Phoenix 111, San Antonio 102 (Suns lead 1-0)

Like I stated in the podcast, Jason Richardson has to go retarded if the Suns think they have any chance to win this series. After last night’s performance, he is on the waiting list for the psychiatric ward.

J-Rich dropped a smooth 27 points on 10-16 shooting and took it the Spurs defense all night. He is the key. When he plays well, the Suns will beat anybody. Let me repeat that: ANYBODY! Richardson can help spread the floor for Steve Nash to drive and Amare Stoudemire to command the paint. There is no defense on the planet that contains all three strengths, it’s too much to be accountable for and Greg Popavich knows it. The Suns are 30-4 (postseason and regular season) when Richardson scores 20+.

Let’s also not take away from the performance by Steve Nash, whose injured hip was a question on how well he would perform. I think he’s alright ladies and gents. It’s incredible, when you think Nash is about to turn the corner, especially at 36, he orchestrates a 36 and 11 performance to set the tone for his team. The Suns needed this game, because if they didn’t, the series would end in five. Nash knew it, and he responded beautifully. He did everything and anything tonight being almost unstoppable in the opening minutes of the game. Nash made his first five shots and finished the quarter with 17. Afterwards, he got his teammates involved and made his team feel comfortable at home. Honestly, Phoenix needs to win these 2 games at home if they ever feel that they have a shot in winning in this rivalry.

Rivalry? I have no idea why I said that. The Suns actually have to win a series before the media and public opinion can label it just that. Phoenix had to play their best and San Antonio didn’t back down for a second. The Spurs almost pulled off a 14 point comeback in the 4th. Manu Ginobili quarreled one run and Tim Duncan another. They just kept on coming, but the Suns did a great job to counter the blows. Phoenix is going to have to continually be able to respond with a strong rebuttal all throughout this series.

Ginobili and Duncan finished with 27 and 20 respectively.

San Antonio doesn’t have much to worry about because the Suns played their best game of the playoffs thus far, and it will be hard to maintain while Popavich is on the other side of the division line. They will respond and Alvin Gentry does not have the experience to compete with the mental aptitude of one of the best coaches in the game.

Game 2 should be just as good as this one.

The Suns do have extremely good news though, Robin Lopez is reported to return by Game 3, the earliest.

This is The Ref signaling I’m out until next time and remember: We miss calls, you miss lay ups.