Dr. Jack's Breakdown: Suns-Spurs
By Dr. Jack Ramsay
Special to ESPN.com

No. 5 Suns (53-29) vs. No. 4 Spurs (53-29)

Hall of Fame coach Dr. Jack Ramsay provides analysis for ESPN on SportsCenter and NBA Today. Here he breaks down the playoffs for ESPN.com. The color analyst for the Heat, Ramsay's impressive résumé includes making the playoffs in 16 of his 20 seasons as coach and winning an NBA title with Portland in 1977.

Throughout the 2000 playoffs, Dr. Jack will break down each series from the backcourts to intanglibles. Look for his analysis from the first round all the way through to the NBA Finals.

BACKCOURT EDGE
Without the presence of Jason Kidd, the Spurs should hold their own against Penny Hardaway and company. Avery Johnson and Mario Elie are solid in the backcourt, and Terry Porter gives the Spurs a boost off the bench. Elie will have to do a good defensive job on Hardaway, who has picked up his game in Kidd's absence. Johnson will match up against Randy Livingston to start the game, and then Kevin Johnson, who has only played six games since returning to the Suns.

FRONTCOURT EDGE
Tim Duncan's presence makes a huge difference for the Spurs. David Robinson is clearly ahead of Luc Longley in speed, defense, everything. Sean Elliott, now with 19 games under his belt, is playing a little better and defending well. Samaki Walker has come on at the big forward spot. Clifford Robinson is a quality player who has had a strong season, but I like the Spurs' frontcourt because they are just as experienced and can raise their game.

BENCH EDGE
Rodney Rogers has had a great season as a sixth man off the bench for Phoenix, but the Spurs have an overall edge with Walker, Malik Rose, Jaren Jackson, Antonio Daniels and Jerome Kersey. Plus, all the Spurs have the experience of playing in last year's NBA Finals.

INTANGIBLES EDGE
As the lower seed and without Kidd and Tom Gugliotta, the Suns aren't expected to do much; therefore, they can play a much looser style against the defending champions. The Spurs know they have to get by the Suns and make the home-court advantage stick. Those things wash out, although the Spurs made a statement by beating the Lakers in the regular-season finale without Duncan. Even

PREDICTION
Spurs in five. The big difference will be Robinson and Duncan, if he plays. Even without Duncan, the Spurs are the champions and know what they have to do to win. Phoenix will make it tough for the Spurs with the style they play. They will put a small lineup on the floor, and press the Spurs to try and scramble their game. But the Spurs are too poised and too solid.
ESPN.com: Help | Advertiser Info | Contact Us | Tools | Site Map | Jobs at ESPN.com
Copyright ©2000 ESPN Internet Ventures. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Safety Information are applicable to this site.


ALSO SEE
Phoenix vs. San Antonio

Getting to the point: Livingston vs. Johnson

Jason Jackson's NBA Playoff Viewer's Guide



 
News   Money   Entertainment   Kids   Family
    
Eastern Conf

Western Conf

Bucks vs. Pacers

Pistons vs. Heat

Raptors vs. Knicks

76ers vs. Hornets
Kings vs. Lakers

Sonics vs. Jazz

T-Wolves vs. Blazers

Suns vs. Spurs
Conference Quarterfinals

Conference
Semifinals


Conference Finals