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Boston, MA: Where the Suns Bench Happened (to kick the C's in the teeth)
by Phoenix Stan on Nov 7, 2009 11:01 AM MST
in Game Coverage
9 comments
The play of the Suns bench in this win can not be overstated. While Rasheed Wallace and his Vitiligo spot was going 0'fer six behind the arc and Goran Dragic was running Eddie House of the line and forcing him to do something he doesn't like to do - dribble - the Suns bench was a combined + 42 compared to the Celtic's - 48.
And it wasn't the offensive punch from Leandro Barbosa that got it done for this group of 6th men. LB is still nursing a sore wrist so it was up to these scrappy youngsters to play...wait for it... DEFENSE!
In fact, Dragic, Dudley, Amundson and Clark only scored 18 total points in their combined 71 minutes of play as compared to 19 points from Daniels, Wallace, House and Mr. Candace Parker.
So how do 4 guys who scored one less point end up having such a huge impact on the game? Wait for it....DEFENSE!
In the second quarter the Suns went on an 11-1 run over a 4 minute stretch with the bench all playing big roles in that period. Dudley hit a big three to start the run. Clark stripped Wallace on the perimeter which lead to a Dragic-lead fast break and Lou did his Lou thing with a rebound and two missed free throws (oops).
Even more impressive and more impactful to the win was the opening stretch of the fourth quarter. The bench went on a 11-2 run to stretch a 2 point lead to 11 points with Nash on the bench. When was the last time that happened Suns fans? 2004? Nope. 2007? Nope. We are seeing something here that we've been waiting for a long, long time.
I am not a big fan of the +/- stat because there are so many other factors but in this game it is fair to say that Dudley (+14), Dragic (+12) and Lou (+10) deserved those numbers compared to Nash (-7), Amare (-9) and Hill (-7).
In fact the only Suns starters in the positive were Richardson (+7) and Frye (+5) and they both played significant minutes with the reserves.
That's not to say that Nash's big shot to seal the win wasn't BIG. Or Amare's block and late basket weren't key. And of course Richardson's (34 and 10) were crucial. But the importance of this young bench unit playing so well on the road and allowing Nash to be fresh for the final run and only play 35 minutes can not be overstated. I think I stated that already.
Here's what Boston coach Doc Rivers had to state about the Suns bench:
"And, hell, it’s rare when I’ll say ‘Keep Grant Hill on the floor,’ but we wanted him on the floor instead of Dudley, the way Dudley was playing. He was just a thorn in our butt. I mean, the biggest, one of their biggest plays is that back-cut down the stretch. But he did it all game. He was absolutely fantastic tonight. I thought Dudley was – him and Amundson – I thought those two were fantastic.”
9 comments | 0 recs |
Between being and becoming..
by Pliny the Elder on Nov 7, 2009 1:17 AM MST
10 comments
There are some of us here who remember the 05-06 team with fond memories. Not because they won a championship, which they didn't, and not because they played flawless ball, which they didn't either.
But because a team consisting of maybe two legitimate NBA starters, and a collection of anonymous and otherwise underachieving players won 54 games and got to the WCF. And not smoothly either: They lost their all-star center for the whole year, before the season started, and his backup/replacement for a third of a season, just after the all-star break. And sometimes that team was beaten like a red-headed stepchild caught with cigarettes.
But that group had heart, grit, tenacity, fearlessness, self-belief and unity. Some players, like Boris and Raja, stepped up from nowhere to show how good they really were. Others like Trix, wallowed in their new found respect and status. All of them, though, played the season of their careers, because of their trust in each other and their leader. That team, ultimately failed, but not for reasons of it's own doing or control. They went down fighting and with defiance.
10 comments | 5 recs |
Richardson, Stoudemire Lead Suns to Big Win Versus Unbeaten Celtics
by Wil Cantrell on Nov 6, 2009 9:53 PM MST
in Game Coverage
19 comments
"Compete on the Boards" was written on the chalk board in the Suns locker room before the game. Not only did the Suns compete on the boards, they actually won against the undefeated Boston Celtics in Boston Friday night, 110-103.
Jason Richardson played a monster game, leading the way in scoring for the Suns with 34. Richardson had to have been motivated by his 0 for in Orlando. Tonight he made up for the zeroes all over the floor in TD Garden, including 6-7 from three point range.
Richardson played a complete game tonight. He mad Ray Allen a non-factor, holding the Celtics guard to 16 points. But J-Rich wasn't satisfied just bombing away from outside, he drove to the hoop, posted up Allen, and even battled for rebounds, leading the team with 10. He even made free throws which hasn't been a given the past two games for the Suns.
19 comments | 0 recs |
Game Thread: Suns vs Celtics
by Phoenix Stan on Nov 6, 2009 5:15 PM MST
in Game Coverage
190 comments
190 comments | 0 recs
Game Preview: Suns @ Boston (Will Tacos Happen?)
by Phoenix Stan on Nov 6, 2009 11:03 AM MST
in Game Coverage
22 comments
One of my favorite terms in baseball lore is the Mendoza Line. For the Suns this season we have the Taco Line.
