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 Playoff Hit List
Posted By: Adam Green |
 Amaré Stoudemire and the Suns will have to go through the Spurs to win the NBA title. (NBAE Photos) |
So, without further ado, here are the teams I would like to see the Suns beat en route to their firs NBA Championship: Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, Chicago Bulls.
You may be asking “why those teams?” Besides the fact that the Suns would have to beat the Spurs to begin with, every one of those teams holds historical playoff significance for the Suns franchise.
First off, we have the Lakers, the Suns’ “big brother” for all these years. The Suns were always a good team, but never seemed to be good enough. That squad from L.A. always seemed to have the dominant big man, the star guards and a mystique that usually comes with a team that has won as much as they have. As most Suns fans surely know, the Lakers tended to beat the Suns on their way to the finals, most recently in the 2000 playoffs.
Sure, it also stings because I know many people who are from the Los Angeles area who never let me forget that their team has won 14 championships. I try to counter with the knowledge that only nine of them have come with the team in L.A., so they can’t claim all of them. (That said I still wear my 1947 Chicago Cardinals World Champions hoody proudly).
Next up, we have the Spurs. We need not go back farther than the 2005 playoffs when the Spurs beat the top seeded Suns in five games on the way to a championship of their own.
But more then that, the upcoming Western Conference Semifinals will a clash of styles. I will go out on a limb and say the majority of the free world prefers to watch the Suns and their up-tempo offense instead of the methodical and plodding way of the Spurs.
Right now I look at the Spurs as the Suns’ “Everest,” the mountain they must climb if they are to win it all. Every great team seems to have had one and now the Suns have theirs.
Third on the list are the Houston Rockets. Sure, they are not the Mavericks. They did not win 67 games this year and they didn’t defeat our squad in last year’s Western Conference Finals. But look a little deeper into the Suns’ past and you’ll understand why the Rockets must be on this list.
In the 1994 Conference Semifinals the Suns jumped out to a 2-0 lead when they took the first two games in Houston, and then a 3-1 lead after the next two in Phoenix. Just when it looked like the Suns were going to get back to the finals the Rockets came back and won the series in seven games.
That isn’t the half of it, or, yeah, that is exactly half of it. The very next year the teams squared off again in the Conference Semifinals, only this time the Suns had home court advantage. Surely that would be the difference this year.
And, sure enough, the Suns jumped out to a 3-1 series lead just like the year before. The Rockets managed to win the next two, forcing Game 7 at what was then America West Arena.
Now for a little personal story: Back in those days it was nearly impossible to get tickets to Suns games. But, being the fan I was, my Dad always promised me he would get tickets for at least one game every year, usually from scalpers outside the arena before the game. That year he cut it close, but Dad made good on his promise by getting us tickets for Game 7. And, for the record, we were in the last row in the upper deck.
What an exciting game it was! Charles Barkley was great and Kevin Johnson had a performance for the ages, finishing with 46 points. I remember KJ being perfect from the free throw line until the very end, with his lone miss opening the door for the shot that tore my heart out. It came courtesy of Mario Elie, who, when he launched the three with the Suns up by two, I remember my Dad saying “That’s the shot we want him to take.” The ball went in, the Suns lost, and I felt a part of me died that day. Another part of me died when the Suns actually signed Mario Elie for the 2001-02 season, but that is another story for another day.
The final team on my NBA Title “Hit List” is the Chicago Bulls. And I only need two words to explain why they are on the list: John Paxson.
When the Suns lost to the Bulls in the 1993 NBA Finals I was just starting to become a basketball fan and. I, like many in the valley of the sun, was just captivated by the team in purple and orange. The energy and the pride the city felt during that season and subsequent playoff run were amazing, and I truly hope it will happen again (only this time the Suns win).
