A Series Going the Distance: Phoenix Suns Barely Beat the Los Angeles Clippers

The second round of the NBA playoffs were filled with excitement especially in the Western conference where it seemed like every playoff series was decided by one or two points each game. No series better exemplified this than the Los Angeles Clippers against the Phoenix Suns.

The Suns had just finished defeating the other Los Angeles team, the Lakers in the 7th game and in this series it looked from the onset like the Clippers just might continue thier improbably win streak. However in the 7th game, once again league two time MVP Steve Nash led his team to the next round.

The Clippers were led by Elton Brand who is one of the most underrated players in the league. The Suns simply had no answer for Brand and I marveled at the way that Brand dominated the Suns in each game in the post with his offense and mid range jump shot and on the defensive end. The Suns really don't have a true power forward who can play in the post and block shots. The closest thing they have is Sean Marion who is often undersized at the position. However in this series Tim Thomas played very well and often he drew the defensive assignment of guarding brand. Needless to say, that was a disaster. Tim Thomas is known for his knack of scoring, not his defense. As a result, Brand posted 30 points several games in this series. In the series Brand averaged a double-double in rebounds as the fast pace of the game drew a ton of shots by both teams and Brand grabbed a lot of defensive rebounds and several offensive rebounds. Brand is one of the best rebounders and shot blockers in the league and in this series he showed off his talents and blocked several shots by Suns players who tried to drive into the lane for an easy lay up. Alas, his great effort was not enough as Steve Nash and Sean Marion were too much for Brand to handle.

Steve Nash dominated Clippers point guards Sean Livingston and veteran Sam Cassel. Nash was simply too quick and too fast for them. He shot well in the series from down town and seemed to get into the lane for very easy lay ups at times when he would blow right by his defender. The Clippers had no answer for Nash the entire series. Small Forward Marion had a great series and nearly averaged a double-double in reounds and points. He had some highlight reel dunks of his own from passes from Nash. Marion also shot very well from the 3 point line as Nash got him the ball when he was open from behind the line and he would drain the shot.

This game also came down to coaching as Suns coach Mike D'Antoni once again showed that he is among the best in the league. He prepared hard for every game and diagramed plays that had impacts on the game. Through it all, he stuck with the run and gun style of the Suns' offense and ultimately that helped his team win the series.