Suns Scheduled Duel With Lakers : Coach Jackson Fires the First Shot

Zenmaster Coach Phil Jackson (left photo) fired the first shot in the Suns scheduled match against the Lakers by his palming comments about Phoenix Star guard (right photo) Steve Nash' ball-handling.

Coach Jackson, ever the psywar expert, used the long lull before his Los Angeles Lakers face the surprising Phoenix Suns in their scheduled Western Conference Final match-up to fire the first shot.

Phil chose the heart and soul of the Suns team,two-time MVP Nash. Asked how, they were preparing for the match, he practically said that Nash is palming the basketball as he orchestrate the Suns offense.

Palming is not allowed in the NBA and basketball in general, but it is a rule that has a lot of gray areas. Even LA's Kobe Bryant is said to be extending that rule to the limit.

Nash, ever the articulate leader of the Suns, said that the best coach don't mind his ball handling skills, referring to coach Greg Poppovich of the San Antonio Spurs. An obvious spite to coach Jackson who has more championships over Poppovic.

Jackson also did his psywar thing against Kevin Durant. Steve may actually be flattered because Jackson chose him to play mindgames. The Lakers are the overwhelming favorite and is expected to return to the NBA finals and defend their championship. But the way Coach Jackson started this series tells me that the Lakers is not as sure as themselves that they can get past the Suns that easily.

As a fan, I am more than satisfied that my Suns are still playing up to this point. They were not even considered shoo-in to reach the playoffs at the start of this season.

Competitive games are all I am asking to see. Not the beating the Orlando Magic dealt the Atlanta Hawks. But if the Suns prevails, it is an early chrismas gift I'd willingly take.

Note: Coach Phil Jackson image taken from Wikipedia.