Game Day Open Thread: Phoenix Suns at Sacramento Kings

by TexSUN on Dec 30, 2007 4:39 PM MST in Phoenix Suns: Game Coverage

Phoenix Suns	at	Sacramento Kings
21-9		11-17
7:00 PM Mountain / 9:00 PM Eastern
TV: My45 HD, NBA League Pass
Probable starters:
Steve Nash	PG	Beno Udrih
Raja Bell	SG	John Salmons
Grant Hill	SF	Mikki Moore
Shawn Marion	PF	Ron Artest
Amare Stoudemire	C	Brad Miller

Way too much California lately. The Suns will be facing their fourth straight game against a California-based team. In the past week, we've seen the Lakers once, the Clippers twice, and now the Kings. The last time the Suns played the Kings at Arco Arena it was a nail-biting affair in November as the Suns hung on to win by two. The Suns played the Kings again the very next night, this time at home, and the game was a blowout featuring one of the best offensive performances by the Suns this year. But the difference wasn't the venue, and in all honesty, probably wasn't the Suns' enormous amount of energy in that second game either. It was the absence of Ron Artest, whose 33 points and 12 rebounds in the first game was sorely missed by the Kings in the second. Which brings us to tonight: Artest missed Friday's game with a chipped bone in his right elbow. According to the preview on Sactown Royalty, he plans to play tonight, but his coach is not so sure. Artest isn't the only injured King. Kevin Martin will miss the game, as will Mike Bibby who has been out all season.

The Suns will be looking to win their third straight, and continue taking advantage of a soft spot on the schedule. This is the last game of the year for the Suns, so let's home for a nice, fat "W" to wrap up 2007. Live blogging will start at tipoff in the comments to this post. For more about the game from a Kings fan's perspective, visit Sactown Royalty.

Here is Steve Nash vs. the Kings, from the aforementioned second game of the back-to-back in November.

Tweet Comment 95 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Wah

I'm at my in-laws, so I have no access to the game tonight. :(

Wish I could watch. On the plus side, I did get a Steve Nash, OC figurine at the mall today. Hideous likeness, but still sort of fun. Will make for good office desk matter.

Go, Suns!!!

by SueB on Dec 30, 2007 6:22 PM MST reply actions

Access to the game

If your in-laws have high-speed internet, you should be able to catch the game on Broadband League Pass, since you're a regular League Pass subscriber (you can even catch the game after it's over, if you need to do family stuff during the game). Here's the main page for it:

http://www.nba.com/broadband/league_pass.jsp

by TexSUN on Dec 30, 2007 6:42 PM MST up reply actions

Cool, it's a thought

But my parents-in-law (where we're staying) don't have hi-speed. We've just popped over to my brother-in-law's house and are probably leaving soon. Plus, I've already been in here for most of an hour, and I think they're starting to wonder. 20 minutes until the game. Maybe I can find some way to pass the time. Or pop out and come back.

Weeeelllll ... maybe I'll give it a try for some other game to see if this ancient machine can even handle it.

Thanks!

by SueB on Dec 30, 2007 6:46 PM MST reply actions

Hot damn

Thanks, Tex. It took those 10 minutes to locate my Dish account number, and now I have the pregame show on. Wonderful. Since the conversation in the other room does not appeal and is guaranteed to create great irritation, I'll just be anti-social.

by SueB on Dec 30, 2007 6:54 PM MST reply actions

Steve's neck and shoulder issues

I saw him listed as "probable" in some pregame injury report because of 'neck and shoulder'. But couldn't his neck and shoulder be listed in an injury report for just about any game? Or did something get aggravated the other night?

by SueB on Dec 30, 2007 7:08 PM MST reply actions

Another good start for STAT

First four points of the game. You blogging, Tex?

by SueB on Dec 30, 2007 7:14 PM MST reply actions

Game on

Sorry for the delay. Mis-typed the length of the pregame show.

