To anyone on the east coast who may have headed to bed after three quarters of Wednesday night’s Suns/Mavericks game with the Mavs holding a 91-76 lead and all the momentum, Yogi Berra would like to speak with you. He’ll be in touch. I imagine it’ll go something like, “It ain’t over ‘til it’s over . . . “
Wow, what a game. Suns win 129-127 in two overtimes. Where do I start? Oftentimes, as we all know, big matchups that are anticipated in sports don’t measure up to the hype. Occasionally though, they do. The temptation to borrow Sports Illustrated’s cover title “The Epic Battle,” which they used after the third Ali-Frazier fight, a.k.a. the “Thrilla in Manila,” was overwhelming. But then I realized that this was not an epic battle. It sure seemed like one, but in reality it was just a regular season game. And the best one I’ve seen in quite some time, perhaps ever. And the similarities to Ali-Frazier III are uncanny. Like Ali in that bout, the Suns dominated early, racing out to 32-18 end of first quarter lead. Like Smokin' Joe, the Mavs punched back in a big way, whittling the deficit to 60-53 by halftime, and then blitzed the Suns with 38-16 third quarter. And like Ali, the Suns, with one foot in the grave, somehow summoned whatever it is that separates the truly great professional athletes from the unsavory ones we hear too much about, responded, outscoring Dallas 35-20 in the final period, capped off by Steve Nash’s three pointer to tie it with just under three seconds left. Nash had ten points in the final minute of regulation, which began with Dallas holding a seven point lead. The two overtimes were as good and tense as competition can get. The only negative o####ame like this is that the longer it goes on, the more that significant plays during the game get overlooked, such as Shawn Marion flying into the picture to rebound Nash’s initial attempt to tie the game and dishing it back to Nash for the biggie. But I suppose the fact that significant plays get pushed to the back of one’s memory is a by-product of an epic battle. Oops, there I go using that phrase again.
A few observations that I didn’t overlook:
-Heading into tonight, Dirk Nowitzki would’ve been my choice for MVP. After tonight, I’m not sure. One thing I am pretty sure of, though; it’s a two-horse race between he and Nash. (Not to take anything away from Nowitzki, but was I the only one watching who thought he got an inordinate amount of calls from the officials? I won’t elaborate on specific ones here, so as not to take away from a stellar game, but I almost fainted when he got a “T” called on him late in the game. Hard to imagine how a guy that gets that many calls can complain to the refs.)
-All of the critics who keep re-iterating the stereotypical “Steve Nash plays no defense” can now officially cease and desist. In the overtime periods, Nash took a big charge and later had a huge deflection of a pass and subsequently knocked the ball of Jason Terry and out of bounds--a couple of the afore-mentioned plays that may be overlooked considering of the enormity of the outcome. Steve Nash is not a defensive stopper. Never has been, never will be. But enough already.
-Dirk and Steve can fight over the MVP this year, and perhaps next. But soon, very soon, Amare Stoudemire will be mentioned in the same breath. Forty-one points, ten rebounds. Sixteen of nineteen from the field, nine of twelve from the line. If there were any doubts about his health after missing all but three games last season following microfracture surgery, they have just been erased.
-One telling sign; Immediately following the game, before they even broke for a commercial, the local radio broadcast tandem for the Suns, Al McCoy and Tim Kempton, had Amare on for a few minutes. He was noticeably calm and composed, which surprised me after such a big victory. A few minutes later, the local TV station covering the game had Suns assistant coach Alvin Gentry on for an interview. He, too, was subdued--obviously pleased with the victory but saying a couple times that he wouldn’t overstate the importance of the win. There was no celebration, even minor, from the Suns. Though the folks at home no doubt bordered on cardiac arrest on more than one occasion.
-One would think in a double-overtime game between two of the best teams in the league would have been at least fairly close all the way through. The quarter scores I mentioned above show anything but. Which made this game all the more remarkable.
-I keep hearing about each team’s “Big Three.” It doesn’t appear this game did much to discern any significant difference between either team’s three main players. Just one more reason why we are all anxiously awaiting and hopeful for a Suns/Mavericks showdown in the western conference finals. Thankfully, though, there are enough games left in the regular season to allow my heartbeat to return to normal after tonight’s epic battle. (Dang! I’ll try to stop that.)
