Nash looks pooped

[EricaLubarsky]

the guy can barely move out there and told the media that he needs ice baths and still can't get the lift to make 3 pointers. He's 1-2 but I thought I heard the announcers say that he had missed 13 straight or something like that?

And he's just going slo-mo on defense. Wow, everyone looks like an allstar slasher when he's in front of them

[Drbio]

Nash is a swinging gate on defense and has no late season ability to do anything about it.

[dude1394]

Second best point guard in NBA history there.

[u2sarajevo]

This guarantees that the WCF don't start until Wednesday. (Suns losing that is... I know it's not over.... but it sure looks like it's over).

[mary]

Originally Posted by dude1394

Second best point guard in NBA history there.

Give the guy a break. He's tired.

[chumdawg]

Nash is a seasoned pro. And he doesn't fear a Game Seven. He reserved some energy tonight, and Saturday it will be full-bore go time.

Guys get cagey like that when they get older, you know.

[capitalcity]

Originally Posted by mary

He's tired.

...of counting his money?

F'em.

[TripleDipping]

He carried the team through the season and round 1 like nobody else did. With the way the Suns play, I'd be REALLY surprised if he's not tired by now. Maybe he's reserving some fuel for game 7, maybe he's buried in poop... if the Suns win this series, Nash is real easy pickings for the PGs of next round's team.

[aexchange]

Originally Posted by chumdawg

Nash is a seasoned pro. And he doesn't fear a Game Seven. He reserved some energy tonight, and Saturday it will be full-bore go time.

Guys get cagey like that when they get older, you know.

i don't know if you're joking, but this makes absolutely, positively, no sense. what. so. ever.

why on earth would he save himself for another game where he's going to have to play 40 minutes again, when he could save himself the trouble and dispose of the clippers in 6? he looks, beat, worn down, and is making the 93 year old sam cassell look like the second coming of oscar robertson.

[Rhylan]

Originally Posted by EricaLubarsky

And he's just going slo-mo on defense. Wow, everyone looks like an allstar slasher when he's in front of them

I'm so surprised.

[orangedays]

Originally Posted by chumdawg

Guys get cagey like that when they get older, you know.

That's just something old people say.

[V2M]

3 days of rest could get his legs back under him for the Game 7. Due to which, I expect the Suns to win. And as a Mavs fan, I want 'em to win... we have some unfinished business from last year!!

[rabbitproof]

My poop looks like Nash!




Oops, wrong thread. Just kidding. I think Game 7 will be a classic. Nash will outduel Sam I Am for most the game. Brand will do most the heavy lifting to keep the Clips within Phoenix-range. Late push by ET will fall a hair short.

[fluid.forty.one]

anyone still miss nash? he's going to fall short and get tired in the playoffs like he did every year with the mavs.

[chumdawg]

Originally Posted by aexchange

i don't know if you're joking, but this makes absolutely, positively, no sense. what. so. ever.

why on earth would he save himself for another game where he's going to have to play 40 minutes again, when he could save himself the trouble and dispose of the clippers in 6? he looks, beat, worn down, and is making the 93 year old sam cassell look like the second coming of oscar robertson.

I mean that he probably realized that the Suns probably weren't going to win that game no matter how hard he played. He was going to have to play another game regardless. So he saved himself up for that one.

Makes sense to me!

[u2sarajevo]

Originally Posted by chumdawg

I mean that he probably realized that the Suns probably weren't going to win that game no matter how hard he played. He was going to have to play another game regardless. So he saved himself up for that one.

Makes sense to me!

Uh huh.... well he did that alot in Dallas then.

[dalmations202]

Guys, no criticizing the MVP -- oh I mean the two time MVP............

[rabbitproof]

This "saving himself" business is pretty slanderous.

Isn't saving yourself when your teammates are going balls to the wall to win pretty much the same thing as what Kobe did to his teammates in the second half of their Game 7?

That's snake behavior to me. For Nash's character's sake, I hope he was just gassed but still gave all he could. Going from his Dallas days, I believe that is the case. For Nash, poor performances have always been due to inability or fatigue, not effort.

[vjz]

The Clippers had the perfect strategy last night: attack Nash, and make him work on the defensive end. QRoss(!) took him apart in the 1st quarter.

[MavKikiNYC]

Originally Posted by vjz

The Clippers had the perfect strategy last night: attack Nash, and make him work on the defensive end. QRoss(!) took him apart in the 1st quarter.

