It is not the end of the Phoenix Suns’ world if Amare Stoudemire is suspended for Game 5 of the Conference Semi-Finals. The actions of Bruce Bowen and others that the Association Head Office has permitted during the first four games of the series should provide some context to any suspensions assessed as a result of Robert Horry body checking Steve Nash into the scorer’s table and the subsequent melee. Suspending Stat for leaving the bench during an altercation would be neither consistent with restorative justice nor crippling to Phoenix’s chances to beat San Antonio.
First of all, the Suns would have to play Kurt Thomas more; they acquired him to defend Tim Duncan in a series like this. Thomas is a superior man-to-man defender and commits fewer fouls than Stoudemire, who has been in foul trouble frequently. The Spurs’ offence was disrupted in the fourth quarter of Monday night’s game because of the multiple defences that Phoenix employed to stop the screen and roll and post play, irrespective of whether Stoudemire was on the court or not.
Thomas is smarter and quicker to rotate than Stoudemire. He can cut off Manu Ginobli and Tony Parker’s penetration in order to force a pass out without fouling as much. Thomas also possesses ten years more experience in diverse post-season situations that Stoudamire does not.
At the other end of the court, Thomas can screen and roll excellently with Nash. While he cannot create his own shot (neither can Stoudemire at this point in his career), Thomas can hit the fifteen foot shot that San Antonio will give him. Although Stoudemire is a tremendous offensive rebounder relative to Thomas, Shawn Marion is more than capable to pick up some of the slack at in that area.
When the Spurs physically pressure the ball in the halfcourt, the Suns’ man-to-man offence breaks down and all that remains is created by Nash’s ballhandling. For example, Carlos Boozer’s low-post moves drive the Utah Jazz’s inside/outside game. Phoenix lacks such a presence on the block so losing Stoudemire would be an enormous obstacle but he is not irreplaceable. Nash could continue to penetrate under defensive pressure and get the ball to other teammates in scoring positions.
Boris Diaw’s suspension is cancelled out by Big Shot Rob’s ban. Diaw’ lackluster play won’t be missed offensive but the combined absence of two players 6-8 and taller will strain Marion and Thomas on the defensive end, forcing them to expend more energy playing additional minutes. This is not a feat that those two have not performed before. Should anyone get into foul trouble inside, Phoenix will have severe problems as Game 4 demonstrated how even Fabricio Oberto can succeed in the right situations.
Mike D’Antoni’s team has many options: Four out, one in (if that). Transition baskets. Penetrate and dish/kick. Screen and roll and Circle Play options. Double-team and rotation. Run and jump. Stop the guards’ penetration off the dribble and screens. Force a lower percentage shot and starting the fast-break.
It will be exceptionally challenging if Phoenix must play without Stoudemire; hopefully the Suns won’t have to.