Sugar Shaq

There are too many variables to say whether the Phoenix Suns' daring experiment will lead to the desired end. But the second half of tonight's game against the San Antonio Spurs provided the best picture yet of what their management had in mind. After watching Shaq stumble through his first games with the team, it's stunning to see him scoring so effectively in the low post. Also, it's becoming more and more clear that his presence provides benefits even when he's sitting on the bench, because the opposing team's front line wears down much faster. I should add, in closing, that it's remarkable how many great regular season games there have been this year. The intensity far exceeds that of any year I can recall. And that means going all the way back to the days when Elvin Hayes and Wes Unseld were in the Finals.