-The Suns are now 2 ½ games behind Dallas for the #1 seed in the west. I would normally say that it doesn’t matter much. These are the two best teams and the seeding will have little to do with the outcome if and when they meet in the conference finals. However, it appears that the #2 seed will more than likely have to face San Antonio in the second round. I think either team will get by the Spurs, but the matchup could sap a team of some of its remaining energy. Or this could be pure speculation and nothing more, as there is a good bit of the regular season to go yet, and anything can happen in the playoffs as well. Who knows.
This game could have easily filled up one of those half-hour “NFL Films” highlight shows that we have become accustomed to seeing during Super Bowl week. They have one regular season meeting left, a matinee on Sunday, April 1 in Phoenix. Wishing for a repeat of tonight’s festivities would be asking too much, to be sure. But obviously I’m not alone when I expect another go-round in about two and a half months.
For now though, Phoenix is 2-0 in its “Barometer Week,” with Detroit coming up Friday and a game at Denver Saturday. So far, so good.
What a game! Amare was unstoppable in the paint tonite. I have to say the officiating in this one was poor the call on Howard on Nashs 3pt attempt at the end of regulation was particularly brutal but the bad calls went both ways so they evened out.
yeah that was an insane game. gratz to the suns and their fans, enjoy it. some abnormal statistics in that game, especially for one that went to double OT. Dampier with 11 offensive boards (can Amare block out?) and no defensive boards (can Dampier block out?), the fact the Mavs previously were undefeated (i believe) when any players scored 30 or more, alot of things were out of whack statistically. Undeniably a classic, just wish the outcome was a tad different :P.
Great write-up ricko, I'll try & stop laughing now - did you say something about composure. That's one reason I like the Suns, they have maturity (learned from their coach to some degree, I would surmise) & understand this is just one game in the standings and guarantees nothing. I think they understand it's an 82 game season and the Playoffs are a completely different season where teams step up their defense to a different level. In contrast, as many know by now, I'm no Nowitzki fan (or fan of Euro players in general). I think the last 2 games have shown more about where Nowitzki is at and I expect the Spurs to rip Dallas if they meet in the post season.
Stackhouse has really come on for them though as an X-factor who can't be overlooked. He's had such a strange career, I don't know how to understand it. But he gives them another horse that may make them more of a force in the Post Season than I expected them to be.
Shawn Marion, has a big first quarter & then gets about shut out & shut off the boards until the going gets tough, then gets that big board, & some other big boards & points down the stretch. I still take Marion as MVP over Nowitzki. This guy plays 4 positions on a team that doesn't have enough depth, which is one reason the Suns have a realistic chance to beat the Spurs. He goes out and all but shuts down T-Mac, how many 3's in the game are going to do that for you. Maybe Josh Howard. And Marion doesn't have to be the man. That's because he knows how to play basketball. He knows what needs to be done. They have go-to-guys, you can have *too* many.
Huge game, but it's only one game. Nonetheless, an importat statement was made by Phoenix. Had they lost they would have been 0-3 against Dallas this year, with one to play. Now, should Phoenix defeat Dallas in Phoenix on April 1st, they go into the post-season without the perception of disadvantage in skill, talent, and will.
This game was a certifiable heart-stopper. Just when I thought Ali was too tired to throw another Punch, he found the stamina to stun Frazier again.
Dallas must be worried now because they go on the road to face the Cavs and Det. They don't want to lose their #1 spot no matter what anyone says. I think Dirk is a great player but in no way, shape, or form is that guy an MVP candidate. MVP players find ways for their respective teams to win close games, not single handedly blow them.
evilquacks-For some reason, the Ali-Frazier III fight popped into my head during the fourth quarter. It followed the same pattern, so I couldn't help but make the connection.
Rev-No, it'll be a few years before Amare's name is in the mix, probably. But he's only 24 and still getting better. Yes, their rebounding was atrocious last night. Eddie Johnson, the local color commentator on the Suns' broadcast, kept saying that if the Suns didn't win the game, they could point directly the amount of second chances the Mavs got in the second and third quarters.
Wulf-Good point. This game threw a lot of statistical trends for a loop, I would imagine.
jesus-It's well known around these parts that I am a huge Marion fan. You can watch a game and not realize it, but then look at the box score and he's got 18 and 12, almost every night. And the fact that they have more offensive weapons now even makes him more of a factor, though his personal numbers might be down a bit with Amare back, Barbosa scoring more, etc. Nowitzki couldn't miss for awhile, but I think he got worn down late in the game. He played all but about 40 seconds, and I think it showed late.
pumpdude-Thanks for the epic comment. Definitely a classic game.
