"In Okinawa belt mean no need rope hold up pants." - Mr Miyagi

[mark at 10thumbs.org]

In fairness to the Spurs... the "smash Nash in the Nose" was a freak
accident... 2 guys hustling not unlike Vinnie Johnson/Adrian Dantley back
in the 80s.

That said i agree this is going 7 (unless there are massive suspensions
for leaving the bench), and have been surprised how many otherwise smart
sports folks were ready to have the Spurs Vs. Detroit in the finals
already (i.e. Dan Patrick, etc.)  I think they have to toss Horry for 2
games and agree with Barkley that they should not suspend Amare/Diaw (or
if they do, stagger the suspensions).

I personally think that if the Spurs do get past the Suns and face the
Jazz, they'll give them all they can handle and might be able to pull off
the upset.

I sure woulda loved to have Deron Williams in green.

(the other) mark

---------------
Love the Karate Kid reference BTW "Get him a body bag! Yeah!"

The Spurs flaw is lack of speed in their defense. Bowen is a visible step
slower then everyone he's guarding and Parker isn't a good defensive player
despite his speed. So in grand Riley/Van Gundy fashion, Popovich consciously
made the decision to turn the game into what the Spurs are made for - a
half-court slugfest.

This series is a true clash of styles and while I agree with you that the
"Bad Boys" style is ugly for the sport, I do respect the fact that the Spurs
have a coach that recognizes strengths and weaknesses and conversely does
something about it in his game planning. Good thing the Xs and Os don't mean
anything huh?

This series is going 7. Winner? Flip a coin - it's that close.

----------------------------
Interesting strategy taken by the Spurs, apparently lifted from the Bad Boy
Pistons of the late '80's:

  1.  Smash Steve Nash in the nose.
  2.  Knee Steve Nash in the groin.
  3.  Body check Steve Nash into the stands.

  What next, elbow to Steve Nash's solar plexus? Sweep the leg?

  I am surprised the league has let this garbage go one (although maybe not
so surprised since it's probably pumping up the ratings).  But this is bad
for the sport. - Asterix