4 Ways the Suns can Rise Again.

The Phoenix Suns have been on quite the journey the last 5 years.  Once 2 Time MVP Steve Nash arrived the team instantly tasted success, flirting with the NBA Finals but they could never get over  the hump.

Unfortunately, they have ran up against a pretty potent LA Lakers attack in the Western Conference Finals and are in a 2-0 hole.  Sunday's game in the desert is a must win for the Suns and here are 5 ways they can get back in the series. 

1.) Let Nash..Be Nash

Steve Nash is not having the same affect on the Lakers as he did in the series against San Antonio.  While his assists are up considerably (14apg) in the first 2 games his scoring is down 10 points (12ppg). 

Its true the Lakers are a great defensive team but the 2-Time MVP winner has got to score some points if his team expects to even win a game in this series.  He is shooting 50% from the field but that means nothing when you have only taken 18 shots in 2 games.  Is he not getting good looks? Or is he over passing?  The later sounds humorous when describing the pure pg but the Suns rely on his scoring too. 

2.) Earth to Amare..Play some D!

The 3 Time All-Star has not been playing defense his entire career.  I mean he only averages around 1.2 blocks per game even though he can touch the top of the backboard and has the same athletic powers as a certain Superman that resides in Orlando. 

Although the Lakers are keeping a close eye on the Suns star, he has to be able to guard someone...anyone on the block.  Not to mention he only has pulled down 9 rebounds in  games against the Lakers.  Los Suns need Amare to step up on the other side of the ball if they want a W.

3.) Run Baby Run

The Suns have been outscored by the Lakers 252-219 over two games and that is surprising seeing how much the Suns like to run.  I picked the Suns in this series due to the fact that I believed they could convince the Lakers to play a track meet type game in which they could not keep up for 48 Min's.  Wrong!  The Lakers are moving the ball so crisp and precise the Suns are now the team slowing down.

In order to win they must push the pace and go small and connect on those 3 point attempts that have been alluding them thus far in the series. 

4.) Bench Play

Channing Frye has moved back to the bench and his production has declined worse than a bad stock option.  1.5 points per game so you can guess how bad his 3 point attempts have been.  A 1-9 mark in 2 games including that dreaded 1-7 outing the last game.  They need him to stretch the floor and give Amare room to dance with the rim. 

Dragic made a name for himself in Game 3 against San Antonio and he too has been a non factor off the bench.  Hopefully Dudley can continue to knock down open 3's as he is proving to be the only consistent scorer on the Suns bench.

Peace,

Agent34

Say It Aint So Joe!

"We could care less if [the fans] showed up or not."

Atlanta Hawks Guard-Joe Johnson

Those were the words spoken after a disappointing home loss to the Orlando Magic in Game 3. Superstar guard Joe Johnson struggled mightily during the series vs the Magic shooting 29% and only avg 12 pts a game. He was also booed on Monday night in their season ending game against the Magic. This is my plea to the fans of Atlanta

Dear ATL Fans,

Please swallow your pride and forgive Joe Johnson for his remarks. He is one of the hardest working and most talented players in the league. I know his lack of emotion at times gives off the perception of not trying hard, but everyone is wired differently. Atlanta has the pleasure of being his first choice this summer (unrestricted free agent), but booing the only star player since Dominique Wilkins is not exactly rolling out the red carpet for him to re-sign. Did you see Cleveland booing LeBron when he went 2-11 in a pivotal Game 5 loss? No! Athletes today have the disadvantage of facing the scrutiny of the media immediately after a game. Sometimes players do not express their views in the most politically correct way, but Joe is a good guy. No late night partying, No Arrests, No domestic abuse...all he needs is a fan base that will back him through the good and the bad. The Hawks won 53 games this year, how many do you see them winning with him gone? Winning and losing is a team effort , and although I do understand that the burden usually rests solely on the shoulders of the star, there will be learning curves for every team. Sure the Hawks have been swept out of the semi-finals the last two seasons but they are still a legit center away from being great. Some of the key ingredients may be changed this summer but if the main dish is not served then the entree will not taste right. Think about it.

Peace ,
Agent 34

NBA Playoffs..So Far Part 1.

Guess Who's Back?

As Kanye West said "Hi Haters I'm back off Hiatus." Kanye

Oook, so since I last left you the NBA Playoffs have started and we learned a lot about some teams during that time. Such as the Dallas Mavericks; who spent a lot of money only to lose in the 1st round, no excuses for the Nuggets the Thunder Kids are growing up quicker than expected, and hopefully time will heal all wounds for the Blazers..literally. In the East a young Buck shined bright, while the Bulls took a step back, the Bobcats are still kittens and D-Wade needs help bad.

Here are my Round 2 Predictions:

Suns-Spurs

This series looks like the changing of the guard so far, with Duncan looking like a shell of his former self (before the 29 point game 2) Amare and Nash have a connection that looks to be unstoppable! Jason Richardson is more than a dunker and his hot shooting has helped propel Phoenix to a 3-0 series lead. Now I believe people are starting to understand why Amare and the Suns stayed put at the deadline. This team is dangerous and should handle the aging Spurs in 6 games.









Lakers-Jazz

Laker fans got more than they expected from the youthful Thunder, but it seems to have lit a fire in the Champs. Utah thus far are without supporting stars Okur and Kirelinko (Kobe Stopper?) and are down 0-3 against the Lakers with only 1 more game in Utah. Expect the Jazz to at least get 1 but I don't think they will win any in LA. Bynum and Gasol have dominated the inside, while Kobe and a rejuvenated Artest have been shooting lights out. The Champs are right where they are supposed to be 1 games away from the Western Finals.










Cavs-Celtics

I want to pick the Celtics to beat the Cavs in 6 and this was before the smashing in Game 2. With that being said I almost find it sacrilegious to go against King James. The C's are finally allowing Rondo to shine (the aging big 3 helps) and are reaping the rewards as he has been scorching the Cavs. Ultimately I do believe the Cavs will win the series but it will definitely go 7 games. The NBA wants the Lakers/Cavs in the finals but they forgot to tell Boston. This series will be a close one.








MAGIC-HAWKS

The Magic look like they are on a mission, and getting back to the Eastern Finals will be the easy part. With a 3-0 lead on the Hawks only 1 win separates them from going back to the East Finals. As for the Hawks there is nothing that needs to be said..they are not ready for Prime Time yet. Crawford was a huge pick up but their need for a big man of any kind is holding them back from taking the next step in their team maturation. Hopefully, they will go after a big man this off season to battle Dwight but it may be too little too late.