Brand did play amazingly, but the Suns have to defend him better. Way, WAY too often Brand caught the ball less than 6 feet away from the basket, and while he may not shoot 18-22 every night, with his mid-range efficiency, he could easily average 30+. The Suns need to correct that.
D'Antoni says that he doesn't really worry about the Clippers pounding us downlow because that's what everyone does, but you still cannot just accept that standing still. All night, the Suns were allowing him to catch the ball in his comfort zone. Regardless of the fact that Shawn Marion would have trouble guarding Nate Robinson in the post, even Ben Wallace would not be able to stop Brand if he first allowed him to catch the ball exactly where he wants it. Everytime down the floor, the Suns need to find Brand and bump him off his spot before he can get below the free-throw line extended area. They need to front him and double him and pretend like he's Shaquille O'neal, do whatever it takes to at least make things difficult for him and tire him out. Deny him the ball whenever possible. Because if you're standing behind him when he catches the ball, then you might as well inbound the ball and run to the other three point line, waiting for Nash to get you an open look.
