Round 1 (bench): Spurs Fan 4Life vs. wildcatsfan1

As is well documented, the Suns bench made a minimal impact on the team making the playoffs. With their 8 player system, they don't go deep into their bench but rather keep the same core together on the floor most of the game. At times they tried guys like Skinner and Strawberry but for the most part D'Antoni felt comfortable rolling with his big 8.

However, now that the playoffs are here the bench will be vital to the Suns playoff chances. Just about every team in the West except maybe the Rockets have big men who are capable of banging down low and posting up. With Shaq and Amare at times prone to foul trouble, its going to be key for guys like a Skinner to hold the fort if one of them gets in foul trouble. Also, Diaw and Barbosa are essential to the team if they want to have a shot of getting by their nemesis the Spurs. Barbosa has to be able to come in and take minutes from Nash he needs for rest. If Nash is forced to run point for 43+ minutes every game, they won't last. Barbosa is at his best when he's attacking on the fast-break and he needs to consistently hit the outside shot so his explosiveness can't be nullified by them laying off him. Diaw has to rebound and be aggressive on offense for us as well as man-up on whoever it is he guards. The Suns aren't going to change what they want to do, but when push comes to shove, their bench players have to show their not afraid to push back.

Well this really suck!!!!!!!! I couldn't find the thread......better late than never......Suns fans good luck in the 2nd rd.

The sucess of the bench has been very vital for the Spurs this year. All year, the San Antonio Spurs battle  through injuries. Ginobili missed 8 games, Timmy missed 5 games and Tony Parker missed 13 games. Not to metion that Brent Barry was injured for 3 months and Robert Horry's injuries are still nagging him. For these types of reasons bench play has been very important for the Spurs this year.

Two key aquisitions in the mid-season were Kurt Thomas and Damon Stadumire. Damon came in aheld the fort down while Tony was injured  and propelled the Spurs to an 8-1 record while in the starting line-up. Kurt Thomas gave the Spurs the much needed "muscle" to give Timmy some rest and was important in some games down the stretch. Ime Udoka had a breakout year for the Spurs as well. Although the numbers and stats might not tell the whole story, Ime was consistant all year. He filled a big gap when Barry went down with his hard nose defense and crucial 3 pt shooting.

How will the bench help during the playoffs? Simple, by staying healthy. Game 2 of the Suns/Spurs game was a perfect example of this. The bench (excluding  Manu) only had 11 points. Again, the stats isn't what we're looking at here. They (bench players) came in at the right time and sustained the lead for the Spurs. Brent Barry is the most important player to remember in this equation. In both games 1 and 2 of this current series Brent Barry, yes BRENT BARRY was the player who sparked both of the Spurs comebacks. In both games he hit 3's to lite a fire under the Spurs and the crowd. Now imagine of Robert Horry gets on track during the playoffs. Having a healthy bench will be the key to a sucessfull playoff run for the Spurs.