(Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) The San Antonio Spurs made all their key shots late in the game, both in regulation and in 2OT, to beat the Phoenix Suns 117-115 and take game 1 of the best-of-seven series.

Michael Finley’s 3-pointer tied the game at 93 with 15 seconds left in regulation. Tim Duncan’s first 3-pointer of the year tied the game in the first OT with 3 seconds left while Manu Ginobili’s driving layup won it for the Spurs in the second OT with 1.8 seconds on the clock.

The Suns controlled the first half (48-40 after two periods) and actually most of the game despite the fact that the original game plan was quickly denied by foul trouble.

Shaq played 4 minutes in the first half (2 fouls) and got his third after 24 seconds of the third period while Diaw picked up his third foul before halftime and his fifth with the entire fourth quarter to play. Stoudemire fouled out late in OT.

Stoudemire, Shaq and Diaw were the key defensively for the Suns to protect the paint from Parker and Ginobili attacking and prevent Duncan from getting high-precentage shots from close range.

Manu Ginobili scored 24 points, all attacking the rim (0-for-6 on 3-point attempts), Tony Parker had 26 scored more or less in the same fashion while Tim Duncan destroyed the Suns interior defense with 40 points and 15 rebounds on 16-of-24 shooting.

Phoenix played a good game overall but in the end it was San Antonio finding a way to win as the Suns defense couldn’t stop the Spurs.

"I think we played really well and had many opportunities to win tonight but we just couldn't get over the hump" confirmed Raja Bell (14 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists) after the game.

Stoudemire led Phoenix with 33 points in 45 minutes, Nash had 25 points (including 14 in OT) and 13 assists while Shaq added 11 points and 5 rebounds in a low-impact performance.

The Suns bench added 12 points each from Diaw, who was having a good game marked by foul trouble, and Barbosa.

It was one of the best games in recent memory played by two great basketball teams. It was a real “instant classic”, one I am not willing to watch anytime soon, though.

But all that matters for now is that the Spurs are up 1-0 in the best-of-seven series and all our fears remain intact:

(1) Suns couldn’t stop Duncan nor control the painted area.
(2) Suns defense allowed the Spurs to shoot 58.6 percent in the second half.
(3) Suns missed some key shots down the stretch while Spurs made them, actually all of them and found a way to win.
(4) Suns rotation has a problem with Grant Hill (28 minutes and 4 shots in the game) hurt.

D’Antoni and the Suns will have to turn the page immediately and focus on Game 2 and the rest of the series hoping everyone shares STAT’s positive attitude: "I still feel like we are in really good shape. This is going to be a long series and we will live to play another night."

Game 2 on Tuesday night (6:30 PM) could be the key to the series as the Suns will try to overcome the possible “moral consequences” of this painful loss.

Yours Truly, Steve Fan (down 1-0)

Join the discussion at The Fanster Forums. Arizona Sports 24/7.