2010 NBA Playoffs: Suns vs. Spurs Game 3 Prediction

Early in Wednesday night's game 2 between the Phoenix Suns and the San Antonio Spurs, it looked as if the Spurs were on the verge of stealing a game in Phoenix as they pounded the ball inside to a spry and rejuvenated Tim Duncan. Things would change in the second half.

Despite a strong game (29 points and 10 rebounds), Duncan's Spurs could not match the offensive firepower and hustle shown by the Suns in this Western Conference semifinal game. Phoenix, which received 19 points apiece Steve Nash and Jason Richardson, along with 18 by Grant Hill, relied early on inspired bench play to keep the game close. The Suns Jared Dudley set the tone in the second quarter, inspiring his teammates off the bench with his rebounding and hustle. When interviewed after the game, Spurs coach Gregg Popivich considered Dudley a difference-maker. In the second half, it would be their high-octane offense that would ultimately decide the outcome, as they assaulted San Antonio with a barrage of three-point baskets. Securing a 111-102 victory, the Suns have taken a 2-0 lead in this best-of-even series.

The Phoenix Suns, who also received 23 points and 11 rebounds from Amare Stoudamire, made 8 of 12 three pointers after starting the game by making only 1 of 7. That kind of deadly late-game shooting was simply too much for the Spurs to overcome. For the second straight game the Suns scored more than 100 points, which is an ominous sign for the Spurs. The Spurs are 0-4 in this year's playoffs when their opponents score above 100.

A positive sign for San Antonio was the fact that they did receive a strong game from Richard Jefferson (18 points 10 rebounds), and another good game from guard Tony Parker (20 points). They will need those two to continue to contribute if they expect to make a run in this series. Manu Ginobili had 11 assists, but was hindered by Phoenix's Grant Hill, shooting just 2 for 8 from the field. Expect the Spurs to make adjustments in order to get Ginobili more shots. With this Game 2 victory, the Suns have held home court advantage. Game 3 on Friday night is back in San Antonio. Needless to say, it is a must-win game for the Spurs.

If the Spurs are going to win this next game, then they must focus on 4 key areas.

1. They must rebound the basketball, especially on the defensive boards. In game two they were out-rebounded 49-37, which included an 18-7 deficit on offensive boards.

2. They have to make their free throws. After missing nine foul shots in game one, they followed it up with a 15-22 outing or 68.2% shooting from the foul line.

3. The Spurs must shoot better than 38.9% from three-point range. The Suns shot 9% better from behind the arc, as Channing Frye went 5-6. They need better production out of their perimeter role-players. (Matt Bonner, George Hill)

4. The Spurs must improve their perimeter and help defense. The Suns are an explosive team with several weapons, but the Spurs did show in the first quarter that they have the length and shot-blocking ability to contest shots.

So far, I am 0-2 in my series predictions. I had the Spurs riding the momentum from the first-round, and winning one of the first two games. I underestimated the Suns. It is apparent that this is not the same Suns playoff team that they have been in the recent past. That said, it would be awfully difficult for Phoenix to win three in a row against the Spurs, especially with the Spurs playing at home. My prediction: San Antonio by 4 points.

SOURCES
ESPN.COM
USA TODAY
GOOGLE NEWS
NBA.COM