Comments
Mike - San Antonio
I think what you have wrote is a great script. But I think it is just that a script. Remember not every script follows one direction. These are meant to be changed along the way. I have to agree with you however about your label of the Spurs being the Suns "Everest". Your biggest challenge to the championship is by far the former 3-time NBA Champion San Antonio Spurs!! They are a veteran team on a mission this year. Spurs being the underdog this year has been great. All the "hype" has been on Dallas & the Suns. Spurs have crept in the shadows making a run of their own. With Dallas out of the way now, its just the Spurs and the Suns. Remember a few years back when Amare averaged over 30 points a game and was a monster in the series, the Spurs still overcame that to win the series. Then going on to win the Championship. We will see what happens, thats what makes the playoffs so great because you just dont know what will happen and who will shock the world?? i.e. Golden State..... Have a great day
Victoria - Las Vegas
I hope the Suns really come out and play. Now that the Dallas Mavericks are gone people are already sqauring up the Spurs for a Championship. So i hope our Suns go out and kick some but and show everybody whats up...GO SUNS
John Doney - Greenville, SC
The Mavs collapsed this year because they don't have the true MVP leadership from Dirk, but the Suns won't collapse this year because we have the true MVP leadership from Nash. No matter how the voting comes out this year for the MVP race, Nash will show the Spurs why he should be MVP. Winning starts from the top, and we have the top player in the league. Also, our defense that is underrated will shine against the Spurs and on to the trophy ceremony at the end of the playoffs. I hope we go through all those teams you mentioned Adam, because it's our turn for REVENGE this year. Suns will beat the Spurs in five. Let's go baby!!! I miss you all back in AZ, but I'll be there for a little respite and excitement in cheering on the Suns up close and in person. Suns are going to kick some buns!
Huge fan in Chandler - Chandler
The Suns just need to go out and play their game. Let's have some defense and play the hustle and flow game they are accustomed to. Stay out of foul trouble, have fun and good things will happen.
Bobby Shelton - modesto ca
Adam,I really felt you on that one man it felt like you summed up my life's story.I really am counting on the suns to justify me being a fan out in california since 89 (kj knocking out the lakers).I hope the suns leave bullwinkle and the spurs with their mouths open.
Randy - Spartanburg, SC
I definitely agree with your hit list. If only we could add Boston to that list!
Vedran - Serbia
I think the Suns will win this series. High time, too. I have trust in them and know that they will fight till the end. Good luck Suns!
wesley campbell - southcarilina
i hope so to. we looked realy good ageinst the lakers in round 1. so i wish you all good luck and i hope suns take the championship
eddy - canada- ottawa
hey listen spurs fans,.... this year u have no chance against the suns! honestly i hope u even won a game...this series will finsh in 5 games max for the suns....wou will have no respond for amare,marion,nash and the blur..GO SUNS!
Don - Mesa, Az.
I think that's right Mike, about S.A. being Phoenix's Everest. But there's something in the air this year, and you can sense it when you hear the Sun's players talk, and you can feel it in the Valley of the Sun, that this Everest is going to be conquered! It's probably going to be a long and grinding series, but the time has come for the Suns to push it over the top. It's also about time that the world get's to see some super-fun, fast-break basketball at it's best. Have fun Phoenix, and run 'em into the ground!
Lori Ann - Sedona Superfan
The "FANdemonium" that took place in Oakland last night was a sight that really hit home with me; it moved me greatly. After what Adam Beechen (The Official Superfan) described of his press-box experience in LA, I realize that I could NEVER sit in an NBA press-box and have to act like I'm watching an opera---ouch! I would be ejected on the spot! The few games that I HAVE attended, have left me speechless--literally hoarse from rooting for my team and yelling at the refs and a few opposing players. I'm stunned that so many long-time Suns fans only rise from their seats for the National Anthem for the most part, when we have such an INCREDIBLE gem of a team. It boggles my mind still. I sat in the eleventh row at a home game last year. The "fans" were really bothered by my constant shouting, standing, and cheering. I had to force myself to sit, in respect for the people behind me. It was tough. Whether it be a regular-season game or the playoffs, I'm on my feet a good part of the time. It's not a conscious thing that makes me rise to the occasion....it's just a natural response to the passion I have for the game and for my Phoenix Suns. The fans really can help their team to victory. I hope that the lucky Suns game-goers took note of the incredible Fandemonium in Oakland at last night's game. I applaud the Warriors as well as their awesome fans. LET'S GO PHOENIX !!!!!
Eric - Phoenix
Suns can beat Spurs since each Suns player has got improved these 2 years and Spurs are still the same.
Lori Ann - Sedona Superfan
Eric, The Suns can beat ANY and EVERY team---period. It just comes down to attitude, confidence, energy, determination, and the never-say-die: will to win. LET'S GO PHOENIX SUNS !!!!!
ian griffster - phoenix<az
The spurs are too old,the suns are too gosh darn good!!! we gonna run in circles around them!! We got nash mr MVP!!!! The blur 6Th man of the year and oh yeah Amare!!! So move over everest because we on a mission,lets put away texas for good!!!
Tabitha - Dallas, Tx
Yes I live in Dallas and was born in Houston, Tx., but I bleed orange and purple. I love the Phoenix Suns. I have never attended a game but one day hope to. My son loveS Barbosa and I just love the entire team. I have faith that our Suns will not let the pressure get to them like Dallas. We do have a MVP player and a fantastic team. I don't care if we lost to San Antonio in 2005. This is a new year and we are healthy and hungrier than ever. WE BELEIVE IN THE POWER OF THE SUNS!!!!
