Although the concerns about the injuries to Nash are legitimate, injuries can happen to any team at inopportune times. I don't think that's a good enough reason to write off the Suns yet. As for defense, that is a legitimate argument as to why they can't win 3 of 7, but they will definitely make some noise... One question I have for all the PHX doubters: Last year the Grizzlies were the darling/surprise team of the league, but everyone knew that they would go nowhere in the playoffs because they used a 9 man rotation. In the playoffs, the bench is shortened, and that's what everyone said. PHX has one of the strongest starting 5 in the L, with competent backups in JJ and WALTAH. So what is more important, the lack of defense or the tight rotation?
PHX has a better chance this year than Memphis last year because their top 6 is so much more talented. Another problem for Memphis was their lack of a "go to" star they could rely on in crunch time. They have the same problem this year. I think tough defense, a tight rotation AND consistent proven half-court sets that work when the pressure is on are all necessary. When is the last time a team went all the way without all three? Think Pistons/Lakers/Spurs/Bulls/Rox
Ah, I don't think the rotation was the problem for the Graizzlies last playoffs, their problem was they were playing against the Spurs. No one on that team had the answer for Duncan. Plus James Posey basically dispeared in that series.