Last year when people were talking up how athletic Marquis was and how he was a good defender, I wanted to visualize him and Howard double-team pressing Nash a la Pippen/Jordan against Magic, or like Pippen and whoever used to do with him whe Pippen was with the Blazers.

I think that, combined with running him into a thousand Dampier picks on every offensive possession would take some of the starch out of him. Especially at this point in the season.

If Dallas ends up playing Phoenix this year, I hope they understand that they need to slow the pace and work the Suns on EVERY offensive possession, get a good shot and strangle them slowly over the course of the game.

[Speedy]

Suns' Nash fired up for 'do or die' Game 7

Dan Bickley
The Arizona Republic
May. 22, 2006 12:00 AM

In big games, basketball teams always follow their leader, and here's the good news:

Steve Nash is far less worried about Game 7 than you are.

"Without pressure, there is little reward," Nash said. "I love pressure. I love big games. Do or die . . . that's when it's the most fun."

As the Suns and the Clippers arrive at their moment of truth, the level of revelry tonight at US Airways Center will be largely dependent on Nash's health, which isn't great but could be worse.

In fact, after Sunday's practice, Nash said he has a congenital back condition called spondylolisthesis (which involves slipping vertebrae) and has had a stress fracture in his spine for the past eight years.

Here's hoping the team doctors knew about this, or they may be getting a phone call from owner Robert Sarver, who committed $66 million to Nash in summer 2004.

"After a lot of games, sometimes the muscles shut down and the body goes into protection mode, and then you're not functioning as an athlete anymore," Nash said. "You just try to get some of the muscles firing and get them sequencing again. It's a little technical, but I have to do the best I can in that area.

"I have to work extremely hard during summers and during the season just to be out there. Some days are better than others, physically, especially this time of year, and you just hope to be the best you can."

If Nash is much improved tonight, credit the NBA with a big-time assist. With three days off between Games 6 and 7, the Suns received more than a lucky bounce in scheduling. It's an obscene amount of down time, and for reference, note that the Pistons and the Cavaliers played two games while the Suns were off power napping.

Nash used the time to import his special trainer, Rick Celebrini, an unorthodox physiotherapist.They did special exercises that Celebrini has developed just for Nash's benefit, and the Suns' star claims the tuneup did wonders.

"I definitely feel like I feel better," Nash said. "I've been working a lot, trying to get some of my ailments right, and I feel like we've made some improvements."

The details are technical, complicated and something Nash didn't want to expound on.

"You got a half-hour? I don't," Nash said.

Still, the implications are enormous. Dating to the previous postseason, the Suns have had their share of bad breaks, ranging from Joe Johnson's busted eye socket to Amaré Stoudemire's defective knee. If Nash feels good enough to be an offensive force tonight against the Clippers, this nifty chunk of additional rest may turn out to be the best break possible, and for that, they can thank the Rattlers.

When the NBA did its playoff scenarios in March, the Suns listed a potential conflict on Saturday, May 20 (a possible Arena Football League playoff game). Thus, the league had to choose between Sunday and Monday.

The NBA took the latter, and contrary to popular rumors, it had nothing to do with the World Wrestling Entertainment event that inhabited the arena Sunday.

"Steve looks good," Suns coach Mike D'Antoni said. "He has his pop back."

Which is wonderful news, given that the Suns have a hard time tying their shoes without their leader. And fueling the drama further, Nash may have a score to settle come tip-off.

Throughout most of the Western Conference semifinals, Nash has not resembled the NBA's Most Valuable Player. Had Raja Bell not made that Herculean three-point shot near the end of Game 5, Nash's shoddy play down the stretch would've been an enormous story.

Then, after the Game 6 loss in Los Angeles, former NBA sidekick Scottie Pippen teed off on Nash, questioning the validity of those MVP trophies. It was stupid criticism from a player with his own sordid playoff past, and on Sunday, Nash seemed genuinely surprised by the vitriol.

"What are you going to say? I don't know what to say to that," Nash said. "I mean, it's not something I really care about. There are a lot of pundits out there. Hopefully, I won't (become) an ex-player criticizing (current) players."

In other words, Nash will have his retort ready this evening, if his body is willing. And even if it isn't, he'll make the most of what he has available.

"Here's my philosophy," Nash said. "I work as hard as I can. I really enjoy challenging myself to get better and play better. I compete. I show up every night. I play hurt, and after that, I leave it all out there. And if people have a problem with that, that's their problem.

"I feel good about myself. My teammates and I enjoy playing together. We're in a pretty good position. I think a lot of people predicted that we wouldn't be in the playoffs, let alone (have) two shots to go into the Western Conference finals. So I don't have a lot to really worry about."

