Game Day Open Thread: Phoenix Suns vs. Utah Jazz

by TexSUN on Dec 12, 2007 8:22 AM MST in Phoenix Suns: Game Coverage

Phoenix Suns	vs.	Utah Jazz
16-6		13-9
8:30 PM Mountain / 10:30 PM Eastern
TV: FSN AZ HD, ESPN
Probable starters:
Steve Nash	PG	Deron Williams
Raja Bell	SG	Ronnie Brewer
Grant Hill	SF	Andrei Kirilenko
Shawn Marion	PF	Carlos Boozer
Amare Stoudemire	C	Mehmet Okur

After two straight games of making losing teams feel good about themselves, the Suns will be looking to bounce back tonight against the Utah Jazz. The Jazz bring a four-game losing streak into this game following last night's loss at home to the Portland Trailblazers, so it's fairly safe to say they'll be looking for some "feel good" themselves. The Jazz were a matchup problem for the Suns last season, winning three of the four meetings in nailbiter fashion, and losing the last in a blowout. This will be the first game between the two teams this season outside of preseason play.

Here are highlights from the Suns' one good game against the Jazz last season.

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Comments

Kinda done making predictions

As much as I wanna say this game is a done deal, i'm afraid I still have to wait for the Suns to really prove themselves. Should be a good game, but the Suns need to screw their head on right if they expect to win.

"Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle, but in defeating your enemy without ever fighting." Sun Tzu

by Turambar on Dec 12, 2007 10:11 AM MST reply actions

Late game

Phooey to the late start time (ESPN). Should I watch the home announcers on FSN or brave the ESPN guys? Decisions decisions. Just hoping the team comes to play against the Jazz who have lost four straight. GO SUNS!!!

by TwinnerA on Dec 12, 2007 10:20 AM MST reply actions

Home announcers

If I lived in Phoenix, I'd go with the home announcers, no question.

You won't have to worry about missing the start of the game because the game before goes to overtime or whatever.
You get to listen to the Suns' announcers (always a treat to those of us who rarely get to hear them because League Pass usually goes with the other teams' guys).

I'm facing a similar dilemma here--go with the Dallas announcers so I don't miss the start of the game, or just wait for the ESPN guys. Unfortunately, the Suns' broadcast is not an option here for this game. I'll probably go the old 1-3 approach--first quarter with the Dallas announcers, last three on ESPN.

by TexSUN on Dec 12, 2007 10:28 AM MST up reply actions

The Walton Factor

Any game that has a Bill Walton presense makes this decision easy.

For the life of me, I don't understand how that guy has a job on television...

by Seth Pollack on Dec 12, 2007 10:53 AM MST up reply actions

I have no idea what I was thinking on this comment

Apparently I got confused and momentarily thought we were playing Dallas tonight when I typed that? No idea what I was talking about, but whatever I meant, it won't apply until the next time Dallas plays the Suns on ESPN. :)

by TexSUN on Dec 12, 2007 9:00 PM MST up reply actions

Actually,

I never seriously considered watching the ESPN version and the few time I flipped over Bill Walton was drooling over this team (Celtics) or that team (Spurs) and the mentions of the Suns made me quickly flip back to FSN.

by TwinnerA on Dec 13, 2007 12:54 PM MST up reply actions

Watched both...

I watched about half of each quarter and then would flip to the other and then flip back and re-watch the same part of the game again on the other channel. Sick huh...

Note: The ESPN HD feed was perfect. The FSN HD feed sucked. Not sure why but there it is.

Amazing though how on ESPN an Amare block was close call but could have been a foul while on FSN it was clearly a blown call. Or a Milsap "blocking foul" on Hill was a clear charge on ESPN while on FSN it was a good call. Or the Boozer block on Marion which clearly wasn't a foul on ESPN but somehow on FSN the same replay or the same call wasn't questioned....both agreed though that Nash "pushing" Brewer out of bounds was a totally crap call. It was.

by Seth Pollack on Dec 13, 2007 2:20 PM MST up reply actions

Two things..

