Suns 96
Spurs 79

Sorry this took so long.  I originally wanted to see if there was a story for why Manu was on the bench as the fourth quarter wound down.  Was Pop mad at him?  Was he hurt?  Has Pop finally gone batshit insane and decided that Fin is our best 2guard?  I needed to know what was going on.  Then my life was busy for a day or so.

Well, we all know that Manu got hurt basically 3 seconds after he checked in, which explains the 3-12 (0-4 from triple land).  To be fair to Manu, he took 2 last second, full-court shots in the second and third periods (so he was really just 3-10).  It also explains this loss for me.  See, we started off good, holding them to 16 points in the first quarter.  However, they managed to tie the game by halftime on Raja's 24-foot shot with 2 seconds left.  They had a four point lead by the end of the third period, and it all just fell apart in the fourth.  The problem was, without Manu, we just don't have the talent to beat the suns.  Our scheme is nice, and Timmy is still Timmy (though he didn't play a great game either, just an okay one for him), but we need Manu to beat the good teams.  The league is just too deep right now.  Unfortunately, we didn't have Manu at 100%.  Groin injuries are probably the second most debilitating muscle to movement (ab pulls are the worst.  If you disagree, you've just never had one).  Hopefully he'll get better before the playoffs, or we are in a bit of trouble.

As for our players, I'll start with Tony.  He seemed to have a great first quarter (5-7, 10 points, 2 assists), but I do worry if his style freezes up our ball movement too much.  Well, mostly I'm just concerned about him not passing the ball to Manu enough.  I get the idea that he and Timmy are supposed to start us off, but once Manu comes of the bench, he needs to have the ball.  However, this has been touched upon, so I won't bitch too much.  Besides, Manu was injured, so he gets a slight pass tonight.  And he shot 9-17 for 20 points, but you'd like it if you PG could get more than 4 assists(esp when he has 3 turnovers).  And yes, I have watched Tony play before, I know this is what he does.  Just saying is all...
At least he does seem to be healthy.  So that's nice...

As for Timmy, I know he led the game with 23 points and 10 rebounds, but he shot 9-21.  Is he practicing bankers before the playoffs?  I know he wasn't our problem, and had to do more than usual because of Manu's injury, but the refs were calling fouls.  He shouldn't have been shooting open bankers when Shaq and Amare are both in foul trouble.  Still, he's never let us down (even the last couple years when we lost, he hit that forgotten great shot, and had a great game in the game 7 loss), so I'll trust him to lead us in the playoffs until he gives me a reason not to.

Though please drive more Timmy, your FT percentage is up this year!

Also, fuck Shaq.  I like how he saves up his energy for the games against us (he shot 7-9 last night) because he was brought here to beat us.  Hey, guess what fat boy, you can't take games off to rest up for us in the playoffs.  So while he made us look bad on this night, he won't be having any 7-9 games in a game 6 or 7 should we meet in the playoffs.  Shaq is a mirage.  He won't be able to rest in the playoffs and he will fall off.

Michael Finley continued to not be a corpse.  4-5 including 2-2 in triple land and no turnovers!  I'd like it if he could get more than 1 rebound, but let's take baby steps.  If he can continue to shoot above 33%, then I'll be happy.  

Ime Udoka (who I was happy about signing the moment we did) continues to provide the little things.  He only shot 1-3, but pulled down 6 rebounds, which was second on our team and two better than their creampuff of a PF.  I really like him and I'm starting to think he should take a bit more of Bowen's time (especially if Bowen keeps shooting 2-8).  Of course, Bowen is also one of those guys I'll trust in the playoffs until he gives me a reason not to.

And Kurt Thomas needs to find his shot.  We can't have games where he doesn't score.  That's just not good.

Three Stars:

3.  Timmy.  They weren't efficient, but his 23 points was a game high and he also got his 10 boards.
2.  Steve Nash.  10 assists and 0(!) turnovers is pretty good.  If we meet in the playoffs, I hope Tony head butts him again and draws a foul.
1.  Shaq.  7-9 from the animated corpse.  That's fine, there's no resting in the playoffs douche bag...