No, Steve Nash isn't stressing a bit, even with these high stakes and this stress fracture in his spine. And that ought to make Suns fans feel pretty good about Game 7.

[u2sarajevo]

The Clippers coach is an idiot. He said Nash looked worn out.

If there is one thing I hate about Cuban is the bulletin board material he sometimes provides. And I have a feeling after tonight the Clipper fans are going to be ticked off about the Clipper coach's material he provided Nash for motivation.

[orangedays]

Originally Posted by Speedy

"Steve looks good," Suns coach Mike D'Antoni said. "He has his poop back."

EL was right!

[MavKikiNYC]

Did someone just say "stress fracture in his spine"?!!!!

[chumdawg]

What a freakin' warrior!

[MavKikiNYC]

What a freakin' risky investment!

[kriD]

Nash enjoys soap opera

By JEFF CAPLAN
Star-Telegram Staff Writer

PHOENIX -- Battling through his own grueling series and an ailing back, Steve Nash has kept a keen watch on the soap opera that's unfolded in his old neighborhood: Two former teammates and pals now on opposite sides, a punch that might have turned the tide, and the vocal owner who is at the center of it all.

The trio of Nash (now with the Suns), Michael Finley (now with the Spurs) and Dirk Nowitzki together made Mavs basketball fun again.

Broken up over the last two seasons, they've taken separate paths and taken on different roles to reach tonight's defining moments. Two Game 7s -- the Los Angeles. Clippers at Phoenix and Dallas at San Antonio -- will determine which of the former "Big Three" play on in the Western Conference Finals.

Nash and the Suns burned the Mavs last season in the second round. Finley, roundly booed in Game 6 at American Airlines Center after the Jason Terry below-the-belt punch and consequent suspension, is one win from doing the same with the Spurs.

The Game 5 punch and aftermath certainly ratcheted up the series and produced some unflattering chatter from Mavs owner Mark Cuban. It put Finley on the defensive Friday after he had 16 points, including a critical late 3-pointer, in Dallas.

"It's been a great series. It's been too bad that there's been so much talk off the court," said Nash, the two-time league MVP. "The players have been terrific and it's been a real mental battle between both teams.

"I went through that obviously a lot the last two years, so I can relate," Nash added. "It's an emotional series for [Finley] and he's been handling himself unbelievably. He's played great and he's been classy amid some, um, crap, and I'm proud of him."

Nash signed a lucrative free-agent contract with the Suns after the 2003-04 season. Cuban declined to match and both sides were left with some bitter feelings.

Cuban reasoned that Nash's daredevil, hard-driving style would physically wear him down, making a long-term deal risky for the Mavs' financial flexibility.

As tonight's game approaches, others are sharing Cuban's doubts. Nash, 32, admittedly is tired and banged-up. He has a stress fracture in his back and various aching body parts.

After averaging a career high in minutes on an injury-riddled team, followed by an intense, seven-game series against the Lakers in which the Suns rallied from a 3-1 deficit, Nash has proved vulnerable. The Clippers have defended his penetrations and crowded his passing lanes.

"I haven't been my best this series, but I've been pretty serviceable," said Nash, who is still averaging 16.5 points, 10.8 assists and 2.8 turnovers. "Here's my philosophy: I work as hard as I can. I really enjoy challenging myself to get better and play better. I compete, I show up every night, I play hurt and after that I just leave it all out there. If people have a problem with that, that's their problem."

It could be the Clippers' problem. Thanks to scheduling conflicts at U.S. Airways Arena, Nash and the Suns got three days to recharge.

"Steve," Suns forward Shawn Marion said, "is going to come out there and be Steve."

Before that, Nash surely will watch as much as he can of the Mavs-Spurs game. If the Suns win, they'll hit the road, headed for one or the other.

"It's been a terrific Western Conference [playoffs]," Nash said, "and it could be even more interesting the next round."

[MavKikiNYC]

Doug Collins just called Steve Nash "The Master of the Half-Inch".

<snicker>

[chumdawg]

Originally Posted by MavKikiNYC

What a freakin' risky investment!

Ya think?!!??

[chumdawg]

Originally Posted by MavKikiNYC

What a freakin' risky investment!

I guess it really was, what with Nash's epilepsy and all. Do you think a couple deep runs in the playoffs, WCF's, make that risky investment into a profit center?