If the Suns score 99 points you win (yes, you!) two free tacos. This applies to both home AND away games.
Ed Note: I would link to the page on Suns.com that shows this promotion along with lots of other promotions but the NBA doesn't allow that.
Two free 182 calorie snacks aside, the Taco Line provides a very meaningful measure for the Suns likely success. New defensive and rebounding focus is nice but this team needs to score the ball to win games and stay happy.
The C's are holding teams to a measly 81 points per game and the Suns are averaging a league 2nd best 111 ppg (link to stats page not allowed) .
I am so confident that the 99 point mark is the key in this game that I promise to both buy and eat two tacos if the Suns don't score 99 point and still manage to win the game. I am laying it all on the line here.
22 comments | 0 recs |
When Lawyers Rule the World...This Happens
by Phoenix Stan on Nov 6, 2009 8:52 AM MST
in Commentary
13 comments
Thanks to our friends at Binary Basketball, we learn today that the legal eagles over NBA.com have this policy in place on their web site's terms and conditions.
As you will see, I can't actually link to their linking policy without being in violation of their policy on linking which states that by linking to them (in accordance with their linking policy) that I have accepted their terms and conditions with regards to the aforementioned policy on linking, links, linkage, linkering, linkermania, and any and all off spring of the term "link" whether in use currently or at any time in the future. Ever.
Here's the good parts...
E. All links to Site from a Permissible Site must be to the Site's home page or to the homepage of a particular team -- links to internal pages within the Site (e.g., a player page, a photo gallery or a feature article) other than to the home page of a team are not permitted.
F. The posting or creation of any link to the Site signifies that you have read these Linkage Restrictions and agree to abide by their terms.
When you think about it, this makes perfect sense.
Why would the NBA want a site like ours to link to the player page of Steve Nash when instead we could be linking to the SBN, ESPN, Yahoo! or CBS Sports player page of Steve Nash?
Can I even use the phrase, "Steve Nash"? I better check the terms and conditions covering the use of property owned by the NBA.
Clearly, anything the NBA can do to make it more difficult to talk about their sport is going to benefit their sport. Clearly.
In other related news, Bright Side of the Sun has instituted a new policy in our terms in conditions stating that any time you type, speak or think about Bright Side of the Sun you must stand on your left foot and touch your nose. Your use of the Internet at any time for any reason implies your consent with this policy.
13 comments | 0 recs |
Carlos Powell Goes First in the D-League Draft
by Phoenix Stan on Nov 5, 2009 5:30 PM MST
in Suns News
0 comments
Congratulations to Carlos Powell for being selected #1 overall by the Albuquerque Thunderbirds!
With the 9th pick the Iowa Energy pick Rashad Anderson, a 6-5 guard from Connecticut.
And for all the rest of your draft coverage check out Ridiculous Upside
0 comments | 0 recs
Daily Links: D-League Draft Day Love (and balding men)
by Phoenix Stan on Nov 5, 2009 10:42 AM MST
in Daily Links
2 comments
Someday we might have a D-league team in Tucson but for now our affiliation is with the Iowa Energy. They've been a great organization to work with and I look forward to following their season. Here's an update on their current roster going into tonight's draft from Coach Nurse.
Coach Nurse’s Notes: First Pieces of Team- Energy Hoopla – Iowa Energy Basketball Social Site
Matt Trannon (Michigan State)–Two sport star for the Spartans. Played both basketball and football. Has been in several NFL training camps, and played in Australia last year. Very athletic and tough. Plays hard.
2 comments | 0 recs |
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Suns Schedule
Next 5 Games
@
Washington
|
Sun 11/08 | 11:05 AM MST |
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@
Philadelphia
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Mon 11/09 | 5:00 PM MST |
|
New Orleans
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Wed 11/11 | 8:30 PM MST |
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@
Los Angeles Lakers
|
Thu 11/12 | 8:30 PM MST |
|
Toronto
|
Sun 11/15 | 6:00 PM MST |
Last 5 Games
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@
Boston
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Fri 11/06 | W 110 - 103 |
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@
Orlando
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Wed 11/04 | L 100 - 122 |
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@
Miami
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Tue 11/03 | W 104 - 96 |
|
Minnesota
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Sun 11/01 | W 120 - 112 |
|
Golden State
|
Fri 10/30 | W 123 - 101 |
Pacific Standings
| W | L | PCT | GB | STRK | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Los Angeles Lakers
|
5 | 1 | .833 | 0 | Won 4 |
|
Phoenix
|
5 | 1 | .833 | 0 | Won 1 |
|
Los Angeles Clippers
|
2 | 4 | .333 | 3 | Won 2 |
|
Golden State
|
1 | 3 | .250 | 3 | Lost 1 |
|
Sacramento
|
1 | 4 | .200 | 3.5 | Lost 1 |
(updated 11.7.2009 at 8:10 PM MST)
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