Anyone ever seen Frank Caliendo's impression of Bill Walton? I think it was on Inside the NBA on TNT one night not too long ago... It was hilarious and pretty close to his character haha. And two... the Suns BETTER play defense tonight... because well... they'll get killed easily because the Jazz's offense is so efficient.

by whatisboxhappening on Dec 12, 2007 11:10 AM MST reply actions

Bill Walton?

He's hooorrrrrible...actually I don't mind him, I just like saying that. I used to hear him on all the Clipper games, plus Mike Tirico gets so obviously annoyed at Walton's hyperbole that the entertainment value is pretty good. I'm out in So Cal so it'll be ESPN for me, as always, I will be hoping for a tidy wrap up to the early game.

As far as the game itself, we've got 2 top-tier teams looking to end losing streaks, should be a good one. There was a shot of Nash near the end of the Miami game (after that last turnover sealed the deal) where he looked pretty pissed as he realized they were about to drop this one at home. I'm hoping some home-court pride kicks in and they put the hammer down.

by SoCalSun on Dec 12, 2007 1:00 PM MST reply actions

Q1 10:00 - Game on

Sorry for the late update on the live blogging status. I forgot to update the post! Anyway, as I said in my update, I'm prepping my house for the arrival of a four-legged friend (wish me luck!), so I may be a little slower than usual with comments--especially if this turns into a not-so-fun game to watch.

As I'm writing this, Steve Nash has nailed a wide open three, Amare just bullied in a layup (in addition to two earlier free throws), and the Suns lead 7-4.

by TexSUN on Dec 12, 2007 8:44 PM MST reply actions

Q1 9:08

Guess this is as good a time as any to mention this article from AZCentral. Shawn Marion and Steve Nash just hooked up on a standard Nash->Marion->dunk.

by TexSUN on Dec 12, 2007 8:46 PM MST reply actions

Q1 8:02 - Nice energy so far

The Suns are playing with good energy so far. (Jazz are too for that matter). Suns still lead 11-8 after Grant Hill gets called for the charge.

by TexSUN on Dec 12, 2007 8:47 PM MST reply actions

Q1 7:09 - That's too bad

That was an amazing-looking block by Amare, but he gets called for a foul.

...replay...Ok, I guess it was a foul. Too bad.

by TexSUN on Dec 12, 2007 8:48 PM MST reply actions

Q1 6:36 - Alley oop!

Nash to Marion. Jazz get it back on the other end after the near-steal.

by TexSUN on Dec 12, 2007 8:49 PM MST reply actions

Q1 5:54 - They didn't call him on that one!

Amare gets another block, and this time he gets to keep it. Heads to the other end for a foul. The teams are taking a timeout, so I am too. BRB.

by TexSUN on Dec 12, 2007 8:50 PM MST reply actions

Q1 5:25 - That was quick!

LB is already on the board after entering the game after the timeout. 19-15 Suns after the Jazz answer on the other end.

by TexSUN on Dec 12, 2007 8:55 PM MST reply actions

Q1 4:28 - Block Party!

Shawn Marion just grabbed his third block according to the broadcast. Leads to the and-1 on the other end. The Suns are forcing a lot of turnovers, and still playing with lots of energy. 22-15, Suns.

by TexSUN on Dec 12, 2007 8:56 PM MST reply actions

Q1 2:12 - Nash unanamous choice...

...for best point guard amongst the broadcasters.

Meanwhile, Marion scores again and the Suns now lead 24-17.

by TexSUN on Dec 12, 2007 9:02 PM MST reply actions

Q1 00:30 - One for the blooper reel

Marion misses point blank (and wide open) at the rim. Gaffe of the night so far. Meanwhile, the Jazz score at the other end and the Suns can't answer, bringing the score to 24-22 at the end of the first quarter.