MeanD-Yup, it's only one game, but what a game it was. I admit I was surprised at the Suns' subdued reaction to the win, but in reality, it was just one regular season game. Good win, though, expecially on Dallas' floor. Down 0-3 in the season series would not be a desireable position. Suns need to finish up the week strong-two tough games left.
Big, big win. Though it's a good sign that the players and coaches didn't put too much importance on the outcome of a single game, it still has to help boost confidence. A road win against a chief rival for the conference title is big no matter how you stack it up.
And Nash in the final minute of regulation was unbelievable.
Congrats on the big win. It was a classic game between two great teams.
I agree, Nooch. Thanks for stopping by. Like I said, I don't know if Nash is the frontrunner for MVP now, but he certainly gave good evidence to a national audience why he's won the last two.
For the first time this year, the SUNS played like a legitimate title contender.
Props to NASH. He is impressive and reminded me of KOBE the way he scored all those points in the clutch.
The SUNS got help in the form of DIRK NOWITZKI, who not only choked but lost his composure. This is a bad sign for the MAVS and was just another reminder as to why they couldn't put away the HEAT last year.
For the SUNS, I'd be concerned about their rebounding and lack of size down low. Despite Amare's dominance, Phoenix may still have to deal with Detroit, Miami, or San Antonio, teams that have a major presence down low.
Diz...you must be a Yankees fan too, all they can do is point to the past and say "see..we WERE the champions" lol
I know...your just being a fan but ya really shouldn't completely trash the Suns and then when all your preditcions and so called facts blow up, come all humble without eating some crow.
As a SUNs fan I appreciate the props.
PUMPDUDE: I am not trashing the SUNS. Take some time to read my previous comments. I was commending them and giving some viewpoints at the same time.
But take a look at how RICKO responded. Nonsense. RICKO is showing the "hater" in him.
I say something good about your team and look how you SUNS fans respond. That's why I'll come right back and say something like " we have titles and you don't". I'm just playing along with his nonsense.
If you talk basketball with me, I'll talk basketball. But if you talk nonsense, I'll come right back with an elbow to your face like KOBE.
I can understand you guys are jealous that you have no titles but c'mon man, make some sense when you debate about how good your squad is.
IT reminds me of the haterism from KINGS fans when we kept beating them in the playoffs 3-4 years ago.
By the way, I'm an OAKLAND A's fan. I hate the Yankees, but game recognizes game that's why New York signed Giambi, Damon, and the late Cory Lidle - all former A's.
LAKERS, 49ERS, Athletics. Representing Killa-Cali to the fullest.
J-Dizz--I'm sorry you took it the wrong way. My "yeah, yeah, yeah" was in reference to your last statement "But it's still all about the LAKERS."
I hate to break it to ya, J-Dizz, but no, it's not all about the Lakers. And if the words, "yeah, yeah, yeah" translated in your mind to "RickO is a hater," then perhaps you are the problem, not me.
This was a great game topped off by mastery writing by Ricko, the desert cactus King! Great read Ricko, I was looking foward to your breakdown. The last paragraph was inciteful, better to get to stage two by any way other than through the Spurs. Good stuff.
J-Dizz--You were right about Nash in your earlier comment. And yes, the Suns will have to address their lack of rebounding. Too many second chances for the other team.
Thanks a lot, steelerfan. Still some basketball yet to be played, but now I think I'm even more ready for the playoffs to start.
ricko, I don't know if the game is an epic one, but your writing sure is an epic blog! Good analysis! And congrat to the Suns for winning a big game.
There is really nothing negative I can think of to say about the Suns. They played almost perfect, including Steve Nash playing some defense. But a few good defensive plays in one game doesn't make him a good defender. He, by my standards, still sucks on defense.
As for Amare Stoudamire, I think he is a better basketball player now than before his knee surgery. But he is clearly not the same freak-of-nature that he was before. Dampier got 11 offensive rebounds. It seems to me Stoudamire has lost at least 5-6 inches off his vertical.
On top of that, I think Stoudamire needs to develop some post game independent of Nash. He has one post move right now, which is turn around, take one dribble to the right, and take 2 steps and power his way to the hoops. He needs more than just that in the long run. Steve Nash is going to retire somedays.
Anyway, other than that, the Suns played great, just like my prediction in my previous blog.
Ricko I would be pumped up. The Suns dug deep agains the best team in the NBA (currently).