Suns are out to the early lead, 8-6 at 8:51 in.

by TexSUN on Dec 30, 2007 7:16 PM MST reply actions

Mis-timed that is

by TexSUN on Dec 30, 2007 7:18 PM MST up reply actions

STAT 5-for-5

by SueB on Dec 30, 2007 7:19 PM MST reply actions

Q1 7:50 - Tight in the early going

Tied at 10 with the "statement dunk" from Mikki Moore on the second opportunity.

The Sacramento drones (announcers) just said Amare is 5-of-5. He has all but two of the Suns' 12 points. ...make that 14, as he scores again while I was typing this

Diaw just got an early call from the bench for Marion.

by TexSUN on Dec 30, 2007 7:21 PM MST reply actions

Another Amare Show

Looks like the big guy is doin his thang again. Nice to see. Isn't this game supposed to be a blowout?

Hey Sue. Surviving?

by Vt13 on Dec 30, 2007 7:24 PM MST reply actions

Hey, Vt-A

So it's hard for me to tell with no volume and this tiny screen (how do you people deal?). Is Artest out then? It SHOULD be a blow-out, but ... well, it's the Suns, so one never knows.

by SueB on Dec 30, 2007 7:27 PM MST up reply actions

You can make it full-screen

There's a "full-screen" option. I think in the bottom right corner, but it's been a while since I had to use the broadband version.

You should also be able to hear the audio.

by TexSUN on Dec 30, 2007 7:30 PM MST up reply actions

But then ...

How can I have this screen up, the box score, and ACOP, all at the same time? ;)

And I know there's volume, but it's on very low, and I don't really want to ask anybody here for technical assistance, for fear of discovery of my wierdness.

by SueB on Dec 30, 2007 7:33 PM MST up reply actions

Can't help you there. :)

by TexSUN on Dec 30, 2007 7:35 PM MST up reply actions

Q1 6:10 - What is it with California announcers?

I'm not sure what is more boring, the Clippers' broadcast the other night or this one. Sure wish League Pass would go with the Suns' guys more often. Even Leander and the "tissue soft" is more entertaining than these guys. :)

Meanwhile, it's a three-for-all, as Brad Miller and Steve Nash exchange long balls.

by TexSUN on Dec 30, 2007 7:24 PM MST reply actions

Q1 4:17 - Diaw

Nice move to the basket by Diaw. No hesitation at all. Marion's early foul trouble may turn out to be a silver lining in getting 3D going.

by TexSUN on Dec 30, 2007 7:27 PM MST reply actions

An assist per minute?

Is Steve recording 1 assist per minute? Play 35 min's and get 35 assists? O.K. I'm dreaming in purple and orange.

by Vt13 on Dec 30, 2007 7:28 PM MST reply actions

Please

refer to him as Steve Nash, OC. ;)

by SueB on Dec 30, 2007 7:29 PM MST up reply actions

Is the site slow, or is it just me?

Taking forever to post comments tonight.

Meanwhile, Nash steps up to shoot the tech, opening up the lead back to four. 27-23, Suns.

by TexSUN on Dec 30, 2007 7:29 PM MST reply actions

O.K. OC

Sweet.

by Vt13 on Dec 30, 2007 7:31 PM MST reply actions

I want my MTV

Or at least "listen live" which I can't find, or the Sling feed. Lost soul in Vt crying in the wilderness.

by Vt13 on Dec 30, 2007 7:36 PM MST reply actions

Ahhh, what happened to the sling?

Is it not connecting? Or on something else?

by SueB on Dec 30, 2007 7:39 PM MST up reply actions

Q1 1:32 - It moves...

After what seemed like forever at 27-23, the Kings get a free throw, and Grant Hill gets a jumper to finally bump it up to 29-24.

by TexSUN on Dec 30, 2007 7:38 PM MST reply actions

Correction

That should have been: "I want my MVP."

Is there a TV timeout? Why the interminably long delay?

by Vt13 on Dec 30, 2007 7:39 PM MST reply actions

Delays

Several possibilities:

Timeout
Nothing interesting going on (like when the scoring stagnated at 27-23 in the first)
Typing a long comment
Internet delay in posting the comment (has happened a couple of times tonight - not sure if it's the site or my connection)
Getting caught up in watching the game and forget to type something

by TexSUN on Dec 30, 2007 7:44 PM MST up reply actions

Uh oh

I sense movement in the other room likely means that I may have to leave soon.

by SueB on Dec 30, 2007 7:41 PM MST reply actions

After one - LB for three!

