Kerr admits differences with D'Antoni but wants coach back with Suns

"I think Mike's strength is having played and knowing how to give people space," Bell said, "not micromanaging, and the freedom to kind of explore your game and grow as a player. I've seen a lot of players do it under Mike, me included."

No one is a bigger supporter of D'Antoni than Steve Nash, a two-time MVP in his four seasons with the coach.

"I think Mike has been outstanding here," Nash said, "and I think that once he sits down and talks with management, they can come sort of consensus on how they can move forward together. Obviously, that's what I hope for. I would imagine that's what's going to happen."

Nash said he had not told Kerr specifically about his feelings.

"He knows I love Mike and want him back," Nash said, "but we haven't had a huge talk about it yet."

O'Neal said the Suns were victims of their own "silly mental mistakes" in losing to the Spurs 4-1.

The big guy gave D'Antoni a vote of confidence.

"I hope he comes back," O'Neal said. "I've played for a couple of Hall of Fame coaches, and he actually has what it takes to get the job done. It's our job as players to make him look good."

Nash said the team's entire season hinged on the team's play in Game 1 in San Antonio, where they lost in double overtime after seemingly having the game won on several occasions.

"The bottom line is we blew Game 1," Nash said. "We could have won Game 1 and everyone would have been in love with Mike and the series might be a lot different."

Amare Stoudemire's already powerful game grew even stronger with the arrival of O'Neal but he struggled at times against San Antonio, as did Nash.

Kerr said no one should make anything of the fact that Stoudemire used the past tense in talking about D'Antoni on Wednesday.

"Coach Mike was a pretty good coach when I was here," Stoudemire said. "He was great as far as his practice scheduling and his offensive awareness. I think those are his strengths and I had fun playing under coach D'Antoni."