JOHN S. - SURPRISE AZ
ARIZONA IS BUZZING WITH ANTICIPATION AS WE SUNS FANS GET READY FOR GAME #1 WITH SPURS. IT WAS ALL THAT WAS TALKED ABOUT AT WORK, AND ALMOST EVERY PERSON I CAME IN CONTACT WITH WAS TALKING PHOENIX SUNS. MOST THINK WERE IN FOR A KNOCK DOWN, DRAG OUT STREET FIGHT. BUT SOME BELIEVE AS I DO THAT WE ARE JUST TO POTENT FOR SAN ANTONIO. TO FAST, TO TALENTED, TO FRESH, IF YOU WILL. SIX SUNS SCORERS AGAINST THREE FOR SPURS. THIS YEAR WE HAVE HOME COURT AND NO BURDEN OF HAVING TO PLAY FOUR PERFECT GAMES TO WIN.
ALL WE NEED TO PLAY IS SUNS STYLE. EXAMPLES, WIN AGAINST DALLAS ON NATIONAL T.V., OR UTAH AT END OF SEASON. STRING THREE EFFORTS LIKE THAT TOGETHER, AND SPURS WILL KNOW WHATS IT'S LIKE TO BE BURNED BY THE "SUN" "S". PREDICTION, SUNS IN FIVE AND WE DO IT IN WARRIORS OVER DALLAS INSPIRATIONAL FASHION.
big sis Beth - Akron Ohio
Well Suns, we are one step closer to playing the finals of my dreams. Suns put away the Lakers and the Cavs put away the Wizards. I'm anxiously awaiting this next round to see how fast we can each put away our opposition. GO SUNS!!!!! GO CAVS!!!!!!!
boo - phoenix
I just hope the refs let these two teams (suns-spurs) play. Its going to be rough and tuff. Please keep the tic tac fouls to a minimum.
Lori Ann - Sedona Superfan
Beth (my big sis), ANYTHING is possible in the playoffs. We're ALL at 0-0. Best of luck to your Cleveland LeBron-aliers !!! I'm so glad that you've finally come around to appreciating your team and NBA basketball (insert Pogo's dancing saguaro here) I hope it wasn't only because I crammed it down your throat! HA !!! GO SUNS !!! PS. I LOVE the orange print.
Bobby Shelton - modesto ca
I just cant wait to see raja-ginobli in comparison to raja and kobe.give him hell bell!!!!I also wonder about the match-ups in the paint and how phoenix could try to take dunkin out of h is confort zone and make it hard for him.I think the difference is going to be the hustle and energy that shoks them on the defensive side since they anticipate our offense more. Give em hell suns defence and show bruce bowen who the real defensive p.o.y is marion!!!!!
jethro - philippines
suns were great in the last series vs. lakers and i know they will do the same against san antonio. 2005 loss was a thing of the past. suns never say die! hope they will get the franchise 1st championship ring this year.
Chris - Chatham, ON
I love all the historical significance you've brought to the pending playoff match-ups. PHX-SA will be a monster of a series and is THE battle of the best remaining teams in the league. I've been a Phoenix fan for decades but I'm sort of rooting for a Golden State match-up. That team is playing way above their heads on pure adrenaline plus the fans at the Oracle Arena are simply rabid. Wouldn't that be a heck of a David & Goliath storyline enroute to the Finals!
Nancy - Florence, AZ
To Lori Ann - Sedona Superfan!!! You go girl!!! I feel the same way. The Suns Fans need to get up off their butts throughout the game, instead of just for the National Anthem. I watch every single Suns game on TV - just about drive my family out of the room because I get so into the game, shouting, jumping, etc. when there's a good play. The couple of times I have managed to go to a Sun game, the Fans were just way to quiet!! I was also in one of those sections where people around me seem to get perturbed because I would be jumping, clapping, yelling, and I had to make myself sit. I, too, watched the "fandamonium" the Warrior fans had when the Warriors beat the Mavericks in very convincing fashion!! For all of those fans that were around in 1993 - let's do the same thing in 2007!! When the Suns played so well in 1993 even here in Florence people had diplayed on their cars "Go Suns" "Beat the Bulls", painting the purple and orange sun on their windows - it was wonderful!! The whole State of Arizona were behind the Suns. Those Fans who happen to see this blog--if your at the game, let loose, really route for the home team! Wear orange, Wear purple, display signs - Let's get that "FANDAMONIUM" GOING AGAIN!!!! LET'S GO SUNS!!! BEAT THE SPURS!!!
