The Phoenix Suns Fan

Finally! Some Rationale To The MVP Debate

Just picked this up on ESPN, someone is actually trying to make some sense of the NBA MVP race.  I've thought all year that Dirk is probably 3 or 4 on the list, but for some reason, he's getting a sentimental vote and will probalby win the thing anyway.  When Nash undressed him in the best-game-of-the-season, i thought that would be it, and it may still be, but Nowitzki's name still keeps coming up.

And then this little beacon of light from Jemele Hill (not my favorite writer, but she gets it right this time).  She feels that the arguments in favor of the Diggler aren't strong enough, and she's right.  The crux of the article is: team wins should not count more than invididual contributions, sentimental arguments like 'he's due' should not weigh heavily and people are unfairly punishing MV3 for having won it already. 

Also, while she doesn't come right out and say it, she's voting for Nash.

Chemistry Problems?

We've talked about this before, and everyone poo poo's it like it's no big deal.  On this team, it's a big deal.  The Chicago Tribune is reporting that there was a 15 minute closed door meeting with Stoudemire and D'Antoni.  Uh oh.  Couple that with Marion's repeated comments about not being in the flow of the game and D'Antoni firing back, and this from Nash:

"Our chemistry has to be one of our strongest characteristics, as it has been the past two years. This year it's fading. The ball sticks too often because guys are worried they're not going to get it back. One guy gets a little selfish, and then the next guy is like, 'Well, if he's not passing it, I may never see it.' And then the next one is a little more reluctant."

For the MV3 to come out in public with something like that, it has to mean something.  The dude would never say something like this publicly unless he was sending a message(s). 

WRONG time of year for this shit...

League NEEDS Nash To Win League MVP

I watched all of last night's Suns - Spurs game.  Every minute of it.  It was all but unwatchable.  Actually, it probably was unwatchable.  Which is why the NBA needs Nash, and not Nowitzki, to be MVP.

I hate watching the Spurs, more than any other team in basketball.  Here's why:

• They're boring.  Call me new skool, but I don't get a great deal of satisfaction watching Duncan's immaculate footwork on a step under and lay in.
• They flop more than anyone in the league.  Obviously, if you have Ginobli on your team, you're in the running for that award every year, but throw in Bowen and you've got a team that wants to play defense flat on it's back.  I normally associate that position with other activities, not basketball.
• They cry more than any team in basketball.  Even when the replay shows an obvious foul, Duncan, Bowen and Pop bitch like someone raped their sister and got away with it.  Which leads me to:
• No one gets away with more with the Refs.  Probably because they complain so  much, and are 'made men' in the NBA, they can hack, swipe and body people and get away with it. 

This is not fun basketball to watch.  And, if you ask the Suns today, it's not fun to play either.  This shit won't sell tickets, it won't sell advertising, and it makes me want to watch Sanjay rather than another game like that.

Which brings me to my MVP point.  I don't get any joy in watching Nowitzki shoot fade away jumpers with a 3" vertical, or Ginobli flopping around like he got shot, or Duncan's little hook shot.  Even in a game like last night, though, I still jump out of my seat several times a game because Steve Nash got a ball to someone where there seemed to be no possible way. 

The point is, the League is just now making the transition from the dark ages of Riley's Knicks / Pistons / Spurs type of slow down, frustrate you type of basketball.  It's only NOW beginnig to get watchable again.  The future of the League is in Suns style of basketball, and Nash is the face of this future.  And, he's the MVP.

Heartless Dallas Worse Than Advertised

I'll be honest, I thought Phoenix would lose this game.  I figured Dallas would be pissed that they got beat in Dallas, and want to make a statement in Phoenix.  I thought Dirk would be a beast, trying to keep his MVP hopes alive, and I also thought that having Josh Howard and Devin Harris back would be a big factor.  I also didn't think Phoenix was playing all that well lately.  Add all that up, and I really thought Dallas would win, and could possibly win big.

The game didn't exactly play out that way.  Phoenix shot a league high in field goal %, Dirk did absolutely nothing and although Harris and Howard made a big difference, it wasn't enough.  Phoenix just destroyed Dallas.

This turned out to be a statement game, or as the local media have been calling it a 'restatement game', ie they made the statement already in Dallas and are just reaffirming that statement.  The statement made, was that Dallas couldn't come up with a big game when they needed one, Dirk is NO ONE'S MVP, and Phoenix can beat anyone when they want to.

Two possibilities: 

1. Dallas didn't show up for this game.  If they couldn't get up for this one, they have no heart and have very little shot to beat this team in the playoffs
2. Dallas played their asses off, and just got beat.  Given that they were blown out, seems like they have very little shot to beat this team in the playoffs.

Either way, Dallas can't feel very good about themselves this morning.

Based on what I've seen the past 2 games, if these teams meet in the playoffs, it's Phoenix in 5.

Oh, and anyone see Stoudemires shooting % the past 2 games?  He's 26 for 32 (a tidy 81%), 65 points, and throw in 19 rebounds just for fun.  Dallas has NO answer for Stoudemire.  Then again, who does?