Using the number of championships argument is so bogus. That would be like me saying "Maple Leafs 13-Buffalo Sabres 0". We all know Buffalo is a better team. Not sure why a fringe playoff team like the Lakers is even mentioned here. Cheers.
The_DAN: Quit hating. Read the comments because there was a reason I brought it up to RICKO.
I don't brag about how many titles the Lakers have because everyone already knows. But I do mention the titles when I rub it haters' faces because all haters do is talk nonsense.
Maple Leafs have titles but when was their last one? Like two decades ago? The Lakers win at least one title every decade. That's the mark of excellence, because we all know that excellence is not an act but a habit.
4 decades ago to be precise and I hope it goes on for another 10. But why do you accuse me of hating? They lost again last night badly and there is a small possibility that they could miss the playoffs. This is not their year as they need a good year or two to build the franchise into a real contender. That is all.
I don't get it. The '72, '80, '82, etc. Lakers teams make the 2006-07 Lakers better... how?
They're a good team. If they were in the Eastern Conference, they'd be right up there with Detroit and Cleveland. However, they have NO shot at all against teams like Dallas, Phoenix, San Antonio, Houston (who routed my Sixers by 50 points today), etc.
Personally, I think Kobe needs a complement, like A.I. and 'melo on Denver.
Ricko...it was a helluva game. My biggest disappointment is that these two teams won't face each other in the finals. It's just not fair. They are the best two teams. Dammit. Screw the Pistons...I am calling for a change in the rules!
Nice Post!
Dizz.... the Celtics have 16 banners to your 14. I am sick of your Laker history ####. You want to get into it by using NC rings?...you lose by two. NEXT!
Now you want to explain ur logic of greatness? The Celtics suck and so do the Lakers. The number of banners have nothing to do with this year, now do they? I am a Celtic fan, I know what I am speaking of.
J-DIZZ-Thanks for understanding. Kobe is certainly an awesome talent. I just don't know how far he can carry them. He can score in bunches, we all know that. My brother played against Phil in high school back in NoDak. so I always keep one of my eyes on him. I know Kobe has won titles, but at this point it seems like he's a big scorer looking for some help.
bbing-You are absolutely right. Stoudemire needs to develop a solid low or high post game. Which I think he will. He has stated that he wants to be the best. His defense has improved immensely from a couple years ago, so hopefully that's a start. I think watching some video of Elvin Hayes would be a good idea. He's only 24, so there is room.
The_Dan-I agree (literally) 110%. Is that possible?
rivjo-Good question. I guess it was a fallacy. (hee hee).
Miracle-hi
The_Dan-Quit hating. (kidding) Thanks for stopping by. Your comments always make sense. Wish mine did.
Ultra-I couldn't have said it any clearer.
lisa-I agree. Wouldn't a championship series between these two teams be great? I was a Celtic fan for a long time too, so don't be too hard on Day Jizz, um, I mean J-Dizz.
I didn't watch this entire game either living on the east coast. Seriously though, the only west coast games they play on t.v. here involve the Nuggets, or if they are not available the Mavs.
If there is a rematch, though, I will stay up until 1 in the morning to see it - I thought it was over after watching the Mavs dominate the first half.
LISA4USC: Read the back-and-forth comments between me and RICKO and you will see why I brought up the titles. There was a reason I brought up the "history ####".
Otherwise, there is no need to bring up LA's 14 or Boston's 16 because everyone already knows.
Ricko I try. It might be a dry heat in your area but it is a wet freeze up here. It's suppose to warm up soon but I'll be packing for Florida for the final week of spring training so I just pray the snow is gone by the time I am back.
Time for Phoenix to pick it back up. Denver looked too good and if they face off in round 1 Phoenix better lay the wood to them. I want a Dallas-Phoenix-San Antonio round 2.
The Mom likes Florida and she dropped some LBS so she's pumped for the trip. Family vacation, first one in 11 years. Hard to find time when there's school, work and baseball back home. Shall be good. Cheers.
nice article. Yeah that game was something. The best game of the year. A thriller between the two best teams in the nba. Too bad the last game wasn't as good as this one.
Spent half my life in North Dakota. The other half, so far, in the Valley of the Sun. As a kid, I was always playing, watching, reading, or writing about sports. I lost most of the "playing" along the way, but the rest remains the same. I pledge to refrain from commenting on a blog unless I've read it in its entirety. If I have time, of course.
Carry on.
Email address: rickoblog@ear thlink.net
