With Portland swarming Amare down low and out-muscling Steve Nash on the perimeter, Phoenix needed Jason Richardson in the worst way this series.
Man, has he delivered.
J-Rich cashed in for 29 points in Game Two, then upped the ante with a 42-point onslaught in Game Three. Suddenly the guy Phoenix treated like over-expensive trade bait is the indispensable teammate the Suns need to succeed.
That's not to disparage guys like Grant Hill, Goran Dragic, and Jared Dudley, who have all stepped up in the postseason spotlight. But Richardson is the one guy who has the unquestioned talent to take over when Stoudemire and/or Nash falter, or are at least contained.
Game Three was a J-Rich highlight reel that would have made any Warriors fan wish for the good old days. On the break, on the post, or behind the arc, Richardson did it all. He showed that if Portland focuses its perimeter defense on Nash, Richardson will make them pay dearly for it.
That's the evolution the Suns hope will continue throughout their still-young playoff run.
If Richardson is on his game, how realistic is it to stop the Suns offense? Does any team ...
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Article written by Matt Petersen
Phoenix Suns: Jason Richardson Showing Why He’s the Postseason Key
April 22nd, 2010 by Matt Petersen Leave a reply »
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