Digging His Own Grave
I thought Amare Stoudemire had changed. After ripping him in this space about two months ago, he proceeded to survive the February 18 trade deadline and become pathologically motivated to play excellent basketball. He and Steve Nash led the Suns to the best record in the West after the All-Star break, all the way to the 3 seed in the playoffs. Amare and the Suns carried their tidal wave of momentum into the first round against Portland, where they struggled a little, but won easily. After sweeping their archrival from San Antonio, the Suns became everyone's favorite hot team to beat the Lakers and reach the Finals for the first time since 1991.
Their reward for sweeping the Spurs was 8 days off between series for the Suns. Turns out that might have been more detrimental than beneficial. The Lakers shot almost 60% for the game on their way to waxing Phoenix in Game 1. Simple hot shooting all around is partially responsible for the Laker rout, but let's not take the terrible Phoenix defense off the hook, either.
This is where my criticism of Amare comes in. (As a side note, I feel completely reassured and vindicated for my earlier remarks after watching him in Game 1). While his final 2 months were spectacular, I'm confident that he is still the same guy I've always disliked.
According to a story by Dave McMenamin of ESPN Los Angeles, Amare claimed that Laker forward Lamar Odom's 19 point/19 rebound line in Game 1 was a "lucky game." Amare went on to say that he "focused so much on Gasol and Bynum to where [Odom] snuck in there and got 19 boards." So let me get this straight: he was too focused on Gasol to worry about Odom? Man, I can't imagine how much better than 21 points on 10-13 shooting Gasol might have done if Stoudemire had diverted some attention off him to guard Odom. As for Bynum, he played 19 minutes, contributed minimally, and still outrebounded Stoudemire, who played nearly twice as much.
Amare's final tally: three rebounds in 35 minutes. The guys he guarded: 40 points and 24 rebounds combined. I want to reiterate how incredibly terrible Amare's work ethic is. This is the premier low post athlete in the NBA, and he continually exhibits a complete void of effort and desire to do the necessary things to win. I've said this before, but if he gave 100% every night, he could average 15 rebounds and 30 points. What is with this guy? Why does he settle? Scarier yet, who could possibly stop him if he cared?
As if you couldn't tell, I'm at a loss with Amare. I can't fathom this guy commenting like he did after getting personally shellacked. Somebody forgot to teach him that when you get dominated on the scoreboard, you lose your right to say certain things. My recommendation to Amare is (1) to shut his mouth (2) care (3) mix in a bit of defense and (4) dominate like you should.
Until these things happen, the Lakers will continue to overwhelm the Suns in this series. The Suns are already outmatched, and their only hope is to have Amare and Nash at their absolute best. Anything less will spell a swift end for the Suns.
