Getting the Cold Shoulder

Rick Mahorn should be proud. Over the last two nights, we have seen significant fourth quarter cheap shots delivered by members of the losing squad. Of the two, Robert Horry's is much more significant than the one Baron Davis delivered to Derek Fisher. Cheap Shot Rob--as both San Antonio and Arizona papers are now calling him--has created a situation that will challenge the NBA's ability to enforce it's own rules. Who cares if Horry is suspended; it's the potential one game bans of Stoudemire and Diaw that cast a pall over this series at such a crucial moment.

Last night's game was excellent for it's drama, not necessarily for its execution. The reason why San Antonio built an 11 point lead was because of over 50% and 3 point shooting. However, they hit the cold spell and Phoenix hung around until Nash could work his magic in the last few minutes of the game. In winning the contest, Phoenix continued the tradition of playoff victors generally outrebounding and shooting more free throws than the losers. They also have displayed a fair amount of mental and physical toughness. The next 12 hours could be a test to that moxie, depending on what happens to Amare and Diaw.

The game was disappointing however for a number of other reasons:

1) Gregg Popovich's post game press conference. Not that he cares what ordinary people think, but I've always respected his ability to coach in the big series and games. His refusal to show the slightest amount of accountability for his players was disturbing. Let's be clear: Bruce Bowen IS a dirty player, and Horry is one as well. I've always thought Rob got a free pass, because he was crafty about how he would try to hurt players and he was the "big shot" guy.

Pop and Jerry Sloan to me are coaches out of the same mold; guys who get a squad to be an extension of their own apparent toughness. Defense, fouling and physical play with offensive execution have been the hallmarks of their success. Sloan had Stockton and Malone, who were also very dirty players. Neither of them are apologetic, but I think when a line has been crossed, you can acknowledge it. Neither Sloan or Popovich has ever done that, and for sportsmanship's sake, they need to. Pop showed a lot of arrogance last night.

2) The Suns spin on Stoudemire's leaving the bench. Does anyone really believe that? Please. It would be better to say that initially there was the rush of emotion, he quickly got under control, and both Stoudemire and Diaw's actions were a non-factor. Ask for the mercy of the court, straight up.

3) Shaq's appearance on TNT last night. He barely had anything to say, making sound effects and platituding his way through the evening. He offered to come back, if the money were right. Please, can we pay him NOT to show up again? At least get a player who has some interest in either a) the game of basketball or b) a broadcasting career after retirement. Interesting how KG rarely shows up to these telecasts, not that Smith and Barkley have had great comments about Da Ticket lately.

TNT's catch line IS that "they know drama". Looks like we'll have more in store very soon.