"In an act of kindness - or maybe gamesmanship - San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich, part-owner of a winery, sent a case of the good stuff to Alvin Gentry on Saturday.

The Suns coach wondered how to reciprocate and mused that he would probably rely on a sommelier's second-string choice.

"A nice bottle of Boone's Farm?" he said

Fortunately for the coach, his second-string players are of a much higher quality. None will be as valuable this series as Leandro Barbosa, whose ability to up the tempo and put the defense on its heels will be key against a Spurs team whose bench is often one-man deep.

Being a game-changer in this Western Conference

semifinal, which kicks off Monday night in US Airways Center, would mean everything to Barbosa, who admits watching his playing time dwindle this season has tested his resolve. He's averaging nearly eight minutes fewer than his previous seasons' average, dropping from 25.5 per game entering 2009-10 to 17.9 this year and 15.5 in the playoffs.

"It's definitely been hard," he said Sunday. "Sometimes I feel like I can not get into a rhythm. But I really can't say anything now because the team is playing well."

A collection of injuries, including his ankle and wrist, limited Barbosa to just 44 games this season. In his absence, Gentry found rotations that worked, primarily from the contributions of Goran Dragic and the success of starter Jason Richardson.

Don't misunderstand. Barbosa isn't a disruptive presence. Gentry has maintained a running dialogue with the 27-year-old and Barbosa understands how the dynamics changed when he was unavailable.

It doesn't mean he has to like it and he knows stepping up against San Antonio would help his case for more playing time in the future.

"He knows I want to play more," he said.

He's had the taste of extended minutes. In his best season, 2006-07, he averaged nearly 33 minutes and 18 points. Heck, in his rookie year, he started 46 games

When his playing time is limited, it's easy to forget what Barbosa is: one of the faster players in the league whose quickness has game-changing potential, a penetrator who can break down defenses. He has become about more than just breakaway layups, though, and can score long-range and off the dribble or screen.

Even coming off the bench "he has the potential to score 25 points," Gentry said.

It would eat away at Barbosa more if he didn't have another focus. The birth of his daughter, Alicia, 10 months ago with girlfriend Samara Felippo, a Brazilian actress, has given him perspective."