The Suns did everything they had to to move up in the seedings, however, the other teams failed.

This means the Suns will be taking on a familiar foe in the San Antonio Spurs.  Many readers will remember how David Stern stole our championship last year, so in my mind this is the semi-finals of the 2006-2007 playoffs again.  Even if the Suns fail to win a championship, but beat the living trash outta the Spurs - the season is a success in my mind.  If the Suns go so far as to beat the Lakers and the Spurs then it is just as good as winning the NBA championship (even if we lost to Boston or Detroit).

So the keys to the series?

1) David Stern not suspending our players over a bullshit rule that was implemented to regulate teams that have little to no discipline (IE: Pacers, Pistons, Knicks, basically any team that has gone insane in the past couple of years and caused a small riot)

2) The referees calling the game like the regular season.  Everyone knows the Spurs get preferential treatment, it will be up to the Suns to make a statement in game 1.

3) The offense of Steve Nash.  Nash has been timid the last couple of weeks.  Whether it be the fact he’s trying to bring the team cohesiveness to a high - or he’s running out of gas is irrelevant.  Nash is a big time player - he will be ready to play come Saturday / Sunday.

4) Amare Stoudemire’s defense / foul trouble.  STAT has to be disciplined.  He cannot pick up childish fouls and he must make crisp, smart rotations on defense.  Was I the only one screaming at the T.V. when STAT was guarding Biedrinds at the 3-point line on Monday?  It made no sense at all.  STATs defense of Duncan while the Diesel is refueling on the bench will be key.

5) CAN YOU DIG IT?  This is it.  Time to see if our big gamble will pay off.  Season series is 3-1 in favor of the Suns but everyone knows the playoffs are a completely diffrent monster.  Lets see if the Diesel can drive the Suns to their first championship.