Diaw’s Near Triple-Double Keeps Suns Alive, Scorches Spurs 105-86

Posted by Stephen Rhodes under NBA PLAYOFFS

??????????????????????????????

The interesting thing about the first round series between the San Antonio Spurs and Phoenix Suns is that in two of the games, a Frenchman has made a big difference in the results of their team’s fortunes in each game; Tony Parker helped San Antonio in Game 3 as he scored 41 points in the Spurs’ win.? Game 4 would find Phoenix Suns forward Boris Diaw being the catalyst as he nearly pulled off a triple-double, keeping the Suns alive with a convincing 105-86 win over the Spurs Sunday at US Airways Center.? The Suns’ win narrows the series to a 3-1 San Antonio advantage.

Phoenix, unlike the past few games, had an impressive first quarter; Diaw’s jumper gave the Suns an early 11-1 lead, and Leandro Barbosa’s layup with 5:41 left in the period increased Phoenix’s advantage to 20-9.? As a result of the offensive onslaught early, the Suns went into the second quarter ahead 34-13.? San Antonio did reduce the Suns’?lead to 12 three times in the second quarter, but?Phoenix would score the next 12 points – 6 by Raja Bell – to go up 61-37 on Diaw’s layup with 1:33 left in the half; the Suns went into halftime with a sizable 65-43 edge.? The third quarter was all Phoenix as Steve Nash’s jumper gave the Suns a 79-49 lead?with 5:50 left in the third quarter.? San Antonio, with Parker and Tim Duncan on the bench, reduced the Suns’ lead to 22 late in the period, but Phoenix went into the final quarter leading 93-65.? The Spurs outscored the Suns in the fourth period 21-12, but the outcome was decided by that time.?

Phoenix’s high scorer was Bell with 27 points, 5 three-pointers, 6 rebounds and 5 assists while the aforementioned Diaw nearly recorded a triple-double as he scored 20 with 10 rebounds, 8 assists and 2 blocks; Nash and Barbosa added 15 each – with Nash grabbing 5 rebounds, dishing out 4 assists along with a steal while Barbosa grabbed a rebound and dished out an assist.? Shaquille O’Neal recorded a double-double as he?scored 14 with 12 rebounds, an assist, 2 steals and 2 blocks.? San Antonio was led by Parker with 18 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists but committing 5 turnovers while Duncan scored 14 with 10 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocks.? San Antonio and Phoenix hook up again on Tuesday at AT&T Center in San Antonio.

Updates, Fresh From the Oven, Straight to Your Inbox

Promote:

Comments

One Response to “Diaw’s Near Triple-Double Keeps Suns Alive, Scorches Spurs 105-86”

Basketball Quiz on April 28th, 2008 12:52 am

I have been saying this for some time that Diaw is a strong backbone in the league. I have seen better years for the Suns, however this is one tough and favorable season to keep us fans on the edge of our seats!

Leave a Reply