| Marty Burns' Breakdown |
|---|
| San Antonio |
|
Phoenix |
| Even at age 34, David Robinson remains a top-flight scorer,
rebounder and shot-blocker. Against Phoenix's Luc Longley, the Admiral should be
free to roam and use his versatility to maximum
effect. |
CENTER The Edge:
 |
Longley is a big body to defend in the middle, but against quicker
players like Robinson he's at a disadvantage. Look for him to guard Duncan
instead, with Cliff Robinson sliding over to check the
Admiral. |
|
| If healthy, Tim Duncan is a force. With him and the Admiral inside,
opposing teams just don't get many good looks. Small forward Sean Elliott is
still rounding into shape after missing most of the season because of a kidney
transplant. The Spurs will need his defense and three-point
shooting. |
FORWARDS The Edge:
|
Despite playing out of position, the Suns' Robinson has done an
admirable job filling in for the injured Tom Gugliotta. Still he'll have his
hands full with the Twin Towers. Shawn Marion is an athletic star-in-the-making
at small forward, but he doesn't create offense and his inexperience could be a
factor. |
|
| Avery Johnson provides steady floor leadership and takes care of
the ball, but he's lost a step on defense and can be beaten off the dribble.
Same goes for veteran shooting guard Mario Elie, who has not been knocking down
shots this
season. |
GUARDS The Edge:
 |
With Jason Kidd out with a broken ankle, Penny Hardaway has stepped up
his game. Alternating between point guard and shooting guard, Penny has kept the
Suns alive with his scoring and playmaking. Randy Livingston fills in adequately
at point but, like Marion, is inexperienced.
|
|
| Terry Porter has been huge all season for the Spurs, playing smart
ball and hitting clutch shots. Samaki Walker, who played well late after a
disappointing season, will need to keep it up if Duncan can't
play. |
BENCH The Edge:
None |
A leading candidate for the Sixth Man Award, Rodney Rogers can bang
inside or drift out to shoot the three. Kevin Johnson and Rex Chapman are solid
in the
backcourt. |
|
| The Spurs proved last year they weren't soft, and their pride won't
let them go down easily. Despite not having Elliott most of the year, they still
finished No. 1 in team defense, a reflection of their
commitment. |
INTANGIBLES The Edge:
|
After four straight first-round playoff exits the resilient Suns feel
they're due. Considering their hard luck in the regular season -- mainly the
injuries to Gugliotta and Kidd -- it's hard to argue with
them. |
|
| Gregg Popovich has been patient all season trying to get his team
ready to defend their title. He'll keep the Spurs on an even keel no matter
what. |
COACH The Edge:
|
Despite the injuries, Scott Skiles did a masterful job keeping the Suns
afloat. Still, he has no playoff bench
experience. |
|
| How will the Spurs respond if Duncan -- who has a sprained left
knee -- cannot
play? |
'X' FACTOR The Edge:
|
Could get a massive inspirational boost from the return of Kidd, who
has missed the past month with a broken left
ankle. |
| Burns' Prediction: Spurs in 5 |
|---|
| |