So far, we have the Suns' pace, but not a Suns-type score. Suns are 9-22 after one.

by TexSUN on Dec 12, 2007 9:07 PM MST reply actions

Shooting, that is

9-22 shooting (40%). Jazz are at 45%.

by TexSUN on Dec 12, 2007 9:08 PM MST up reply actions

Q2 10:55 - Ugh, Diaw

Not sure what he was doing there, but at least he was putting the ball in somewhat the general direction of the basket. Jazz take the lead at 26-24.

by TexSUN on Dec 12, 2007 9:11 PM MST reply actions

bobbles

Is it just me, or have a lot of Suns players been dropping the ball lately, at least since the Warriors game where there were like 10. Maybe Nash needs to start licking his hands more so the ball has the super special grip.

by SilverSprings on Dec 12, 2007 9:12 PM MST reply actions

Q2 9:06 - Nice move by Milsap

Puts the move on Skinner to stretch the Jazz lead to four, 30-26.

by TexSUN on Dec 12, 2007 9:13 PM MST reply actions

Q2 6:30 - Nash in, scoring up

Nash comes in, scoring comes back. Amazing. Suns re-take the lead on the Diaw jumper.

by TexSUN on Dec 12, 2007 9:19 PM MST reply actions

Q2 5:06 - Crazy and-1 by Nash

Looked like pass-turned-hook shot on the run. Tied up at 36 before the free throw.

by TexSUN on Dec 12, 2007 9:22 PM MST reply actions

Q2 4:07 - Back-to-back Nash threes...

Gives the Suns a five-point lead...

...cut to three after a nice stop is turned into a steal and make by Andrei Kirilenko.

by TexSUN on Dec 12, 2007 9:26 PM MST reply actions

Q2 2:10 - Patented full-court to Marion

Ends up in a Marion dunk to get the Suns back up by two after AK47 tied it earlier. 45-43, Suns.

by TexSUN on Dec 12, 2007 9:29 PM MST reply actions

At the half

Steve Nash is quickly approaching a triple-double, and apparently has misplaced a chunk of one of his front teeth. Hilarious interview as he milks the "injury" for all its worth. :)

16 points (6-8 shooting), 8 assists, and 6 rebounds for the tooth-impaired wonder at the half, but the Suns only lead by four at 49-45.

by TexSUN on Dec 12, 2007 9:40 PM MST reply actions

I doesnt need to be said but....

MV3!!!!!!!!!Nash is a friggen god among point gaurds!!!!!

Wow liking this game so far, though we arent owning them. D is looking pretty good too. Lets hope we can jump out of the halftime break and own it up.

"Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle, but in defeating your enemy without ever fighting." Sun Tzu

by Turambar on Dec 12, 2007 9:49 PM MST reply actions

Block galore

wow the blocks keep commin

"Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle, but in defeating your enemy without ever fighting." Sun Tzu

by Turambar on Dec 12, 2007 9:55 PM MST reply actions

Q3 11:37 - Third quarter starts with a bang...

...er...block. Jazz get it back but Williams can't shake Nash.

by TexSUN on Dec 12, 2007 9:56 PM MST reply actions

Q3 10:17 - Sweet fake by Hill

I think we have your YouTube play of the night so far. Hill totally fakes out Deron Williams and gets the easy deuce.

by TexSUN on Dec 12, 2007 9:57 PM MST reply actions

Q4 8:52 - Um...no.

Announcer: "I think the Suns are at their best when Steve Nash is thinking 'score'". Um, that's why we're 0 and whatever when he leads in scoring.

The Jazz back in front after the Deron Williams and-one. 55-53.

by TexSUN on Dec 12, 2007 9:59 PM MST reply actions

Q3 4:57 - Nice sharing on that possession...

...puts the Suns back on top. Short-lived, though as the Jazz re-take it on a defensive no-show on the other end.

by TexSUN on Dec 12, 2007 10:09 PM MST reply actions

Q3 4:01 - Emphatic slam by Marion

...for another short-lived lead.

by TexSUN on Dec 12, 2007 10:10 PM MST reply actions

Q3 - 2:45 - Another block!

Speaking of "emphatic", that's a good way to describe that block by Amare. Amare and Marion must be in a block contest tonight, with four each.

