Actually, GNob likes to play defense with his hands -- and this IS one thing the refs have been quite particular about -- not hand checking on the perimeter (inside you can slap a guy silly but outside you can't touch the guy). This is one of the reasons Phoenix is doing so well -- and it's also the reason why Parker is faring so well after a really slow start. He has started to learn that the handchecking is being called and so rather than trying to move around outside, he is simply going hard to the basket -- and the handchecking is either being called or he gets to put up one of his circus shots or passes the ball. As long as the refs are going to be this particular about handchecking -- quick guards who can create their own shot (AI, Kobe, Nash, etc.) are going to have a hayday on the free throw line.
I was pretty disgusted with TMac last night though -- they guy simply allowed himself to be contained by Brown -- rather than look to drive -- he allowed Brown to contain him and keep him away from the ball. We all KNOW Brown can't contain TMac -- TMac has shown us that already this season. However, this is my knock on TMac -- there are some games (just like his co-star Yao Ming) in which he doesn't push matters -- he doesn't press and make his presence known, he simply sits back and shoots wild jumpers rather than beating his man off the dribble if it gets difficult. It seems you have to do something to TMac to get his competive juices flowing -- and that is what keeps him from being a superstar, IMO. Same with Yao Ming!
