PV - Povoa de Varzim - Portugal
It´s very strange seeing in the top teams how the suns defend the penetrations of parker and ginobili. How can they allow it? to became champions they have to think and behave different.

Not another year with sun´s in the finals...

iceman44sa - san antonio
Steve you are always welcome in San Antonio!! We love you for almost beating Dallas single handed a few years back.

DOR - phoenix
I love what you just said here Steve, truly, the Spurs are well coached, well coached that D'Antoni and the rest are having a hard time containing the big 3. There has got to be a way to prevent these stars from penetrating the paint and score almost every time they do it. Maybe next season, all the players should be given a chance to prove themselves by letting them all play on a regular basis. They were hired for a reason, and that is to let the star players confidently rest for longer periods of time when they so needed it.

Suns Fan..Dan - Chandler
Steve,

I don't think we should traded Shawn Marion, You should have unloaded Boris Diaw. This guy is just dragging the team down. I know we needed a big man but Shaq! I think it was a bad trade. I don't think that we now have what it take to beat spurs.

Josh - Uvalde, TX
well....well.... I honestly thought the Suns would put up a better fight than that my rival Suns fans....

3 to 0 is very hard to come back from....

Im not one to gloat and say its impossible to come back, but the odds are stacked against the Suns and in favor of the team many counted out as too old to win it again: the Spurs!!

Happy Offseason (startin Sunday night) Suns....

-Your happy Spurs fan down in South Texas!!

engenius - Toronto
Steve,

Do you know why your team is 0-3 now?

1. You expect Shaq to guard Duncan; you expect Shaq to take care of the paint area. What's Spurs solution? Hack-a-Shaq!!! They know Shaq can't make free throws, so it's the best (yet I call it dirtiest) way to get Shaq out of the court. Once Shaq is gone, the Suns paint area is nothing!

2. Suns offense begins with whom? Nash. What's Spurs solution? Use Bowen to guard Nash. The best defensive player has all kinds of dirty tricks to slow Nash down. Result? Suns offense collapses! No fast break, no easy dunk, and no open 3-pt shot.

3. Who's the weakest link in Suns defense? Nash. He's getting old, and he has to put most of his energy on offense. What's Spurs solution? Tony Parker! Can Nash follow Parker's speed? NO. Does Suns want Nash to spend his energy on guarding Parker? NO. Result? Parker avg. 33 points a game!

Historically, no team can come back from 0-3. However, I still hope that Suns can at least win some games. If you or Mike D doesn't know what to do, here are some friendly suggestions:

1. Get Bowen out of the court. How? Hack-a-Bruce! Here's a guy with only 65% FT shooter, but he NEVER went onto the free throw line so far in these 3 games. You have to force him to shoot free throws. Otherwise, he will continue impacking Suns offense! If Greg can play dirty strategy, so can you!

2. Who's the best person to guard Parker? Bell! (not Diaw, please. He's not quick enough). Whom should Nash guard then? Bowen or Finley! These two guys rarely move without the ball during offsense, so guarding them is the most energy saving method.

3. Smart pick-&-roll defense. No matter if it's Duncan or Thomas or Oberto who goes out to pick, you always have someone OTHER THAN Shaq to get out, and let Shaq to guard whoever "someone" was guarding. Once Shaq goes out to help, you automatically loses 2 or 3 points

Please! Do something to win a game!

Jeff Chronister - Prescott, Az
As A lifelong fan of the suns I will always remain loyal to this team regardless of the outcome. If the Spurs are destined to win it all again so be it,it does not matter. What does matter is where we go from here as an organization.That having been said I think we could aquire an additional first round pick in this draft along with the atlanta pick. We need a small forward and a center to study under O'neal,how about Donte Greene at small forward and Roy Hibbert backing up O'neal? Also we could use a Ricky Rubio the point guard phenom from spain with our 2009 pick. We can accomplish all of this fairly easily if we do it before the draft lottery .

jeff - arizona
I am in favor of this idea,trade barbosa this off-season to a struggling team that has cap room and needs a veteran combo-guard. Sell them on his playoff experience and potential,in return we get another first round pick this year. Since we have strawberry at the point,and tucker at the 2 guard position we should draft a small forward and a center. That would give us depth,youth and talent at every position for the next 3 to 5 years. Meaning our window won't be closed anytime soon.

Homer - Arizona
Steve, I hope you actually read the replies in this blog. I suspect that you don't, and that I'm just talking to myself, but one can always hope...

Every one