The Phoenix Suns were all about offense. Stoudemire played center, Shaun Marion was at power forward, and Joe Johnson and Richardson were the guards, plus Steve Nash. Of all of them, only Marion had any real defensive ability. Joe Johnson could hold his own, at best. The other three were absolute sieves.
In contrast, the Pacers were built on defense.
When they settled into their defensive set, they played even more traditionally than other defensive powerhouses.
Su Xi hounded Tony Parker at the top of the arc, Reggie Miller covered Bowen, Stephen Jackson took on Ginobili, and Little O'Neal and Tony Battie held down the paint.
The San Antonio Spurs passed the ball to Duncan, who went one-on-one against Tony Battie.
Tony Battie's defense was all about high volume and high effort.
You could score on him, but it would cost you your energy.
SWISH!
Duncan scored, steadying his team.