Wow.... Just when it looked like the Suns had next to no chance of breaking 30 in the first quarter, or of taking a bigger lead than one into the second, LB nails a last-second three. So, the Suns will start the second up by four at 32-28. The Suns are once again going with the "feed the beast" approach, and it's paying off as Amare has 6-7 for 12 points. Nash has 7 assists already, mostly thanks to Amare's accuracy.

by TexSUN on Dec 30, 2007 7:41 PM MST reply actions

11 team assists in 1 quarter

Nice ball distribution. Even if Bell can't find the basket, if he keeps feeding others, it works.

by Vt13 on Dec 30, 2007 7:42 PM MST reply actions

Can you see the sling feed?

OR not. Just going off the box score?

by SueB on Dec 30, 2007 7:43 PM MST up reply actions

Is it possible

that they're intelligent enough to block my TV feed since I'm watching this one? That seems crazy.

by SueB on Dec 30, 2007 7:45 PM MST up reply actions

Doesn't work that way.

They don't block the TV feed just because you're watching online.

by TexSUN on Dec 30, 2007 7:47 PM MST up reply actions

Ok

Hmmm.

by SueB on Dec 30, 2007 7:51 PM MST up reply actions

But it could be

Otherwise, I could hand out my Dish network account number to anybody I knew and they could watch online. Well, I'll be off soon. Hope it returns. Feel free to change channels to find it, if it doesn't.

by SueB on Dec 30, 2007 7:48 PM MST up reply actions

Q2 10:09 - LB on fire from three

...or just on fire in general!

LB is now 3-of-4 from three and 5-6 overall. Suns up 39-33. Kings are keeping it close.

by TexSUN on Dec 30, 2007 7:46 PM MST reply actions

I tried earlier and now

Just for fun, I tried a few hrs ago and there was no connection. I tried again a while ago and same thing. No big deal. I'll be heading off to bed soon anyway. This is the epitome of a nothing game. Looking forward to a Thursday night routine on TNT I guess, I think almost every Thursday in Jan at 10:30 is a Suns game.

by Vt13 on Dec 30, 2007 7:47 PM MST reply actions

Nothing game!

Sacrilege!

Maybe we have no power! Any weather up there today?

by SueB on Dec 30, 2007 7:48 PM MST up reply actions

Q2 9:21 - Opening the gap

The Suns have opened up a double-digit lead after LB's free throws. 43-33.

by TexSUN on Dec 30, 2007 7:48 PM MST reply actions

LB!

Nice if he can get hot and stay hot, especially in Bell's absence (absence of scoring). I think they need at least one of those two connecting.

by Vt13 on Dec 30, 2007 7:48 PM MST reply actions

Q2 8:00 - Liking this second unit.

Last few possessions haven't been the best example, but this group of LB, Diaw, Marion, Hill, and Skinner seem to be holding up pretty well with Nash and Amare on the bench. Running most of the offense through Diaw with LB bringing it up the floor. Keeps Diaw involved while letting him go nuts on distributing. If Marion could hit a shot, we might still be up by double-digits. Instead, the Kings have closed to six, 43-37.

by TexSUN on Dec 30, 2007 7:51 PM MST reply actions

Trivia

Sac announcers say 2000-01 Kings were the last Non-Nash team to lead the league in scoring. I didn't realize it dated back quiet that far.

by TexSUN on Dec 30, 2007 7:53 PM MST reply actions

Impressive

Yeah, I read that stat somewhere today - East Valley Trib or az central. It's pretty incredible that Nash, OC's stamp on the game is that profound.

by Vt13 on Dec 30, 2007 7:55 PM MST up reply actions

No weather to speak of... yet

Could receive 3-5 inches of white stuff overnight through noon. Looking forward to getting back to the daily skiing routine.

