Random Observations: NBA Edition

In the words of the great San Francisco Chronicle sports columnist Scott Ostler, here are my deep thoughts, cheap shots, and bon mots:

---Now we have a series. The Suns defeated the Lakers last night in Game 3 behind an epic performance from Amare Stoudamire, and can even the series with a win in Game 4.

---Stoudamire was flabbergastingly great last night. After getting pounded by fans and media alike for his lifeless efforts in Games 1 and 2, Amare was an unstoppable force in Game 3. The Lakers simply had no answer.

---Another player on Phoenix who deserves enormous credit is Robin Lopez. Lopez has instilled a much-needed tough edge to this previously soft franchise. Lopez is having a coming-out party on the national stage, and he is no longer living in brother Brook's shadow.

---And then of course, there is the great Steve Nash. After underwhelming performances in the first two games, Nash was back to his usual brilliance last night, persevering through yet another injury, this time a broken nose, courtesy of Derek Fisher's elbow. Nash is one of the toughest players the league has ever seen. How can you not love this guy? He is amazing.

---Two other players on the Suns who really impress are Jason Richardson and Jared Dudley. Dudley plays with remarkable swagger; he is a terrific player, which is somewhat surprising considering his seemingly unathletic physical appearance. And as for the always exciting Jason Richardson---he is one of my favorite players. Watching J-Rich thrive in a Suns uniform makes me long for the days when he was a Golden State Warrior. Ahh, those were the days.

---However, Channing Frye continues to suck. Maybe he and Sasha Vujacic should hang out.

---As for the Lakers, Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol continue to play at an extraordinarily high level. The same cannot be said of Andrew Bynum. Phil Jackson should be deeply concerned with the glaring ineffectiveness of Bynum. There is no denying Bynum's raw talent, but he too often looks like a deer caught in headlights out there on the floor. Until he gains some confidence, he will never see stardom in the NBA.

---Memo to Derek Fisher: Cut the dirty crap. I have tremendous respect for your remarkable ability to drain clutch shot after clutch shot, but I've had enough of your thuggish tendencies on the court. Last year in the Western Conference semifinals you deliberately turned Shane Battier's head into a bloody mess, and last night you gave Steve Nash a broken nose in the final seconds of the game, when the outcome was already decided. You seem like a great guy off the court; It's time to show that same type of class on the court as well.

---I can't wait for Game 4. Go Suns!!! Beat L.A.!!!

---On to the Eastern Conference Finals now, where the Boston Celtics have sliced and diced the helpless Orlando Magic, and are one win away from a sweep.

---This series has been a testament to the incredible toughness of Doc Rivers' Celtics. Rajon Rondo continues to establish himself as an elite point guard, and Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Kevin Garnett have re-established themselves as an elite trio after a somewhat rocky regular season. At this point, I consider the Celtics to be the favorites to win it all, and how unbelievable is that. Just a month ago, I declared this team dead and gone. That's why I love sports. You never know what is gonna come your way next.

---Now it is obviously unfair to pin the blame of Orlando's struggles solely on the shoulders of Dwight Howard, but the big man has really disappointed me in this series. Howard clearly has the most pure talent of any big man in the league, but he lacks aggressiveness and maturity. Howard plays with a jovial carelessness out there on the court, too nice and happy for his own good. He needs to adopt a far more aggressive mindset, especially on the offensive end, if he wishes to be a true leader and champion.

---Vince Carter convinced me in the regular season and in the early rounds of the playoffs that he had matured, but I guess he hasn't matured after all. V.C. still lacks that clutch gene.

---Random observation: Charles Barkley is awesome. He's one of my favorite people in the world. Gotta love the Chuckster. Anybody not watching "Inside the NBA" is truly missing out.

---If I'm the Wizards, I'm selecting Evan Turner with the number one pick. No disrespect to the supremely talented John Wall, but I think Turner has more upside and NBA potential.

---I'll end on a couple of coaching notes. First of all, congratulations to Doug Collins on being hired as the next head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers. Collins is a tremendous basketball mind, and he has long been one of the very best analysts in the business. He will thrive in his new gig. With an exciting young core of Andre Iguodala and Lou Williams, the Sixers have a bright future ahead of them.

---Meanwhile, over in Cleveland, Mike Brown has been fired. In many ways, this firing is unfair, but I feel that it's a necessary move. After two straight postseason flops, both the Cavs and Mike Brown need a fresh start. If I'm Cleveland G.M. Danny Ferry, I have my eyes set on either Jeff Van Gundy or Avery Johnson.