Spurs vs. Suns Prediction for Game 2 of the 2010 NBA Playoffs

As an avid San Antonio Spurs fan and student of the game, I was disappointed, but not devastated by the Spurs performance in game one. As we look ahead to Wednesday nights game two against the Phoenix Suns in the second round of the NBA playoffs, its important to remind yourself that the Spurs find themselves only one game behind in the series. That deficit can be easily erased. The Spurs showed flashes of brilliance in game one, charging back from behind in the second half. This gives me and every Spurs fan hope. I believe that there are minor adjustments that can be made that will produce a different outcome in game two. Three of these key adjustments that will produce a Spurs victory are:

First, the Spurs must find a way to neutralize the penetration of Sun's guard Steve Nash.
The Spurs opened up the game with guard George Hill playing defense against the more experienced, two-time All-NBA point guard. This was a strategic mistake, as Nash was able to drive by Hill, utilizing the many intricate picks set for him within the flow of the Phoenix offense. The Spurs fared much better when Tony Parker was in the game, as his relentless attack-mode forced Nash to play defense. This reduced his effectiveness on the offensive side of the court. The Spurs may want to consider starting Parker for game two and bringing Nash of the bench.

Second, the Spurs must get contributions from their supporting cast. In the Dallas series, it was players like guard George Hill who were the difference-makers, providing key outside shooting, heads-up defense, and energy. In last night's game, it is fair to say that the bench was ineffective, George Hill was a non-factor, and our big off-season pick-up, Richard Jefferson, continued to underachieve. If the Spurs are going to outmatch the fast-breaking, free-styling Suns, then they will need an infusion of energy that should come from the bench and key complimentary players. We also need DeJuan Blair, Matt Bonner, and Antonio McDyess to step up his game and provide quality minutes when on the floor.

Lastly, the Spurs need to reduce the number of turnovers and mental mistakes early in the game. At times it felt as if the second team was virtually handing the Suns easy baskets. Many of those mistakes, along with three-point misses, led to the Suns fast break, which was masterfully orchestrated by Steve Nash and company. That type of careless play does not sit well with Spurs coach Gregg Popivich, and even though the Spurs were able to re-gather themselves and play a competitive game, that kind of mental weakness will not help them to defeat a very good, motivated Phoenix Suns team.

Final Analysis

We knew coming into Phoenix that this would be a difficult series. Expect it to go the distance. The Spurs are a very battle-tested, veteran team, and they are great at making adjustments. That said, the Spurs are going to need to steal a game in Phoenix in order to move on. I believe that Game 2 is ripe for the taking, and therefore I am picking the Spurs to win by 8.

SOURCES

Ktar.com
http://ktar.com/?nid=112&sid=1291314
Nba.com
http://www.nba.com/suns/playoffs2010_preview_100505.html
Azcentral.com
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/2010/05/05/20100505phoenix-suns-robin-lopez-doubtful-for-game-2-nba-playoffs-san-antonio-spurs.html
Sportsnet.com
http://www.sportsnet.ca/basketball/2010/05/05/suns_spurs/