Suns Finally Turn A Corner With Shaq

Defense and the Phoenix Suns, two things that most wouldn’t match up with each other, especially since GM Steve Kerr decided to trade for Shaquille O’Neal. When Phoenix pulled the trigger for Shaq, they were tied for first at the top of the Pacific Division, utilizing a style of play that ignored defense in favor of an offensive machine. With O’Neal in the lineup, their fast break philosophy was scrapped to a large extent, and the Suns elected to use a more deliberate half court style that would adapt around the big man. Since then, they’ve fallen three games behind the Lakers, and struggled to go 3-6 in their first six games with the Diesel. Their terrible defense got even worse with Shaq, averaging over 113 points a game. Even Phoenix’s top ranked offense would have trouble getting to that number on a regular basis.

Facing their nemesis and defending champion Spurs, the new-look Suns finally displayed some uncanny toughness and mettle, beating the Spurs 94-87 in Shaq’s biggest victory in a Suns uniform. Phoenix resorted to new tactics that their opponents usually employ, demonstrating defensive integrity that hasn’t been seen since O’Neal joined the lineup. The Suns didn’t display much of that kind of grit before the trade either. Trading for the 7-1, 325 pound center meant that Phoenix would need to play a slowdown, grind it out game that Mike D’Antoni’s team had never been acquainted with. Yesterday’s win showed that the Suns are actually capable of playing this way, and that they can win while doing it.

The Suns defense held San Antonio to 35% percent shooting, a far cry from the 46% they have been allowing this season, but more than the stats, it was their ability to outhustle and out execute San Antonio during crunch time. The Spurs have developed a knack for being flawless in close game situations. San Antonio led by five with 3:42, but after that, it was Phoenix that made the plays to perfection to steal the win with a 14-2 run.

During that fateful run, Phoenix badgered the Spurs into tough shots, forcing Tim Duncan into two missed lay-ups and two costly turnovers over that stretch. Duncan posted his () double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds, but the Suns’ relentless defensive pressure inside forced him into a rough 6-19 night. His ineffectiveness turned the Spurs into a one-dimensional team, and helped make defending the last few minutes a much easier task.

In the biggest win since his acquisition, it was no accident that Shaq played his best game in accordance. Kerr’s move has taken a lot of heat, but for the first time, his vision came to fruition on the court. Phoenix’s new big man showed that he does have a little spring in his step to compete with the conference’s big guys. O’Neal had 14 points, 16 rebounds, and two blocks, while being the main man responsible for Duncan’s rough night from the field. The 15th year veteran also showed his willingness to put himself at risk, flying into the stands to save a ball in the third quarter, showing an unusually high amount of hustle in the process.

This may have only been one regular season win in the month of March, but Phoenix has been desperately seeking something to feel optimistic about since they unloaded Shawn Marion. An optimistic performance like this needs to turn into a much more consistent occurrence if the Suns hope to go deep in the Western Conference Playoffs next month. But, at least the Suns know that this highly criticized move can actually pay some dividends. Everyone knows Shaq has a reputation for taking possessions and even games on, but he must replicate his wonderful performance from Sunday each and every night. At 36, that’s anything but an uncertainty.