First to 125 wins

"When we do get used to each other, we'll be the most dangerous team ever created." Shaquille O'Neal

The doubters, naysayers and Lakers fans will start chirping right away but the first game of the NASH/SHAQ campaign was intriguing. I had to watch this game Frankenstein style. I rocked a little ESPN360 until it died. I followed the gamecast play by play. Then I decided to watch the 2nd half at a sports bar. Sierra Nevada kept me loose as the Lakers broke our Shaq cherry with a loss.

Plenty of stuff caught my attention. The Lakers put 3 dudes 6'10" or bigger on the floor to start the game. They got a ton of layups off the pick n' roll and Kobe got hot early. Recipe for disaster normally but the Suns can still score at will by putting guys in perfect positions- basically give it to Steve Nash.

The lulls in playmaking were largely due to Boris Diaw. He was too busy partying and came to the game in cat mode. Hey Bo, when you look like a cat playing with a ball of yarn on defense- second units go on big runs... and take a big step in from the three point in the first quarter. Get warmed up before launching threes copain.

So I've been saying that Amare is the star and needed the training wheels taken off before he'd turn in a dominant player. With no Marion around, we have to see him do some dirty work and keep the energy to score at will. Tonight (37 pts, 15 reb, 3 blk) he showed the ability to do it but the pace and wanting to avoid foul trouble still led to a lot of easy baskets.

Fuck Pau Gasol. I hate you.

Getting no points from Raja hurts because his offense keeps Kobe honest. DJ Strawberry showed the ability to be in a Kobe highlight. He played him tight but when he's hot, get him to drive into the big guys and give up the ball. What do I know though- if had a solution for Kobe I'd be McCain's running mate.

Before anyone says anything about the 3-1 record against the Lakers- this is not the same team and neither are the Lakers. In fact the Suns are facing the leagues two best defensive teams in their next two games. We'll see the difference Shaq will make in the grinders. The Big Upgrade (15 pts, 9 reb, 2 blk, 3 ast) will make plays in the shootout games. Notice how he seemed to be everywhere in the fourth quarter.

There are plenty of plays to be made in a game that depends on execution. As accustomed as we've gotten to the Suns run n gun ways, the high shooting percentages are a result of picking the best opportunities to score. The opportunities will change now that Shaq is in the middle on both ends. This team will peak at the right time.

Mos def would have liked to have won this game but the Lakers are hot and the Suns have work to do. Should we face them again this postseason- it'll be fun. I'm pumped for Boston.