Western Conference Playoff Preview – #3 Phoenix Suns vs. #6 Portland Trailblazers
Posted on 18. Apr, 2010 at 5:31 pm by bbryan in Beer + Stuff
I figured this series was worth its own post considering I live in the heart of Blazer mania. In fact, this might surprise those who know me, I’m going to be rooting for the Blazers. I don’t like the Suns much and this Blazer team has been growing on me, especially since they brought Marcus Camby in and got Steve Blake out in one quick move. And in honor of the best coach in Blazers history lets break this series down, Dr. Jack style.
The Super Stars:
Suns - Steve Nash, while not a legitimate MVP is still a very good player. Amare Stoudemire, while not a dominant big man is still very effective and can score in bunches. Either one can take over the game and most importantly can take over in the 4th quarter. While they do it in an unorthodox manner, more in the open floor than the half court, it has proven very effective. Twice they have reached the Western Conference Finals together, so you know they can get it done when it counts.
Blazers - Brandon Roy is out for the series with a torn meniscus.
HUGE Advantage: Suns. 2 is greater than 0, this is science.
Defense:
Suns - Believe it or not the Suns have become a very solid defensive team. They rank 11th in the NBA in FG% allowed and 18th in 3pt FG% allowed. While they protect the paint well, ranking 12th in blocks, they are horrid at creating turnovers ranking in NBA in steals. They also have a hard time defending the pick n roll with.
Blazers -The Blazers defensive numbers: 18th FG%, 6th 3pt FG%, 24th in blocks, 25th in steals. At first glance it looks like they only defend the 3pt line. However their numbers are deceiving because their defense has been much improved since the addition of Marcus Camby. Camby patrols the paint without fouling and allows LaMarcus Alderige to be his soft self and not worry about blocking shots or getting rebounds.
Advantage: Push
Leadership / Intangibles/ Chemistry:
Suns -2-time MVP and PG Steve Nash is obviously the leader of the Suns. He’s been the face of the franchise since he came back over from Dallas 6 years ago. The offense runs through him, and all but one of the players on the team defer to him. And that player would be Stoudemire. There are times when it seems like the two aren’t on the same page. But overall the Suns have good team chemistry and play well as a team.
Blazers -The Blazers play very well as a a team and have incredible leadership provided by Miller, Howard and now Camby. They are the reason I’ll be rooting for the Blazers to win this series. Camby has been a stabilizing force down low. And ever since “the blowup” between Miller and coach McMillan Andre has been killing it. Nate has finally allowed Andre to do his thing without meddling in his business. I really like the way this Blazer team has come together and battled even though their team logo should the red cross sign.
Advantage: Blazers
Final Analysis:
If Roy was healthy this would be a no brainer for me, Blazers in 6. However I’m not convinced that Webster or Fernandez will be able to step up and fill in for Roy. Those two guys have been mismanaged all year by their coach and the Blazers really need one of them to come through. The Suns have been playing well and should be able to overcome the loss of Robin Lopez.
Suns in 5.
8 Responses to “Western Conference Playoff Preview – #3 Phoenix Suns vs. #6 Portland Trailblazers”
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El Rey
18. Apr, 2010
Suns in 4.
I’ll be sure to turn out the lights at the Rose Garden on Saturday.
bbryan
18. Apr, 2010
you going to game 4?
THE STER
18. Apr, 2010
Blazers in 6. lock it up
goodplaye
18. Apr, 2010
they showed a stat on TV that said the Blazers have the 3rd ranked overall defense. Probably based on points allowed and because they play a slow paced game. Either way I’d definitely say they have a better D than Phoenix.
Just watching the first half here its obvious that the Blaze really miss Roy even though they’re up 1. They are winning but I’m not liking the way this game is going. Blaze could be in big trouble.
bbryan
18. Apr, 2010
E – that is exactly what that stat was based on, the Blaze have given up the third least amount of points. But that stat is clearly flawed as you pointed out already. The main problem I have with Portland’s D is that they don’t create turnovers, which leads to easy baskets. Although they were great tonight. Very nice win for the Blaze.
On a side note it’s almost criminal how poor of a job Nate has done with Bayless. The guy is a baller and should have been getting minutes all year long.
Another side note: If Rudy starts over Webster or Bayless tomorrow than Nate should be fired on the spot. Rudy sucks and has no future with the team.
Stake
18. Apr, 2010
Rudy is as much a liability on D as Nash. Bayless was getting minutes, but struggles on D. The last time he had a game like this was 2 months ago against the Suns. He his definitely a baller, but inconsistent. Now would be a good time to change that though.
El Rey
19. Apr, 2010
Everyday Rudy wakes up, I bet he wishes he was never traded from Phoenix. His game will never mess with Nate’s ugly, slow and brutal offense, but he would mob on a team like the Suns or Warriors.
Andre Miller
19. Apr, 2010
I’m so good they named a low-end champagne after me.
I look like P-Diddy’s brother.
Oh, and I’m clutch as hell on the free throw line. Count on me to ice the end of these games.