[jleefilled]

I really wanted the Clippers to win the series because they would be an easier matchup for the Mavs, but after I noticed Chuck and Kenny were siding with the Clippers, I noticed my hate for all things-TNT overcame even my hopes for my favorite team. I'm glad Nash and the Suns stuck it to the TNT crew.

[Thespiralgoeson]

Originally Posted by chumdawg

I guess it really was, what with Nash's epilepsy and all. Do you think a couple deep runs in the playoffs, WCF's, make that risky investment into a profit center?

I really don't think it means a damn thing. Not a damn thing.

The Mavs just dethroned the Spurs without Steve Nash and without Michael Finley. The Suns? A couple of deep runs? I'd say one legitimate deep run. This year is an absolute fluke. Forgive me, but I just don't think beating the Lakers and Clippers is all that impressive. Phoenix was bailed out by the flaw in the playoff format.

Sorry if this makes me another classless Maverick fan, but to use your vernacular, I don't give two shits about Steve Nash and his overrated ass. The Suns are in for a truly savage beating, and when the Mavs are playing the Pistons (or god-willing, the Heat) I hope we can put this Nash nonsense to rest once and for all.

[madape]

There are two outcomes of this series
1) We can put the Nash thing behind us
2) We'll never forgive Cuban for letting him go

[TripleDipping]

Originally Posted by madape

There are two outcomes of this series
1) We can put the Nash thing behind us
2) We'll never forgive Cuban for letting him go

I elect 1. Whether Nash is pooped or not I'm confident the Mavs will beat the Suns.

[MavKikiNYC]

Originally Posted by TripleDipping

I elect 1. Whether Nash is pooped or not I'm confident the Mavs will beat the Suns.

Gonna be an interesting series.

Mavs are going to have to do the opposite of what they did against SA. Instead of speeding the pace up, they need to slow it down and grind them up. If they chuck what's been successful for them all year long, they will be playing into the hands of an opponent that shouldn't be able to match up with them.

It's going to be about versatility for the Mavericks. Can they impose a slower style of play that they (the Mavericks) play better on a Suns team that plays best when they play at warp speed?

[EricaLubarsky]

Suns are fools gold. The Lakers proved it. The Suns are a polished team offensively and are pretty good defending the isolation, but their team defense and defense of the pass is probably top 5 worst in the league.

Defensively, he have to get back and have guys out there that can stick with their man single coverage. The Mavs are pretty decent at defending the iso, but are way above average defending the assist.

Offensively we have to balance run'n'gun and half-court offense with passing. The thing about run and gun offense though is that it takes a HUGE amount of energy and focus, because we dont want to have the game get messy because that hugely favors the Suns.

[Five-ofan]

Other than the fact that he was playing like crap was their any reason to think nash was injured??? Its amazing to me the excuses the media makes for than man. Yes he was great in game 7 and thats fine and all but it gets really old hearing how anything anyone on that team does well is because of him and anything he does wrong is because he is hurt even though there is no evidence of an injury. Is he tired? Yes. Is that an injury? No.

[Drbio]

I start Powell, give him the ball and tell him to knock over Nash like a freight train in the first 8 seconds of the series. Then we proceed to kick their ass. We are going to do it anyways, but that would be fun.

[mary]

Looking back at the regular season, the Suns really kicked our ass the last two times we played them...I'd forgotten about that horrible 4th quarter when the Mavs were outscored 34-18...talk about putting a damper on my day!

[dirno2000]

The latest from Bill Simmons:

I hate to keep harping on Steve Nash's faults because he's such an extraordinary offensive player to watch, and he was spectacular in back-to-back Game 7s ... but when you play 35 minutes a game during the season, followed by a seven-game series against the Lakers in which you didn't have to play any defense at all, followed by a couple of tough games against the Clips, I don't want to hear how tired you are. Especially if you're a two-time MVP. The fact remains, Nash played only two good games in that series -- Games 1 and 7 -- and the Suns still won the series. If Nowitzki goes 2-for-7 against the Spurs, Dallas is going home right now. So who's more valuable? You tell me.

(You know who should have been tired? Shawn Marion, who played 3,268 minutes in the regular season, nearly 500 more than Nash, then upped it to 42.3 minutes a game in the playoffs as Phoenix's only reliable rebounder/shotblocker -- he had to play both ends of the court and guard everyone from Odom to Kobe to Kaman to Cassell, then have something left as the second scoring option. And while we're here, Larry Legend logged more than 4,000 minutes over eight grueling months during the '86-87 season without hearing a single "Wow, he's getting tired" excuse. Warrants mentioning.)

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2...t&lid=tab1pos1

Couldn't agree more...especially the part about Marion.