by Vt13 on Dec 30, 2007 7:53 PM MST reply actions

Snow! Yay

Spent today in a mall. No cross country skis for sale here though. NY has a completely different vibe. No like.

by SueB on Dec 30, 2007 7:54 PM MST up reply actions

Anyway, sorry about the sling

I made sure it was working when we left, so I don't know what's up.

by SueB on Dec 30, 2007 7:56 PM MST reply actions

Don't sweat it

No biggie

by Vt13 on Dec 30, 2007 7:59 PM MST up reply actions

sueb

please send me an email and I'll respond, I have a question for you

jasontmyer@yahoo.com

by jasonsuns1 on Dec 30, 2007 10:51 PM MST up reply actions

Q2 6:13 - Marion on the board

Marion finally gets on the board with a three of all things....

Suns lead is now nine, 48-39.

Meanwhile, Bell goes down hard and is holding his backside as he walks off the court.

by TexSUN on Dec 30, 2007 7:56 PM MST reply actions

Ugh!

I hate to say it, but this seems like a bad year for Bell. How long before he shakes that back and ankle thing? Is Kobe a fan of voodoo?

by Vt13 on Dec 30, 2007 7:58 PM MST up reply actions

Wasn't there that Sopranos episode

in the woods in NJ where Paulie and Christopher were skiing through the snow!?
;)

by Vt13 on Dec 30, 2007 7:57 PM MST reply actions

Ah, yes, that was such a nature-communing episode

And sorry, TexSun, for all the non-game talk.

by SueB on Dec 30, 2007 7:58 PM MST up reply actions

Indeed

by Vt13 on Dec 30, 2007 8:01 PM MST up reply actions

Q2 5:21 - Outhustled...

...on the boards. Mikki Moore sticks with it and gets the tip-in.

...but LB gets it back on the other end.

by TexSUN on Dec 30, 2007 8:00 PM MST reply actions

nba.com box score

Not updating? Very irritating. Is there somewhere else to have a live box?

by SueB on Dec 30, 2007 8:02 PM MST reply actions

I switched to the ESPN one

It updates more often, and doesn't have those irritating lulls where it doesn't work at all.

http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=271230023

by TexSUN on Dec 30, 2007 8:03 PM MST up reply actions

Thanks

by SueB on Dec 30, 2007 8:05 PM MST up reply actions

Q2 4:45 - AAAAAAGGGGRRRHHH!!!!

What was that!?!? Takes forever to secure the rebound, giving up two WIDE OPEN three pointers to Miller in the process (thankfully, he couldn't hit them), then get a turnover in the backcourt trying to get it down the floor. Suns are lucky to escape with their nine-point lead intact.

...but not for long as Mikki scores again. Every time I see him play, I can't help but think about that heated exchange between Nash and Moore in that New Jersey game last year. LOL.

by TexSUN on Dec 30, 2007 8:03 PM MST reply actions

Is Marion being adversely affected

by the resurgence of Amare?

(This team isn't big enough for the both of us?)

by Vt13 on Dec 30, 2007 8:03 PM MST reply actions

Well, that would just be silly

But maybe it has something to do with the recent focus on getting Amare more involved.

LB is great tonight.

by SueB on Dec 30, 2007 8:13 PM MST up reply actions

espn.com

http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=271230023

by Vt13 on Dec 30, 2007 8:04 PM MST reply actions

And thanks to you as well

Now to go tell Jey.

by SueB on Dec 30, 2007 8:05 PM MST up reply actions

Jey?

by Vt13 on Dec 30, 2007 8:07 PM MST up reply actions

Jey = Phan X, correct?

"SUE B!!!! Welcome to the Church!"

by SueB on Dec 30, 2007 8:08 PM MST up reply actions

Correct

Oh, you multitasker!

by Vt13 on Dec 30, 2007 8:14 PM MST up reply actions

Multi-tasking

At times, it was sort of hard to keep track of the game! ;)

by SueB on Dec 30, 2007 8:16 PM MST up reply actions

Q2 Wild and woolly

Some wild possessions at the end of the second here. I would gripe about the Kings getting second opportunities, but the Suns actually have the edge on both overall rebounds and offensive rebounds, so what do I know.

by TexSUN on Dec 30, 2007 8:07 PM MST reply actions

Suns seem focussed to me

Not pretty, but they're not taking this game lightly. I think we're entering a good stretch here. (hope I'm not a jinx)

by SueB on Dec 30, 2007 8:10 PM MST reply actions

Q2 1:54 - Block by Nash?

