Game Day Open Thread: Suns vs. LA Clippers

Wow, this place is buzzing tonight!

Change of plans has me running way late(obviously). Will have to go back and watch the rest of the game later. For now, looks like we've got a nail-biter as the Suns lead by four with three minutes to go and the Clippers have the ball. 85-81 Suns.

...Nice defense by Amare to avoid the 5th foul and still get the stop, but not for long--after the Nash miss and the Cassell make, it's a two point game and a likely Nash technical coming up after the break as he slams down the ball. Somehow, I get the feeling the game hasn't been going well.

Lots of high-flying highlights by Dan Majerle. Fans based in Phoenix don't know how good you have it getting to listen to the Phoenix commentators every game. Meanwhile, awesome makes by the Matrix and Amare (with a Cassell make in between) gives the Suns the five point lead. Amare got another stop against Kaman too, once again avoiding the 6th foul while still preventing the score.

Raja Bell fouls out, Hill gets whacked in the chin, and Amare still avoids the 6th foul while getting a block. Free throws by Maggette makes it 91-88.

Brings us back to a two-possession game. That should do it? Stand by...

Holding the ball too long and end up with a turnover. Nash misses a free throw, but a six point lead with 1.8 should do it.

Somehow I get the feeling that coming in just for the last three minutes made this a much more pleasurable experience than watching the entire game would have. But assuming my DVR worked properly tonight, I'll go back and experience the whole thing from start to finish before I write my recap.

Sorry I wasn't able to live blog most of this one. Doesn't look like anyone was around anyway. :)

The Spurs went down at home for just the second time all season. Just like last time, they were missing one of the "big three". Still, a little surprised it was the Raptors, of all teams, to do the deed.

And the Lakers...wow, just wow. They may fade in a few weeks, but they are on FIRE right now. 75 points at the half, while holding the Jazz to 48. As much as I hate them, gotta admit they are awesome right now.

I came in here at halftime, started to write something and then deleted and went to the fridge for a beverage instead.  It's no fun to talk to one's self.

ESPN called Phx's win a sluggish victory.  I don't think that is really very accurate.  There were some sluggish moments, but overall I think they played good defense, and Amare came to life there in the 2nd half and Boris showed some signs of life in the 4th quarter.  Someone put out an APB on Raja's shot, please?  If he hoisted up one more missed 3, I was going to have a hissy fit.  They knew the Clips were going to put forth a better effort and I figured they'd throw a different lineup out there which they did.  Cassell is a whiney little thing but kind of funny to watch.  I'll never forget the look on his face during that playoff game where he thought L.A. had the game in the bag and then he got called for not bringing the ball up fast enough and turned it over.  Priceless.

20 rebounds!

Nice to see we won, but same as above, Bell needs to
slow down his 3 pt shooting. try a layup or a dunk, or an 8 footer! But, I've been saying that for weeks about Bell, and I like him on our team, but Nash should be scoring more, and Bell should focus on what he does best for us, defense.

but so did the Suns and they gutted out the win on D.  

And while the Clips played hard and tough D too the Suns missed a TON of FT's - even Steve missed like 3 or 4. 56% FT! And Marion continues to miss some easy shots and of course Bell missed everything.

I disagree that he should stop shooting though. He shot well in the last two games and his job is to take those when he's wide open. It wasn't like he was forcing anything. Just missing the open one's. He's a streaky shooter for sure but last night it seems like the entire team couldn't find the rim from outside but they still ended up shooting 48% due to their continued ability to attack the rim in the half court. This btw could be the biggest improvement over last year. How many times were we urging them to attack in the paint when the outside shots weren't falling?

I would like to see a stat comparing the Suns in the paint points this year and last. Any ideas where to find that number?

As for Cassell - my one big thought all through that game was that I can't wait for him to retire. He always seems to torch the Suns and I can't stand watching him run around the court like a clown yapping at everyone.

Kaman did get 20 rebounds but the Clippers shot only 35% from the field so there were a LOT of opportunities to be had and he only shot 40% himself.

So, while its only the Clips it was a solid win.