This week, Phoenix coach Mike D'Antoni took exception to Steve Francis' comments that the Suns' up-tempo style will not work in the playoffs and that no team has run to a title.

"I'm not sure he is a cerebral player," D'Antoni told the Arizona Republic. "He's a talented player who's very good in our league. I love Steve Francis, but he's not known for his thinking on the floor. Maybe he's too young to remember Los Angeles (with the Showtime Lakers) and the old Celtics.

"I don't think (playoff success) has anything to do with whether you play fast or slow. ... Either you're slugging it out or you're having people try to catch you. I'd rather have people try to catch me than slug it out. I've been a chicken all my life. Slugging it out doesn't interest me."