Looked like it. Pretty cool if so. He was the only one who didn't get one in the last game.

Speaking of Nash, the assist barrage has slowed considerably in the second quarter. He's only gotten one since having seven in the first.

...and Amare just CRUSHED one.

by TexSUN on Dec 30, 2007 8:11 PM MST reply actions

Steal instead?

I guess that wasn't a block, or at least it didn't show in the boxscore.

by TexSUN on Dec 30, 2007 8:13 PM MST up reply actions

Q2 00:33 - Good time for a break

LB missed that same wide-open three he's been hitting all night, and the Kings answer on the other end.

...ok, scratch that as LB hits the second three attempt.

Anyway, Suns lead by nine at the break. 64-55.

by TexSUN on Dec 30, 2007 8:13 PM MST reply actions

Decent half

Always good to have a lead at the break, and 9 points is pretty significant. Wish I could stick around, but I'm thrilled I got to see this much. Thanks for the on-line tip, Tex.

by SueB on Dec 30, 2007 8:14 PM MST reply actions

I'm out, too

See you.

by Vt13 on Dec 30, 2007 8:16 PM MST up reply actions

Later!

Happy New Year!

And to you, too, TexSun. Sorry to be leaving you.

by SueB on Dec 30, 2007 8:17 PM MST up reply actions

One last ironic thought

Nash "only" got 9 assists that half! He's raised the bar so high, that seems like nothing!

by Vt13 on Dec 30, 2007 8:17 PM MST reply actions

On pace for 18

"only" ;)

by SueB on Dec 30, 2007 8:23 PM MST up reply actions

At the half

Suns lead 64-55. They're shooting 46%, which is on the low end for them, but the Kings are at 45.7. The Suns are right there with the Kings on the boards, 22-23. The block party is on hold looks like, as the Suns only have one (by Amare) after getting a league-leading 16 in the previous game. Amare is 8-11 and has 19 points. Grant Hill is 3-6 for 10, LB is 7-11 for 20. Steve Nash is off from the field (2-7), but has nine assists. Raja Bell never came back in after leaving the game after that hard fall earlier. Not sure if it was just regular rest for him, or if he aggravated his back.

Off to enjoy some half-time dessert. Back in a bit.

by TexSUN on Dec 30, 2007 8:18 PM MST reply actions

Q3 10:10 - I'm late again

Suns are up 70-60...make that 70-62 at the start of the third. Raja Bell is back, but still can't hit the three. Marion has his, though, and now the Suns are up 73-62.

by TexSUN on Dec 30, 2007 8:31 PM MST reply actions

Q3 7:35 - Stick-with-it-ness

Amare sticks with it on the second and third attempt and finally gets that tip-in. Meanwhile, speaking of sticking with it, Raja Bell just tried (and missed) his sixth three.

by TexSUN on Dec 30, 2007 8:35 PM MST reply actions

Q3 6:16 - Picking up the slack

Whatever struggles Raja is having from three, Marion is making up for it. He's now 3-4 from behind the line.

The Suns have now opened a 14-point lead at 82-68. Amare continues to lead the way with 23 points and 13 rebounds. Nash has a double-double too with 10 and 13 assists. Mikki Moore is hustling his tail off for the Kings, but the Suns have too much firepower, even with a couple of the bullets misfiring.

by TexSUN on Dec 30, 2007 8:40 PM MST reply actions

Q3 4:37 - Blogger jinx is in effect

The Kings have rolled off seven straight since I typed that and have narrowed the lead to seven.

by TexSUN on Dec 30, 2007 8:41 PM MST reply actions

Q3 3:13 - Deadpan works better...