Nash ties it up on the other end with the bank shot. 65-65.

by TexSUN on Dec 12, 2007 10:14 PM MST reply actions

Make that five...

...for Amare and four for Marion. Boxscore hadn't updated yet.

by TexSUN on Dec 12, 2007 10:15 PM MST up reply actions

After three

Suns lead, but it's only by two, 67-65. On the positive end of the shooting spectrum: Nash (9-11), Marion (8-14), Skinner (2-3). On the other end: Raja Bell (1-6), Grant Hill (2-10), Amare (3-9), LB (1-4), Diaw (1-4). Overall it's 44% to the Jazz's 41%. Suns are still hanging tough on the boards (33-35), and own the blocks column with 11 to the Jazz's three. But it's only good for a two-point lead for now.

by TexSUN on Dec 12, 2007 10:23 PM MST reply actions

Q4 11:33 - That's the Diaw we need ALL the time

Gets the offensive rebound, gets blocked, gets it back, ends up with an and-one and even makes the free throw. Suns up by five. 70-65.

by TexSUN on Dec 12, 2007 10:25 PM MST reply actions

Q4 10:22 - Just can't get any separation

Every time the Suns open up a window, the Jazz are quick to shut it up again, particularly AK-47 who just gave the Jazz the lead again at 71-70 after consecutive plays on both ends of the floor on the previous two possessions. Starting to regret some of the things I said about him.

...Aggressive Diaw is hanging around too. With another and-one opportunity.

by TexSUN on Dec 12, 2007 10:28 PM MST reply actions

Finally a 3

"Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle, but in defeating your enemy without ever fighting." Sun Tzu

by Turambar on Dec 12, 2007 10:37 PM MST reply actions

Q4 7:59 - Up by six

Thanks to Marion's three. That may be the biggest lead; NBA game live isn't working...

...well, even if it wasn't it is now. Marion's layup makes it eight. 83-75. Now we just have to keep the Jazz from closing it up again.

by TexSUN on Dec 12, 2007 10:37 PM MST reply actions

Arg take out Bell

He cant hit the broad side of a barn tonight

"Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle, but in defeating your enemy without ever fighting." Sun Tzu

by Turambar on Dec 12, 2007 10:39 PM MST reply actions

Q4 5:45 - That would have been nice

Missed three wide-open three by Bell would have been nice. Wonder if his back is acting up again? That shot wasn't even close and he's now 1-7.

Another block by Marion (apparently) gives Marion and Amare five each. The Jazz still get to the line, though.

by TexSUN on Dec 12, 2007 10:40 PM MST reply actions

maybe ankle

might be that nagging ankle injury he had earlier. dunno

"Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle, but in defeating your enemy without ever fighting." Sun Tzu

by Turambar on Dec 12, 2007 10:43 PM MST up reply actions

Q4 4:40 - Wedging the window

Steve and Amare are working hard to wedge that window open for good. Nash with the jumper and now Amare with the and-one to re-open the eight-point margin.

by TexSUN on Dec 12, 2007 10:44 PM MST reply actions

dont forget Trix

Marion is playn like a friggen beast!!!

"Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle, but in defeating your enemy without ever fighting." Sun Tzu

by Turambar on Dec 12, 2007 10:46 PM MST up reply actions

WOW!!!!

Holy Crack Batman!!!! That was a monster dunk by STAT!!!

"Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle, but in defeating your enemy without ever fighting." Sun Tzu

by Turambar on Dec 12, 2007 10:46 PM MST reply actions

Q4 4:01 - Awesome play by Marion!

On the second-effort tip-in. Either that or just plain lucky.

Jazz aren't going away though. They close it back to six on the Deron Williams free throws. 92-86 Suns.

...and give it a rest, announcers! Marion's trade request was in the SUMMER. as in OLD NEWS. As in enough already.