Robert B - Portland, Or
I just read a series preview on ESPN and all of the main NBA writers are picking the Spurs! I hope the Suns will use this and all the other doubters as extra motivation! I have been a lifelong, die hard SUNS fan ! GO SUNS! All the way !
MARIA - california
COME ON PHOENIX SUNS! BELIEVE AND YOU CAN DO IT.
Michelle - Gilbert, AZ
I had the MAVS as the champs this year, but now that they lost to GS. I have to rethink it all over again. I think who ever wins in the Spurs/Suns series is going to be champs. This series is goig to go all the way to game seven, but the Spurs will come out on top. History always repeats itself. The suns let us down twice, and will do it again this year. They get so close but they can never pull it out. Everyone is say "STAT is back!" but honestly thats not going to make a different. The Spurs own the Suns 2-1 in the regular season. Spurs have the ablility to slow down the Suns and thats why they are goig to beat them. One thing I do agree with.. is Nash is truely the MVP. His game is insane and I sure hope the Suns can give him an NBA title.. but they have to work HARD to beat the Spurs.
Larry - San Antonio
may the best team Win!and no hard feelings on whomever wins!go Go Spurs Go
ruth - philippines
Suns will definitely win the Playoffs..There's no doubt to it.
Mike - Cottonwood AZ
I was watching every second of the Suns-Rockets series in 1994 and 1995 and I still feel the heartbreak from Mario Ellie. In fact didn't he hit the same shot at the end both years in a row? I swear I had that eerie feeling of deja-vu.
amy -
I LOVE THE SUNS, MY SON LOVES NASH!
JOHN S. - SURPRISE AZ
WELL, IT'S BEEN 4HRS. SINCE GAME #1 WAS LOST, YET THE FRUSTRATION JUST WON'T GO AWAY. THUS, THE LIFE OF A DIE HARD SUNS FAN. WE CAN COMPLAIN ALL WE WANT ABOUT THE FACT THAT SPURS ARE THE BIGGEST GROUP OF WHINERS THE NBA HAS. IT'S THEIR STYLE, AND THEIR EXCELLENT AT IT. CRY AS WE WILL ABOUT THE HORRENDOUS OFFICIATING FOR A SECOND ROUND GAME, IT DOESN'T MATTER. OUR MVP IS BLOODY, AND OUR INVINCIBILITY WHEN SCORING OVER 100 IS GONE, AS IS OUR HOME COURT ADVANTAGE. FANS IN ATTENDANCE LOOKED AWFUL QUIET FOR THE #1 SEED. HOWEVER, ALL OF THE ABOVE IS MOOT. WE DIDN'T PLAY DEFENSE, RUN, OR SHOW ANY INTENSITY. IN GENERAL DIE HARDS WE PLAYED THE VERY GAME ALL OF US FEARED THE MOST. OUTSIDE OF THE OUR BRAVE MVP, WHO REFUSED TO GO TO THE LOCKER ROOM WITH A CUT THAT WOULD HAVE STOPPED ANY PRIZE FIGHT, THE SUNS WERE VERY DISSAPOINTING AT BEST. I HAVE WATCHED EVERY GAME THIS YEAR, DIDN'T MISS EVEN ONE. I WILL SAY THIS HERE AND NOW, BECAUSE I FEEL I'VE EARNED THE RIGHT. PRIDE TOOK A HUGE HIT TODAY. SUNS LET THEIR FANS DOWN, AND WORSE, THEY SHOWED LITTLE HEART, OUTSIDE OF NASH. WE WILL NOT COME BACK FROM 2 DOWN AT HOME. EITHER MARION, DIAW, AND BELL GET IT TOGETHER, OR WERE "GOING FISHING". I HOPE OUR SUNS DON'T HAVE TO LOOK BACK WHEN THEIR PLAYING DAYS ARE OVER AND REGRET THE OPPORTUNITY MISSED.
Nancy - Florence, AZ
I think that I have watched all the SUNS games this year, too. I felt that the SUNS did not come out with the intensity they needed to overcome the Spurs in Game 1. I was disappointed the Suns dropped the first game. They can't drop the 2nd game tomorrow night - they just cant', because I'm afraid that when the games goes to San Antonio, and we're down 0-2 like in 2005, it will be dejavu!! I know that Steve is probably not going to have a great game tomorrow night, so Leandro and Diaw are going to have to step it up a notch-and the team as a whole are going to have to get more offensive rebounds and block the paint, and step up their defense. I agree with someone-the Spurs should not have had a score of 111 points by the end of the game. GO SUNS!!!
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