...when you're not dead. Kings announcer on Amare after that last highlight dunk: "He's not very athletic". Didn't come off as funny as he intended, though.

by TexSUN on Dec 30, 2007 8:46 PM MST reply actions

Q3 2:16 - That had to hurt

Kings nail a three...

...just after the 24-second clock expires.

And to add salt into the wound, Marion nails another three on the other end. 90-79, Suns.

by TexSUN on Dec 30, 2007 8:48 PM MST reply actions

Q3 1:16 - Matrix on fire!

He's now 5-6 from three after that last one. Meanwhile, Kings free throw makes it 93-83.

by TexSUN on Dec 30, 2007 8:50 PM MST reply actions

After three

93-86 after the late Salmons three. Kings are keeping it close.

by TexSUN on Dec 30, 2007 8:52 PM MST reply actions

Q4 10:29 - Kings just won't go away

Every time the Suns start to open up, the Kings get right back in it. It's a 7-point game at 95-88.

by TexSUN on Dec 30, 2007 8:56 PM MST reply actions

Q4 9:55 - Move in closer?

Raja just nailed an "almost three". Maybe that's the key? Move inside the line?

by TexSUN on Dec 30, 2007 8:57 PM MST reply actions

Q4 9:00 - Getting sloppy

Couple of fumbles out of bounds here by the Suns, and the Kings are missing some easy ones.

Emphatic block by Skinner (I think).

by TexSUN on Dec 30, 2007 8:59 PM MST reply actions

Q4 8:22 - Ouch!

Grant Hill gets tripped somewhere around half-court and slides all the way down to near the free throw line. Hopefully that wasn't as painful as it looked.

by TexSUN on Dec 30, 2007 9:02 PM MST reply actions

Q4 7:43 - Mikki Moore

Continues to hustle his buns off. Gets the goal tend after yet another offensive board, then hits a jumper the next time down. Suns lead is down to five, 99-94.

by TexSUN on Dec 30, 2007 9:04 PM MST reply actions

Q4 6:41 - Ugh.

Amare bricks two free throws. He's had an amazing game, so I don't want to give him too much grief, but that hurt.

by TexSUN on Dec 30, 2007 9:05 PM MST reply actions

Q4 5:45 - Nice sequence

Nice ball-movement, ends in an Amare dunk off of Marion's unselfishness. Lucky break on the other end (missed call), gives the Suns a chance to open it up a bit...

...and they do--on Raja Bell's first three pointer of the night. Suns up at 104-96.

by TexSUN on Dec 30, 2007 9:07 PM MST reply actions

Q4 3:21 - Block party fashionably late

Seems not so long ago I mentioned the Suns only had one block. But they're bringing it when it counts as Marion knocks one away.

...and now Marion gets a steal. Suns up by 12 (108-96) after Raja Bell's free throws, and Nash's jumper on the previous possession.

by TexSUN on Dec 30, 2007 9:13 PM MST reply actions

Q4 2:52 - Something to work on

Amare clangs another free throw. Once he gets the defense and consistency thing down, making free throws in the crunch is the next thing he could use some work on.

Still, with a 13-point lead and now a bit over two minutes to go, it's looking good for the Suns to end 2007 with a "W".

by TexSUN on Dec 30, 2007 9:17 PM MST reply actions

And that's the game...

Sorry, I had to step away from the keyboard for a sec, and didn't make it back in time to live blog anymore plays.

The final score is 117-102. Recap coming up in a bit. Have to step away again to finish what I was doing first.

by TexSUN on Dec 30, 2007 9:26 PM MST reply actions

Brad Miller

I love seeing Brad Miller looking annoyed when Amare dunks over him. Too bad Miller's not wearing the headband anymore or he could yank it off and toss it into the stands like he did that one time when Amare blocked his shot in a game last season, I think.

Good thing the Matrix was hitting all those threes as Raja was banging all his threes off the rim except for that one he made late that we really needed.

Getting tired of other team's players getting career nights off of Phx, but a win's a win!

by TwinnerA on Dec 30, 2007 10:18 PM MST reply actions