...Steve and Amare are determined to win this by themselves if necessary as they connect on another one.

by TexSUN on Dec 12, 2007 10:46 PM MST reply actions

Good point about Marion

I should have included him in that. Hustling his tail off (as usual).

by TexSUN on Dec 12, 2007 10:47 PM MST up reply actions

Q4 2:20 - Jazz just won't go away!

Back to within one, 94-93 at the hands of (who else) AK-47. He also helps out with great defense on the other end. AK is going to be my unorthodox pick for Player of the Game if the Jazz end up winning this. I don't care how much the announcers want to rave about Boozer.

...Hopefully the Suns will make that unnecessary, as Grant Hill restores a 3-point lead and the Suns get (gasp!) a stop with 1:05 left in the game.

by TexSUN on Dec 12, 2007 10:52 PM MST reply actions

Q4 00:45 - I know he's improved, but...

I do not want to see Grant Hill shooting the "dagger" three.

...Fortunately, Deron Williams "dirks" the free throws on the other end.

...A score here might finally seal the deal.

by TexSUN on Dec 12, 2007 10:54 PM MST reply actions

Q4 00:15 - Wow!

After night after night watching other teams maddeningly grab offensive boards for second chance points against the Suns, could it be that our guys are going to pull out a win because of an offensive rebound themselves? Amare with the second chance point puts the Suns up by five. Looking good with fifteen seconds left. 98-93.

by TexSUN on Dec 12, 2007 10:56 PM MST reply actions

WOW!!!!

I wish the Suns could play this tough every game.

"Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle, but in defeating your enemy without ever fighting." Sun Tzu

by Turambar on Dec 12, 2007 10:56 PM MST reply actions

Blocks

the Suns blocking has been ri-goddamned-diculous this whole game. Truly incredible.

"Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle, but in defeating your enemy without ever fighting." Sun Tzu

by Turambar on Dec 12, 2007 11:01 PM MST up reply actions

Q4 00:11 - Bone headed play...

By the Jazz helps a bit after the Suns gave the Jazz free throws. Nash got bear-hugged then dropped to the floor on the inbounds pass. That sends him to the line for one, and now the Suns still get to keep the ball with a four-point lead and 11 seconds to go.

by TexSUN on Dec 12, 2007 10:59 PM MST reply actions

Q4 00:9.7 - MVP indeed

Six point lead with 9.7 to go after the free throws by Nash. MVP chants at the arena. Well-earned on a 25-point, 11-of-12, 11 assist, 6 rebound game.

by TexSUN on Dec 12, 2007 11:02 PM MST reply actions

Nash

Absolutely incredible game for him

"Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle, but in defeating your enemy without ever fighting." Sun Tzu

by Turambar on Dec 12, 2007 11:04 PM MST up reply actions

Q4 0:2.9 - My kind of game

Jazz fighting for it to the end, on the Deron Williams second-chance three.

...Nash at the line for two after the "deny Nash the ball" strategy fails. Those two makes should seal it.

by TexSUN on Dec 12, 2007 11:04 PM MST reply actions

Q4 00:1.5 - My bad...

I didn't realize how nice a line Marion has tonight until they just showed his stats on the screen. WOW.... I might have to re-think my Suns Player of the Game selection.

by TexSUN on Dec 12, 2007 11:05 PM MST reply actions

Chalk another one up for the good guys!!!

Nice win!!

"Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle, but in defeating your enemy without ever fighting." Sun Tzu

by Turambar on Dec 12, 2007 11:05 PM MST reply actions

And that's the game

Suns hang on for a nice TexSUN-favorite style win. Close and competitive to the end because of teams playing well and really fighting for it. Final score 103-98. Only bad news is I got so into the game, I didn't get my house-cleaning finished! :)

Recap coming up in a bit. Got a couple of things I need to finish up first.

by TexSUN on Dec 12, 2007 11:06 PM MST reply actions

Sweet game

I saw some real nice agression by Diaw in the second half, particularly when he hit the boards and bullied his way around the paint. Great win against a good team, and the defense was even stifling at times...11 blocks is amazing.

by SilverSprings on Dec 12, 2007 11:12 PM MST reply actions